powder room exhaust - code (Raleigh, Cary: house, contractor, inspector)

[kelly237]

I am getting different answers from different builders...and I have a
handyman waiting on the vertict.

Does building code require a 1/2 bath (powder room) with only a toilet & sink (no windows)
to have an exhaust. My last house did not have one and our builder said it was not required...

Don't need pros & cons , just what the building code is...

Thanks

[evaofnc]

My mother in law's house does not have an exhaust fan installed in her 1/2 bath in Cary so unless something has changed since the late-90s I would think they're not required.

[CHTransplant]

You might also try posting in the House forum - many experts on code requirements there.

[ncmickey]

'Ive always heard that if there is a window, its not required. No window, fan has to be vented to outside of structure.

I don't know if this is actually the exact code. Just a reference to knowledge of the building trades...

[twingles]

Why don't you call the town and ask them?

My windowless powder room has one; house was built mid 1990s.

P.S. When I had work done on my house last year our contractor actually had his copy of the code book. Why can't these builders you are speaking with reference their code books???

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

My 1/2 bath (no window) has an exhaust fan. Home was built in 2002 in North Raleigh. At my price point I don't think the builder was putting things in just for the fun of it so I am under the impression it was required of him. But I agree, I would call the town for the final word on this.

[dchz1]

My 1/2 bath, no windows and built in 05 has one, Town of Wake Forest

[Vinny536]

r303.3 bathrooms of the 2003 irc says you must have 1.5 sq. ft. of operable window or a power vent. so, if no window it must have a fan vented outside the building and needs to be at least a 50cfm fan.

Obviously your local area may dictate a different code or have additional provisions. The best course of action would be to direct your question to the local building inspector.

[Bull City Rising]

FYI, new 2012 NC building codes became effective in May. Some items caused changes on a project we were about to start permitting.

[sacredgrooves]

It is certainly required and has been for over twenty years. Your last builder likely wanted to avoid correcting a mistake they made.