All Forum Posts by: John Kubilis

@Don Gouge I've called a few times... no reply. Unable to get there during their business hours at this time. Some day I will get a hold of them.

@Brian J Allen thanks for the info!

Yes, primary reason for needing it to be legal is so I can get most or all of my money back out with a refi. Secondary is to raise potential rents for when I move out soon and rent it. 

There are some comps that just sold in the area for 50k more than I'm hoping it will appraise for. So I think as long as I make it a legal bed then my plan will work. 

Thanks Phil!

Sounds like maybe the egress window is the way to go if I want it to be a legal bed.

I see in the code that it states that it can't be "below grade and damp".

I was wondering if anyone knows if that means as long as I have a built in dehumidifier running, then it would be ok?

Hello Folks, 

I was wondering if anyone knows where to find the definition of a legal bedroom in Worcester, MA?

I've been searching with no real luck.

I have a half duplex townhouse style unit. Its 2 bed / 1.5 bath on the 2 main floors. There is a basement that I can finish. I'd like to add a legal bed and bath down there to get higher rents and bring the property value up, so that I can refi and get most/all of the money back that I use on the updgrade. 

Most of the basement is below grade. My unit is on the right (pics below). There is a small window.

My plan was to either add a bulkhead entrance or create an escape window. I'd prefer the bulkhead as it has more functionality, but not sure if that would satisfy code to make it a "legal" bedroom.

I am hoping to refinance the property after I make the improvements to get my money back out, but that would definitely require the additional bed and bath to meet code and be considered legal.

If anyone has the answers here, could point me in the right direction of where to find them, or just has any advice in general, I'd really appreciate the help! Thanks!