Where are smoke alarms required in a house?
In each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story including basements (IRC R314.3).
Smoke alarms are required in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on each story of the dwelling (including basements and habitable attics).
In new construction they must be interconnected and hard-wired with battery backup.
Need this scoped to your jurisdiction?
Adopted edition and local amendments vary by city and county. Ask Donnie checks your jurisdiction and cites the exact adopted section.
Ask Donnie →General information based on the International Residential Code (a model code). This is AI assistance to verify — not legal advice. Confirm the adopted edition and any local amendments with your local building department (AHJ) and a licensed professional before you build.