Shawncal
Member
Greetings all,
I am new to this forum, but not new to construction (have built 2 houses and renovated others). We have a very unique project involving the 'renovation' of a 120 year-old 14x14 1.5 story log cabin. The structure was placed on a FPSF and is being converted into living space inside. The building does not have a pressurized water system, although we included in-slab plumbing drains for sink and half-bath so a gravity or hand pump water system could be used if desired. A privy was built on-site (yes, we got a permit for this!) in leui of a toilet in the cabin. Electrical service has been installed to the structure. It is in a jurisdiction that enforces the RBC.
We are trying to navigate through potential code issues, considering the tiny size and historic nature of this existing structure. Specifically, questions are:
1) are we exempt from any codes because it is and existing structure, or for the reasons stated above (ie. is it classified differently since there is no indoor full bathroom or running water?)
2) the existing staircase servicing the loft is not code compliant (8" rise, 10" run winder staircase with some treads less than 36" wide). but the loft does not meet the minimum headroom requirements to be deemed habitable space (35 square feet of floor space with 7' ceiling). Therefore, is it correct that this would be deemed 'uninhabitable space' and not requiring a code staircase?
3) if a half bath is installed under the staircase, does it need to adhere to any criteria for size or headroom since it is not a full bath, nor does it have running water?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
Shawn
I am new to this forum, but not new to construction (have built 2 houses and renovated others). We have a very unique project involving the 'renovation' of a 120 year-old 14x14 1.5 story log cabin. The structure was placed on a FPSF and is being converted into living space inside. The building does not have a pressurized water system, although we included in-slab plumbing drains for sink and half-bath so a gravity or hand pump water system could be used if desired. A privy was built on-site (yes, we got a permit for this!) in leui of a toilet in the cabin. Electrical service has been installed to the structure. It is in a jurisdiction that enforces the RBC.
We are trying to navigate through potential code issues, considering the tiny size and historic nature of this existing structure. Specifically, questions are:
1) are we exempt from any codes because it is and existing structure, or for the reasons stated above (ie. is it classified differently since there is no indoor full bathroom or running water?)
2) the existing staircase servicing the loft is not code compliant (8" rise, 10" run winder staircase with some treads less than 36" wide). but the loft does not meet the minimum headroom requirements to be deemed habitable space (35 square feet of floor space with 7' ceiling). Therefore, is it correct that this would be deemed 'uninhabitable space' and not requiring a code staircase?
3) if a half bath is installed under the staircase, does it need to adhere to any criteria for size or headroom since it is not a full bath, nor does it have running water?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
Shawn