Show All Answers

1. When am I required to upgrade my home's smoke alarm system?

Whenever you make interior alterations or additions that require a building permit.

2. Where do I need to install smoke detectors in my home?

1. In each sleeping room


2. Outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms


3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements

3. What is a habitable basement?

A basement used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking.

4. Why am I required to have an emergency escape and rescue opening in my habitable basement?

Basements with only one unprotected interior stairway as an exit are dangerous in a fire. If the staircase becomes blocked due to fire, smoke or heat, someone could become trapped in the basement.

All other habitable spaces of homes have at least two ways out. An emergency escape and rescue opening eliminates this issue.

5. What is the average cost to install an emergency escape and rescue opening in a basement wall?

The cost may vary from $3,500 to $6,500.

6. How long will it take to install an emergency escape and rescue opening in a basement wall?

It typically takes 2-3 days.

7. My home is more than 25 years old and I want to put a bedroom, home theater, play room or office in my basement. Will I have to cut a hole in my foundation wall?

Yes, unless you have an existing opening in the basement wall that is compliant with the 2003 IRC requirements.

8. I have an existing home with a basement bedroom that has a code-compliant emergency escape and rescue opening. Will I need to cut another hole in my foundation for a home office in the basement?

No. You may add additional habitable spaces to your basement without providing another emergency escape and rescue opening.

9. Does the required emergency escape and rescue opening need to be installed within the habitable space?

No. The emergency escape and rescue opening should be placed in an easily accessible area.

10. Who do I contact to schedule an electrical, plumbing or commercial mechanical inspection?

St. Louis County at (314) 615-5000.

11. What are the most common reasons footing and pier inspections fail?

• There is mud and/or water in the footing or pier excavation.


• The steel reinforcement is not the grade, type or size specified in the approved plans.

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12. What are the most common reasons why foundation inspections fail?

• Form oil has dripped onto the steel reinforcement or top of the footing.


• There is mud on top of the footing

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13. What are the most common reasons why framing inspections fail?

• The relevant St. Louis County electrical, plumbing or mechanical rough-in inspections have not been made or approved.


• The penetrations through the top and bottom of plates of walls have not been properly fire stopped or fire blocked.

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14. What are the most common reasons why drywall inspections fail?

• The drywall tape and joint compound have been applied prior to approval of the drywall inspection.


• The drywall and fasteners have been installed per the UL Design Number specified on the plans.

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15. What are the most common reasons why ceiling cover inspections fail?

• The relevant St. Louis County electrical and mechanical inspections have not been made and approved.


• Fire separation assemblies have not been installed per the UL Design Number on approved plans.

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16. What are the most common reasons why final inspections fail?

• The electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire district final inspections have not been approved and signed-off on the record of inspections card.


• The Life Safety Systems have not been pre-tested or installed according to the approved plans.

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