Thinking about turning that lower level into a cozy family room or adding a bedroom and bath? In Plymouth and Canton, a finished basement can add function and resale value, but permits and egress rules can trip up even careful homeowners. You want a safe, compliant space that passes inspection the first time. This guide walks you through when permits are required, how egress works under the Michigan Residential Code, what inspectors look for, and a simple step plan to keep your project on track. Let’s dive in.

Do you need a permit?

In Michigan, your city or township administers building permits and inspections under the Michigan Residential Code. If your property is inside City of Plymouth limits, the City of Plymouth Building Department handles permits. If you are in Canton Township, the Canton Township Building Department handles them. Always confirm requirements with your local office before you start any work.

Finishing a basement into livable space almost always requires a building permit plus trade permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Even nonstructural changes can trigger permits if they involve utilities or create a sleeping room.

Common permit triggers

• Creating a bedroom or sleeping area.
• Adding or moving walls and partitions.
• Installing or relocating plumbing fixtures or drains.
• Adding or changing HVAC ducts, combustion air, or ventilation fans.
• Electrical work beyond minor repairs, including new circuits, outlets, or lighting.
• Structural changes, such as altering beams, stairs, or opening a load bearing wall.
• Installing an egress window or enlarging a foundation opening.
• Adding a kitchenette that impacts plumbing or ventilation.
• Work affecting fire safety, smoke alarms, CO alarms, or fire blocking.

Who issues permits

• City of Plymouth Building Department: issues permits for properties within city limits and provides plan review, fee schedules, and inspection scheduling.
• Canton Township Building Department: issues permits in Canton Township and offers applications, checklists, and an inspection request process.

Local practices can differ on plan review thresholds, required drawings, fees, and who is allowed to pull permits. When in doubt, call or email your building department and request written confirmation of what is required for your address.

Egress basics under Michigan code

Michigan enforces the Michigan Residential Code, which is based on the International Residential Code. These codes set the standards for emergency escape and rescue openings, often called egress, in basements and sleeping rooms. The goal is simple: provide a safe exit for occupants and an entry point for firefighters.

If you add a bedroom in your basement, an egress opening is required. Basements used as habitable space typically need at least one egress opening as well. Your local building official applies these rules, so verify final dimensions and interpretations with them.

Typical dimensions to know

These dimensions are commonly enforced under the IRC/MRC. Confirm locally before you purchase windows or cut concrete:

• Minimum clear opening area: commonly 5.7 sq ft. Some grade-floor openings allow 5.0 sq ft.
• Minimum clear opening height: typically 24 inches.
• Minimum clear opening width: typically 20 inches.
• Maximum sill height above finished floor: typically 44 inches.
• Operation: the opening must be operable from the inside without keys, tools, or special knowledge.

Window wells and ladders

If your egress window is below grade, a window well is required. Most codes require a minimum clear area of about 9 sq ft with a minimum dimension of 36 inches. If the well depth exceeds a typical threshold of 44 inches, a ladder or steps is required. Make sure both the window and the well meet the standards. A well that is too narrow can turn a compliant window into a noncompliant installation.

Doors as egress

A door that leads directly to the exterior can serve as your basement egress. The path of travel, clearances, and stair geometry must comply with code. Confirm with your building official during planning.

Alarms and safety upgrades

Finishing a basement and especially adding sleeping areas often triggers updates to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The MRC includes state requirements for locations and interconnection. Many projects will require hard-wired, interconnected alarms with battery backup. Plan these early so they are included in your electrical rough.

Inspections: what to expect

Your project will move through a series of permits and inspections. Here is the typical sequence:

1. Permit issuance and pre-demo

• Obtain the building permit plus electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
• Submit floor plans showing egress, notes on code compliance, and trade layouts. Some jurisdictions may ask for energy compliance documentation.

2. Pre-demolition and structural items

• If you are cutting or enlarging a foundation opening for an egress window, you may need engineered plans and a structural review. Inspectors will confirm headers, supports, and compliance with the drawings.

3. Rough-in inspections

• Framing: wall locations, fire blocking, stair geometry, and rough locations for smoke/CO alarms.
• Electrical: circuits, box fill, grounding, GFCI and AFCI protection, and switching/receptacle spacing for bedrooms.
• Plumbing: drain and vent layout, traps, and water supply for new fixtures.
• Mechanical: duct routing and sizing, combustion air, and venting for fuel-burning appliances.

4. Insulation and energy code check

• Inspectors verify insulation type and R-values, air and vapor barriers, and air sealing details, including rim joists.

5. Final inspections

• Building and trades sign-offs. Inspectors confirm egress operation and window well dimensions, smoke/CO alarm installation and interconnection, and that the finished space matches the approved plans.

Common pitfalls that delay final

• Egress openings that do not meet net clear area, sill height, or window well requirements.
• Structural cuts to the foundation without engineered plans or approved headers.
• Missing combustion air or improper venting when altering HVAC.
• GFCI/AFCI protection not installed where required.
• Incomplete fire blocking, stair handrails, or guard heights.
• Smoke and CO alarms not hardwired, interconnected, or properly located.
• Insulation or vapor control installed incorrectly, especially at rim joists.

Your step-by-step plan

Follow these steps to streamline your project and avoid costly rework.

1. Early planning, 1 to 2 weeks

• Define scope: rooms, bathroom, sleeping areas, storage, and mechanical spaces.
• Measure existing windows and note which are below grade. Take photos.
• Contact your building department to confirm permit requirements, plan review timelines, and inspection steps.

2. Get quotes, 1 to 3 weeks

• Request written bids that clearly state who pulls permits, what fees are included, and the timeline.
• Ask for references from similar basement finishes in your municipality.

3. Plan submission and permits, 2 to 6 weeks

• Submit required drawings and forms. Respond promptly to review comments.
• Do not start demolition until the permit is issued or you have written confirmation that none is required.

4. Demo, structural work, and rough-ins, 2 to 6 weeks

• Complete demolition, structural modifications, and rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
• Frame and install egress openings exactly as shown on approved plans.

5. Inspections and corrections, ongoing

• Schedule rough inspections and fix noted items quickly.
• After rough approvals, proceed with insulation, drywall, finishes, and final trade connections.

6. Finals and occupancy, 1 to 2 weeks

• Schedule final inspections and complete any punch list.
• Obtain final approval or a certificate of occupancy if applicable.

Typical timeline from permit to final is 6 to 12 or more weeks for straightforward projects. Structural changes, engineered plans, or custom egress solutions can extend the schedule.

Smart questions for contractors

Bring these up before any demo. Clear answers reduce surprises and change orders.

• Permits: Who pulls them, and whose name will they be in? Are permit fees and engineering included in your bid?
• Experience: Have you finished basements with egress windows in Plymouth or Canton? Can you share references or photos?
• Structure and egress: If we enlarge a foundation opening, will you provide engineered drawings? What egress window and well sizes do you recommend, and how will you handle drainage and well ladders?
• Inspections: Who schedules inspections and ensures readiness? Do you use a checklist for rough and final?
• Licensed trades: Will Michigan-licensed electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors be listed on the permits?
• Safety and health: Will the project meet current smoke and CO alarm requirements? Do you recommend radon testing or a passive rough-in while walls are open?
• Timeline and budget: What are the milestones and payment schedule? What is excluded from the bid, and how do you handle hidden conditions like moisture or structural issues?
• Insurance and warranty: Do you carry liability and workers’ comp? What warranties do you provide for workmanship and specific components?
• Closeout: Will we receive as-built drawings and copies of all final approvals?

Local and safety considerations

• Radon: Parts of Michigan have elevated radon potential. While not always required by code, testing and considering a passive radon rough-in during finishing is often recommended. It is easier to add while walls are open.
• Moisture and waterproofing: Address bulk water, drainage, and humidity before finishes go in. If you add a window well, ensure proper drainage so water does not collect against the foundation.
• Energy code: Expect an insulation and air sealing check. Pay special attention to rim joists, vapor control, and sealing around penetrations.
• Smoke and CO alarms: Plan for hard-wired, interconnected alarms with battery backup when creating new sleeping rooms. This is a frequent inspection checkpoint.

A code-compliant basement is safer for your household and protects your home’s value. If you plan to sell in the future, documentation of permits and final approvals is a plus with buyers and appraisers.

Ready to map out a basement plan that fits your timeline and future resale? Reach out to Unknown Company for local guidance, a free home valuation, and introductions to lenders who can help you explore financing options.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to finish a basement in Plymouth or Canton?

• Yes, finishing a basement into habitable space typically requires a building permit plus electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Confirm specifics with your local building department before starting work.

Are egress windows required for a basement bedroom in Michigan?

• Yes. Any new bedroom in a basement requires an emergency escape and rescue opening that meets Michigan Residential Code standards.

What size egress window do I need?

• Typical standards call for a minimum clear opening of 5.7 sq ft, with minimum height of 24 inches, minimum width of 20 inches, and a maximum sill height of 44 inches. Some grade-floor openings allow 5.0 sq ft. Verify locally before purchasing.

Do non-bedroom basements need egress?

• Basements used as habitable space, such as living rooms or dens, typically require at least one egress opening even if no bedroom is added. Confirm with your building official.

Can a door to the outside count as egress?

• Yes. A door directly to the exterior can serve as the required egress if all other code requirements are met.

What inspections should I expect during a basement finish?

• Expect rough inspections for framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; an insulation and energy check; and final inspections for each discipline. Structural work and egress openings are common focus areas.

What causes most basement inspection delays?

• Common issues include undersized egress openings, missing or mislocated smoke and CO alarms, lack of GFCI/AFCI protection, incomplete fire blocking, and improper ventilation or combustion air.