Appraised 3rd Bedroom? Rental Property Walkout Basement

[Nat Rojas]

Hi BP family!

Recently purchased our first rental home in Baltimore City, Maryland using Hard Money. We need to confirm whether we can turn the basement into a 3rd bedroom. The house is currently listed as 2 bed, 1 bath. If we can safely and under the proper rules/regulations turn the basement into a bedroom, then we can refinance with a higher ARV. If not, that's perfectly fine!

We have asked several people (Baltimore City, Contractors, RE Agents, etc.), but have no clear answer on whether our basement could qualify as a 3rd bedroom and the black and white to verify.

Based on the attempted drawing to scale of the basement, are we able to make the basement a 3rd bedroom?

If not, what modifications do we need to make to make it a 3rd bedroom?

We reviewed the international Property Maintenance Code (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IPMC2018/chapter-4-light-ventilation-and-occupancy-limitations). Chapter 4, we reviewed the sections below. However, we wanted to make sure our basement fit these requirements to make it a 3rd bedroom.

1.402.1 Habitable Spaces

2.403.1 Habitable Spaces

3.404.2 min room widths

4.404.3 Min ceiling heights

5.404.4.5 Other requirements

6.404.4 Bedroom and living room requirements

From the pictures

• the basement window is greater than 44inches from the ground on the inside. Window is currently not egress, but can certainly be replaced if needed.
• There is a walkout door right next to the window, so I’d imagine, that is what is necessary for an emergency.
• Front side of basement has another window (same size as back), and has a view to the underside of the porch. Side of porch has a wooden hinged door that allows someone to “crouch” for access. Not clean, but possible.
• Ceiling height is 7ft. Currently open wood, if we add a ceiling, then it will be lower than 7ft.