The minimum ceiling height in a basement that does not contain habitable space is 6-feet 8-inches, per the International Residential Code (IRC R305.1.1). The IRC defines a habitable space as “a space in a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces.” Any habitable space in a basement requires a 7-foot minimum ceiling. And at any beams, girders, ducts, or other obstructions, the minimum drops to 6-foot 4-inches. 

For the minimum ceiling heights for other areas, click: Bathrooms  Bathtubs  Bedrooms  Hallways   Garages  Kitchens  Laundry Rooms  Showers  Tiny Houses  Toilet Rooms

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about STRUCTURE AND ROOMS:

• What causes dark or light "ghost" lines on ceilings and walls?

• Can you access or exit a bedroom through another bedroom?

• What is the difference between a carport and a garage? 

• What are simple ways to find the cause of a ceiling stain?

• What is the minimum size of habitable rooms in a house according to the building code? 

• Why is my garage ceiling sagging? 

• How can I identify what kind of wood flooring I am looking at?

• Why does my concrete floor slab sweat and get slippery?

• What is the minimum ceiling height for rooms in a house? 

• Why are there score line grooves in the concrete floor of the garage?

• How can I tell if my floors are sloping? 

• What are the common problems when a homeowner converts a garage to conditioned living space, such as a family room?

• How can I tell if a wall is load-bearing? Which walls can I take out? 

• Can I remove the interior walls under a roof truss?

   Visit our STRUCTURE AND ROOMS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.