I am finishing my basement; I live in Virginia. I have framed walls in my basement to separate the finished space from the unfinished storage area. These walls will have outlets and electrical wiring in them, of course, as well as insulation.

The question: does code require some type of wall covering (i.e. drywall) on the "unfinished" side of these walls? Or, is it OK to leave the wiring and insulation exposed in the storage area?

There is code for both city and state... and sometimes even for municipalities within the city.

If it were me, I'd only go to the extent that I personally desire... and leave the code part of it for if and when I sell the house.

The question: does code require some type of wall covering (i.e. drywall) on the "unfinished" side of these walls? Or, is it OK to leave the wiring and insulation exposed in the storage area?1) Not usually. (See last reply)

2) It is very typical to leave it that way.

This job will be inspected so I need for it to be "right." I guess I was also curious if there was any downside to leaving it exposed.

Since you will be inspected you should simply ask the inspector before you finish the job. It is common to have drywall only on the finished side. What kind of wiring are you using for your lights and outlets?

Haven't actually gotten to the wiring; I may pay an electrician do it. I'm just trying to keep a handle on the budget.

Have the electrician keep his wiring inside the wall by drilling holes through the studs rather than running cable on the outside of the studs.

Thank you for the quick answers! (not able to rate your answer, need to spread it around... )

I am assuming you/electician will use non-metalic cable which needs to be protected from damage so inside the wall works whereas outside would not.

Got it; I anticipate a "romex" style wire for this job, holes drilled through studs, etc.