Under SC building codes, what is the required minimum width for emergency egress windows in basement bedrooms?
Correct Answer
B) 20 inches
The South Carolina building code requires emergency egress windows to have a minimum clear width opening of 20 inches.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The IRC as adopted by South Carolina specifies that emergency escape and rescue openings (egress windows) must have a minimum net clear opening width of 20 inches. This ensures a person can escape or rescuers can enter in an emergency.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 24 inches
24 inches is wider than the minimum required. While a 24-inch clear width would satisfy the code, the minimum is 20 inches. Selecting 24 inches confuses the minimum with a larger-than-required dimension.
Option C: 22 inches
22 inches is also more than the 20-inch minimum but does not correspond to any IRC code threshold. This is a plausible-sounding distractor placed between the correct answer and the other wrong options.
Option D: 26 inches
26 inches far exceeds the 20-inch minimum width requirement. No standard egress code provision requires 26 inches — this choice is designed to mislead candidates who may guess a larger number for safety.
Memory Technique
Think '20 wide — that's how you slide': 20 inches is the minimum width an escape window must be so a person can slide through sideways in an emergency. Pair it with the height: '24 high — that's how you dive' for easy recall.
More South Carolina Questions
What is the maximum contract value a Tier 1 residential contractor can undertake in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina law, a contractor discovers a material defect in their work 6 months after project completion. The owner demands immediate correction. What is the contractor's legal obligation?
A contractor has 15 employees and annual payroll of $780,000. The workers compensation rate is $4.25 per $100 of payroll. What is the annual premium?
According to SC building codes, what is the maximum allowable deflection for a residential floor joist with a 16-foot span under live load?
A subcontractor completes $25,000 of electrical work but is not paid by the general contractor. The general contractor was paid by the owner. What is the subcontractor's lien priority against the property?
A contractor receives a stop work order from the building official. Work continues for 3 additional days before stopping. What penalty applies per South Carolina building codes?
Under South Carolina workers compensation law, which of the following employees would be exempt from coverage requirements?
Under South Carolina contractor licensing law, how many hours of continuing education are required annually for license renewal?
A Class B contractor wants to bid on a $750,000 commercial project. What must the contractor do to be eligible?
A contractor's license expires on June 30th. They submit renewal application and fees on July 15th. What additional penalty must they pay?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass