When remodelling your basement, you have to think about all the factors that go into making it habitable. If you decide to turn it into a living space, you will need to install an egress window. This is done to meet residential building codes and to enhance safety. Safety is a key consideration when converting your basement into a living area, and building codes specify that an emergency egress must be installed in a finished basement.

An egress door or window has to be large enough to allow easy access for people exiting the space or for rescue crews to get into the basement in case of an emergency. Apart from the peace of mind of knowing that the space is safe, the window will also help to add more ventilation and natural light in the basement. You can enhance the comfort if the space and improve the value of your home by installing a good egress window in your basement.

The window placement

Installing an egress window often involves cutting a large hole through the basement wall. This will require construction skills especially if your basement has concrete walls and you will need the services of a basement-remodelling expert or a skilled mason. The job can be rather messy and noisy, but it is not complicated for a skilled professional. The expert will determine the best placement for the window as well as any finishing work required.

If your home is built on a sloping lot, it is possible to install an egress window above grade. If, on the other hand, the foundation walls are mostly below the soil line, some excavation will be required in order to create a window well. You have to follow the building codes when choosing the size of the window well, and it must be large enough to allow someone to exit the house easily by climbing out of the window. If the well is deep, a ladder has to be fixed onto the well to ensure easy egress.

Ensuring code compliance

Most of the residential building codes state that if the basement includes sleeping areas or if you convert the space into a spare bedroom, you have to install an egress window in each of the rooms. If your new basement renovation includes turning the space into a game room, home office or TV room, you will need a single egress window. If the basement is simply for occasional use such as laundry rooms or bathrooms, you do not need an emergency egress window.

The building code specifies the size of the egress window opening to ensure that even the smallest opening can allow the average adult male to crawl through. In most cases, the opening should be not less than 20 inches wide and 24 inches high. The windowsill should not be too high from the basement floor to allow easy access. It is important to calculate the size accurately when shopping for the window.  This will ensure that you comply with the size requirements for an egress window.

Choosing types of windows

When it comes to choosing egress windows, you will find many standard types that easily comply with the code. A good option is an insulated casement window that is hinged along the sides. This type of window swings outward conveniently to allow for easy egress. You can also choose to install double-hung windows, but remember that code requirements for the minimum size apply to the bottom half of the window, which is the operable section. This means that the window will need to be extra tall.

Think about the total cost when choosing the best window type. Another option is installing sliders or windows that open from side to side. Like with the double-hung windows, this design will also need to be rather large to comply with the codes, but unlike with the former, they do not need a deep window well because they are operated horizontally. You need to think about construction of the window well when choosing the best window type. A deep well will require permanently attached steps or ladder.

Covering the window well

The building codes allow placement of a metal grate over the window well opening to ensure safety of people and pets. When your family is working or playing outside the house, they need to be protected, and the grate ensures that they do not fall into the opening. It is, however, important to ensure that the metal grate can be removed easily in case of an emergency. The grate that is often hinged should be easy to open from the inside or outside without the need for special tools.

You can use landscaping features to enhance the window well without interfering with safe egress. It is a good idea to hire a licensed contractor to work on the window installation. The job will require cutting the basement wall, building the window well and installing the window. The cost of the project will vary depending on the depth of the well and the complexity.