Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

What is the minimum required width of a habitable room in a single-family dwelling that has a depth of ten feet?

1. 5 feet

2. 7 feet

3. 9 feet

4. 10 feet

The correct answer is: 7 feet

In Massachusetts, the building code specifies minimum dimensions for habitable rooms in residential dwellings to ensure adequate space for living and functionality. A habitable room is defined as a room that is suitable for dwelling purposes, such as a living room, bedroom, or kitchen. For a room with a depth of ten feet, the minimum required width is 7 feet. This measurement allows enough space for furniture placement and circulation within the room, ensuring comfortable occupancy. Additionally, this dimension meets the intent of the building code to promote health and safety standards in residential environments. Wider rooms provide better functionality, but the 7-foot minimum acknowledges the practical constraints of smaller homes—balancing space efficiency with the need for livability. Options that suggest a width less than 7 feet would not provide sufficient space, while widths greater than 7 feet, though beneficial, are not necessary to meet the minimum requirement for a habitable room of this depth.