basement egress (floor, windows, bedrooms, codes)

[glenndale1]

We are building a new house with shipping containers in Maine. We have one egress out of the full unfinished basement to the outside. Currently there is no entrance to the basement from within the house. Does there have to be ? Windows in the basement aren't large enough for egress.

[harry chickpea]

IIRC, living spaces (especially bedrooms) generally have to have a minimum two places of egress in case of fire. You could have one through the house, you could make a second direct exit, but I'm not sure you would be allowed to consider it as exempt. You'll need to see what codes apply.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by glenndale1

We are building a new house with shipping containers in Maine. We have one egress out of the full unfinished basement to the outside. Currently there is no entrance to the basement from within the house. Does there have to be ? Windows in the basement aren't large enough for egress.

"Unfinished basement"- no different from crawl space. So no, there doesn't have to be an access point from the living area to the basement.

The windows and door in the "basement" make no difference. If any of the basement were to be finished- then things may change. With that in mind, I'd be considering an area to put in a staircase for when, or if...

[glenndale1]

Thanks so much for the reply ! It will never be living space and not as convenient to go outside for stuff in the basement but I hate to take up valuable real estate inside to put in a stairway.

[MidValleyDad]

If it is just to get things in and out what about a floor hatch covered by a rug? That and a ladder will give you access. I can see access in the winter in Maine being a problem if you need to go outside all the time :-)

[thecoalman]

Originally Posted by glenndale1

Thanks so much for the reply ! It will never be living space and not as convenient to go outside for stuff in the basement but I hate to take up valuable real estate inside to put in a stairway.

Consider building a closet space that can be utilized for stairs if you or someone else wants to put in steps in the future. If you leave space for a door on both ends you can still utilize half the space for a closet/storage with the steps.