Building codes are put in place for a reason, some are for safety, some for comfort, and others for future use of the space. When a permit is applied for, an on site inspection takes place prior to the drywall stage and all existing codes are checked.

The 'safety' codes that the inspector will look for in a basement development are minimum window dimensions for a basement bedroom to allow for proper egress, hand rails for one side of the stairway, sufficient clearance for all furnace or fireplace exhausts, and an overall examination of the structure.

Items such as minimum head height on the stairway and minimum furnace room door width are code requirements, but are more for basic building code rather than safety.

Comfort is the final item looked at by the inspector. Complete insulation of the exterior walls and joist cavities at the foundation, 6 mil poly vapour barrier with all seams seal with tuck tape, adequate hot air runs in all rooms, and cold air returns placed in strategic areas.

As any professional contractor will tell you, permits and inspections are essential as they allow the customer the peace of mind to have an independent third party examine the project. If you have any questions on what the actual code dimensions are, contact a professional contractor.