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.
Attic minimum height.
Attic area exceeds 30 square feet and.
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 minimum ceiling height to beams girders ducts or other obstructions shall be no less than 6 feet 4 inches from the finished floor.
At least 50 of the usable floor space should have a ceiling height of 7 5 ft.
Know the difference between your ceiling and floor joists.
Have a minimum opening height of at least 24 inches.
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.
Local codes may have stricter requirements so again be sure to check with your state and local regulations.
The rough framed opening.
To prevent homeowners from creating living space that does not allow occupants to stand up.
The minimum finished ceiling height of living space varies from town to town but often falls between 6 8 and 7 6.
Summary of residential ceiling heights therefore in summary lets is recap the above information.
Here s how to choose a ceiling height that s right for you.
Have a minimum opening width of at least 20 inches.
To pass code there must be at least 70 square feet where the ceiling height is 5 feet or.
To extend old eight foot ceilings in a remodel aim for.
Have a sill height of no more than 44 inches above the attic floor level.
The rest can be less than 7 feet.
For new flat coffered tray or sloped ceilings go for a minimum of nine feet.
Habitable attic space must satisfy the same requirements that govern rooms in the rest of the house.