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A basement home improvement project is one of the best interior home projects you can do for your home, but it is often overlooked. A basement refinishing not only increases the overall square footage of your home, but it also adds a new living space for your family to enjoy. However, basement projects need to meet all building codes, and this can include an egress window. If you are unsure what an egress window is, it is a window that can serve as an emergency exit from a living space underground. Do you need one in your basement? It depends. Let us take a look.
Egress windows are designed to be used as an exit in an emergency. There are several building codes that cover not only the necessity of the window, but also the specific structural and size requirements of the unit itself.
Essentially, this means the main situation where you need an egress window is if you include a bedroom in your finished basement design. What defines a bedroom? Any room that is at least the size of a typical bedroom and that has a closet could be classified as a bedroom, and therefore require an egress window.
Even if you do not have a bedroom in your basement, you may still enjoy the benefits and features of an egress window, such as:
If you have an older house, you might already have a window in the basement, but may not be big enough to qualify as an egress window. According to the International Residential Code (IRC), the window must meet the following requirements:
You may need to have a window well or area well. The wells are commonly required when the window sill falls below the ground. Depending on the design, You may also have to provide a ladder so that you can safely climb out of the well onto higher land. If you do not have at least one window in your basement, you need to cut into the existing foundatation to create the opening for an egress window. However, even if you have one window and it doesn’t meet the above requirements, you may have to make these alterations to have an egress-compliant window installed.
When installing an egress window, it must also meet the following requirements. An egress window must open from the inside without the use of a key or tool; all grilles, bars and screens on or around the egress window must also open from the inside without the use of a key or tools; and finally, the egress window must be able to fully open (wide enough for an exit.)
When it comes to installing a new window, it is a task always best left to professional home improvement contractors. You need the right skills, equipment, and knowledge to correctly and safely carry out the job, especially if it is to be up to code. At Windows on Washington, we are specialists in new and replacement windows, so get in touch today to see how we can help. Or, if you are still unsure if you need an egress window, we can help you determine if your basement needs one.
One of our experts will discuss your project either in your home or virtually
Our expert will learn about your needs, ask some questions, and suggest the best products and service for your specific project and budget
If you choose to work with us, you can rest assured we will take care of every detail and keep you informed every step of the way
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