We bought a 1920 home and the basement is unfinished. We want to finish the basement for personal use, but are not 100% clear on the codes. We found that for Rhode Island the minimum height is 6’8” for existing basements. Our basement is exactly 6’8”.

Is that 6’8” the current unfinished clearance to obtain a permit, or must it be 6’8” after finsihing (with flooring/ceiling)?

We’d anticipate no losing more than a half inch, but would put us below that threshold if the latter. Basically want to know if we’re able to legally finish it or not…