Habitable attic space must satisfy the same requirements that govern rooms in the rest of the house.
Attic minimum height.
If a room has a sloping ceiling which is common in attics at least 50 percent of the room area must have a 7 foot ceiling.
Have a minimum opening width of at least 20 inches.
To prevent homeowners from creating living space that does not allow occupants to stand up.
Know the difference between your ceiling and floor joists.
The minimum ceiling height to beams girders ducts or other obstructions shall be no less than 6 feet 4 inches from the finished floor.
Have a sill height of no more than 44 inches above the attic floor level.
Have a minimum opening height of at least 24 inches.
To pass code there must be at least 70 square feet where the ceiling height is 5 feet or.
Minimum vertical height of 30 inches measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the bottom of the roof framing members.
If the attic space is smaller than these specs then an access hatch is not required.
Here s how to choose a ceiling height that s right for you.
Attic area exceeds 30 square feet and.
To extend old eight foot ceilings in a remodel aim for.
The minimum finished ceiling height of living space varies from town to town but often falls between 6 8 and 7 6.
The 2012 international residential code requires an attic access opening for attics with an area greater than 30 square feet and a vertical height in excess of 30 inches.
Local codes may have stricter requirements so again be sure to check with your state and local regulations.
Living areas and hallways must have a ceiling height of 7 feet or more and bathrooms and laundry rooms must be at least 6 feet 8 inches tall.
The rough framed opening.
Summary of residential ceiling heights therefore in summary lets is recap the above information.
The rest can be less than 7 feet.