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3 Tips when Considering an Egress Window

A basement Egress Window can add significant value to the home but there are important things to consider before installation.

• - The window size must have a minimum width of 20 inches and minimum height of 24 inches. This would mean that window width of 20 inches would require a height of 41 inches. The measurements are clear opening measurements, not frame size.
• - Egress windowsills must be 44 inches or less above a finished floor.
• - An Egress Window Well should have its top edge 6 inches above the soil line and consider what type of exit step would be needed to reach the top of window well.

Home improvements can greatly increase the resale of your home; there are some that improve the value of a home far better than others. Among the best home improvements, when considering both adding value and increasing living space, is to have your basement waterproofed. Protect you investment and increase home value by waterproofing your basement prior to planning your basement finishing project. Basement finishing is the most cost-effective way to increase living within the home.

A basement emergency Egress Window can be used as a fast and easy way to evacuate from the basement during emergencies. Egress windows can enhance the interior design of the basement room. The window provides abundant natural light. Once the Egress window is installed, the basement can be made into a common living area and can double the living space of your home. A basement Egress Window adds value to the home.

It is now required by building code to install an emergency exit in a basement living area. The following building codes are required:

• Building Code states for a bedroom in the basement, there has to be an emergency exit. This can be either an Egress window or exterior door entrance that can be opened.
• Bedrooms must have at least 70 square feet of floor space with one horizontal dimension of at least 7 feet and ceiling height of 7 1/2 feet in 50 percent of the room. The ceiling height cannot be less than 5 feet anywhere in the room. Of course you can always make any room larger.
• The window size must have a minimum width of 20 inches and minimum height of 24 inches. This would mean that window width of 20 inches would require a height of 41 inches. The measurements are clear opening measurements, not frame siz
• Egress windowsills must be 44 inches or less above a finished floor.
• An Egress Window Well should have its top edge 6 inches above the soil line and consider what type of exit step would be needed to reach the top of window well.