Basement Bedroom

Legal basement bedrooms in Denver must have egress windows (minimum 5.7 square feet opening area, 20 inches wide, 24 inches high, maximum 44 inch sill height), minimum 7-foot ceiling height, minimum 70 square feet floor area, closet, heat source, proper ventilation, and permanent lighting. These requirements ensure safety and habitability. Peak Builders designs basement bedrooms meeting all Denver building code requirements. Egress windows provide emergency escape routes required by International Building Code - windows must open without tools or keys. Bedrooms need hardwired smoke detectors interconnected with home smoke alarms plus carbon monoxide detectors. Adequate electrical outlets required (minimum two outlets or one outlet plus permanently wired lighting). HVAC must extend to basement providing heat and air conditioning. Legal bedrooms count toward home's official bedroom count affecting values and marketability. We ensure your basement bedroom meets codes and passes Denver inspections.

Egress window installation in Denver costs $3,000-$5,000 per window including excavation, window well, drainage, window installation, and interior finishing. Projects requiring deeper excavation or complex drainage exceed $5,000. Peak Builders installs code-compliant egress windows meeting Denver requirements. Installation process: excavate exterior to proper depth (4-6 feet typically), cut foundation opening for window, install window and well, waterproof installation with proper seals, install well drainage connecting to existing drainage or new drainage system, backfill and grade exterior, finish interior with framing, insulation, drywall, and trim. Window wells range from steel (basic, $300-$600) to composite materials (more attractive, $800-$1,500). Optional well covers ($200-$400) protect from debris and weather. Egress windows typically take 3-5 days to install. Required for all basement bedrooms per Denver codes, making them essential investment for basement finishing.

Yes, basement bedrooms can be rented within existing homes in Denver, but creating separate basement apartments requires ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permits with different regulations. Single-room basement bedroom rentals within primary residence are simpler. Peak Builders constructs basement bedrooms suitable for rental use. For simple bedroom rental: must meet egress requirements, have proper heating/cooling, include smoke and CO detectors, and pass Denver rental property inspections if required. Room rental typically generates $600-$1,200 monthly in Denver depending on location and amenities. For separate basement apartments (ADUs): requires comprehensive permits, separate entrance (interior or exterior), full kitchen, bathroom, egress windows, separate utilities metering potentially, and owner must live on-site. ADU basement apartments generate $1,200-$2,500 monthly. We help evaluate which approach fits your goals - simple bedroom rental or full ADU construction - and design spaces meeting appropriate Denver regulations.

Basement bedrooms in Denver must be minimum 70 square feet per building code, but comfortable bedrooms should be 100-120 square feet minimum for a single/twin bed or 120-150 square feet for queen/king beds. Master bedrooms in finished basements often reach 200-300 square feet. Peak Builders designs basement bedrooms sized appropriately for intended use while meeting Denver codes. Size considerations: single bed (twin) needs 10x10 feet minimum (100 sq ft) for bed, dresser, and circulation. Queen bed needs 11x12 feet minimum (132 sq ft) for adequate furniture space. King bed needs 12x14 feet minimum (168 sq ft) for comfortable layout. Include closet space (minimum 2 feet deep, 4 feet wide) in bedroom count per code - closets are required for legal bedrooms. Also consider nightstands, dressers, and circulation space. Ceiling height minimum 7 feet required throughout room. We design basement bedrooms maximizing functionality within available space while meeting all Denver requirements.

Adding bathrooms near basement bedrooms significantly increases functionality, privacy, and value though not required by Denver codes. Bedroom-bathroom combinations provide convenience for occupants and appeal to future buyers or renters. Peak Builders designs basement bedroom-bathroom layouts maximizing livability. Benefits of basement bathrooms: privacy for occupants (family or renters), eliminates need for guests to use main floor bathrooms, increases home value $10,000-$20,000, improves rental income potential if renting basement space, and provides better aging-in-place functionality. Basement bathroom addition costs $15,000-$30,000 depending on fixtures and finishes. Alternative: half-bath (sink and toilet only) provides basic functionality for $10,000-$18,000. Design consideration: locate bathrooms near bedrooms to minimize plumbing runs and costs. For two basement bedrooms, shared "Jack and Jill" bathroom serves both efficiently. We help evaluate whether basement bathroom investment makes sense for your specific situation and budget.