All-Inclusive Interior Finish

This handout is a compilation of some of the standard requirements based on the State Building Code and City Ordinance for projects of this type.  This information packet does not contain all the specific codes for construction and should only be used as a guide. The permittee is responsible to meet all code requirements applicable to each project.

Submittals

• Permit application- All-Inclusive Interior Finish/Addition
• Construction plan(s):
  • Provide a layout of the entire floor with room designations and door and window locations.
  • Show entire area of work, existing layout and proposed.
  • Provide overall dimensions as well as individual room or space dimensions.
  • Label spaces with intended use (Ex. Bedroom, unfinished storage, mechanical)
  • Provide details of foundation wall for energy code compliance
• Electrical permit application (if applicable)
• Owner-contractor waiver if homeowner is completing the work themselves

Required Inspections (as applicable)

•       Plumbing underground
• Plumbing and mechanical rough-in, prior to concealing
• Electrical rough-in
• Framing (after all rough-in inspections have been approved)
• Insulation/vapor barrier
• Flood test (24 hr.) for tile shower base
• Plumbing and mechanical finals
• Electrical final
• Building final

General Requirements for Interior Finishes

• All work must be inspected prior to concealing.
• Residence with the original permit issued after June 1, 2009, must comply with the current Minnesota energy code including foundation insulation.
• Sleeping rooms must be at least 70 square feet in area, not less than 7 feet in any horizontal dimension.
• Sleeping rooms must have egress window (See Window handout)
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will be verified throughout the home at final inspection. (See Smoke and Carbon alarm handout) (R314)

Residential Energy Code

• R402.1.1.4 Interior foundation insulation requirements.

  • If a frame wall is installed, it shall not be in direct contact with the foundation wall.

• R402.2.8 Basement walls

• • Walls associated with conditioned basements shall be insulated from the top of the basement wall down to 10 feet (3048 mm) below grade or to the top of the footing, whichever is less. Foundation insulation shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Walls associated with unconditioned basements shall meet the requirements of this section unless the floor overhead is insulated in accordance with Sections R402.l.1 and R402.2.7 and the following requirements:
  • R-15 insulation for concrete and masonry foundations shall be installed according to R402.l.l.1 to R402.l.l.8 and a minimum of a R-10 shall be installed on the exterior of the wall. Interior insulation, other than closed cell spray foam, shall not exceed R-11. Foundations shall be waterproofed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC).

• R402.1.1.7 Fiberglass batt interior insulation.

• • Fiberglass batt insulation for foundation walls shall comply with the following:
  • The above-grade exposed foundation wall height shall not exceed 1.5 feet (457 mm).
  • Fiberglass insulation shall not exceed R-11

Fire-Resistant Construction

• Existing common walls/fire walls that are disturbed during construction require inspection before covering.
• R302.7 Under-stair protection.

• • Enclosed space under stairs that is accessed by a door or access panel shall have walls, under-stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board.
• R302.11 Fireblocking.

• • In combustible construction, fireblocking shall be provided to cut off both vertical and horizontal concealed draft openings and to form an effective fire barrier between stories, and between a top story and the roof space.

• • Fireblocking shall be provided in wood-framed construction in the following locations:

1.     In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, including furred spaces and parallel rows of studs or staggered studs, as follows:

1.1. Vertically at the ceiling and floor levels.

1.2. Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3048 mm).

2.     At interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings and cove ceilings.

3.     In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom of the run. Enclosed spaces under stairs shall comply with Section R302.7.

4.     At openings around vents, pipes, ducts, cables and wires at ceiling and floor level, with an approved material to resist the free passage of flame and products of combustion. The material filling this annular space shall not be required to meet the ASTM E136 requirements.

Plumbing Requirements

• Plumbing that is below the basement floor and has been moved, added to, or altered requires inspection before concealing.
• Showers shall have a 2” trap and drain.
• Cleanouts must remain accessible.
• Protect plumbing pipes with nail plates when within 1 ½” from the edge of the stud.
• Plumbing pipe shall be adequately supported; every 4 feet for PVC, ABS, and Copper, and every 32” for PEX.
• The maximum hot water temperature in bathtubs and whirlpool tubs shall be regulated by a limiting device conforming to either ASSE 1070/ASME A112.1070/CSA
• See Bathroom Finish Handout for additional information.

Mechanical Requirements

• All bathrooms must have an openable window, or artificial light and a mechanical vent to the outside.
• When enclosing mechanical rooms verify combustion air requirements.
• Exhaust ducts shall be insulated for a minimum of 3’ inside the building envelope.
• All joints, seams, and connections in ducts shall be sealed with gaskets, mastics, liquid sealants, or tape.
• Building framing cavities shall not be used as ducts or plenums.
• Each habitable space/room shall be provided with a heat supply and return air.
• See Gas Fireplace Handout for additional information.