Table of Contents
All residential building code requirements across the United States state that any habitable space must have at least one egress window. Specifically, an egress window is a type of window that is large enough that a person could escape in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.
Does basement need 2 exits?
If the basement will be divided into several rooms, each bedroom and/or habitable space must have a separate Egress window. Even if your basement already has windows, they may not meet current Egress window requirements.
Does each basement bedroom need an egress window?
Egress window installation is a must for every house to meet the local building code. Basements are required to have windows that can be used as an escape should an emergency arise. It is unlawful to utilize any space as a bedroom without meeting the requirements.
What is code for basement Egress Windows?
Requirements for Egress Windows in Basements According to the International Residential Code, basement windows must have: An opening width of at least 20 inches. An opening height of at least 24 inches. A net clear opening of at least 821 square inches—or 5.7 square feet.
Can a basement bedroom not have a window?
Not all basement windows are egress windows. However, if your basement has habitable, finished rooms, building codes require it to have egress windows, or other means of egress (patio door, etc.). And every basement bedroom, whether existing or added, is required by code to have an egress window.
Do basement windows need window wells?
Quick answer: If you have a basement window that is fully or partially below grade, you will need a window well to prevent leaking and help bring in light. If the basement window is in a habitable room, then you will need a window well and window that conforms to IRC Building Code emergency egress requirements.
Where are egress windows required?
Egress windows are required in every room used for sleeping purposes (bedrooms) on any floor and in basements with habitable space. If you are constructing a new home, the code requires that you put an egress window in each bedroom.
How much does it cost to make a basement window egress?
Cost to Install an Egress Window The cost to install egress windows in your basement ranges from $2,535 and $5,290, with an average of $3,889. This includes $100 to $700 per window for materials and $100 to $250 per window for installation.
Does a basement bedroom count as a bedroom?
Think of a basement bedroom as a bonus: It counts as a bedroom, but is identified separately from the above-grade room count in an appraisal. This space must meet basic living standards to earn the bedroom title, including: Windows with dimensions meeting your local building code.
When did egress windows become mandatory?
According to Jerry McCarthy, a former building code/construction consultant, the requirement that basement bedrooms have egress windows became part of the International Residential Code in 1997.
Can a double hung window be used for egress?
Double-Hung Windows They can be used as egress windows, but even when they’re fully open, more than half of their overall area is blocked by glass. That said, their overall height must be close to four feet nine inches to meet the requirements.
What is the smallest egress window allowed?
Basement Egress Window Requirements The minimum opening area of the egress window is 5.7 square feet. The minimum egress window opening height is 24″ high. The minimum egress window opening is 20″ wide.
What is code for a bedroom window?
For determining egress window sizes and placement, the International Building Code advises that every bedroom must contain at least one egress window. It must be at least 5.7 square feet, 20 inches wide by 24 inches high, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor.
What makes a basement room a bedroom?
Your basement does not qualify as a bedroom unless it has window dimensions that meet a list of particular requirements. Basically, bedroom windows must be large enough and low enough to enable emergency escape, and the window size must meet minimum standards to provide natural light and adequate ventilation.
How do I make my basement bedroom legal?
Building a Legal Bedroom in the Basement The egress must be large enough for a firefighter to be able to enter the space in case of an emergency. This is an imperative step to ensure safety. It also helps to bring natural light into the bedroom. A bedroom must also have a closet to legally be considered a bedroom.
How do I keep water out of my basement window wells?
Here’s what you can do to keep as much water away from your house as possible: Fix grading to make sure it slopes away from the foundation. Keep your gutters clear of debris and in good working condition. Extend downspouts away from the house to keep roof runoff from pouring next to the foundation.
What are basement window wells for?
A window well is semi-circular excavation that surrounds a basement window. to prevent moisture damage to basement windows that are at or below grade. The window wells keep the soil away from openings in the foundation walls while still allowing proper grading and drainage away from the house; and.
Should I put rocks in my window well?
There isn’t really a minimum level of rocks in your window well, but the levels should be appropriate given the depth of it (and going deep is always better). However, the window well should definitely not be overfilled. This increases the risk of flooding and windows breakage.
Does egress window add square footage?
That being said, they’re an important (and required) feature throughout your home. And if you’re adding an egress window in your basement, you’ll reap the added benefits of bringing natural light and ventilation into your basement area, and increasing your home’s overall square footage and value.
What type of window is best for egress?
Casement windows—with hinged sashes that swing free and clear of the opening—can be relatively small and still meet egress requirements. This makes them ideal for basement egress and for other areas where space is limited.
How long does it take to install an egress window?
Once the window arrives, which generally takes 2-3 weeks, excavation, framing and installation of the window can be done in as little as two days. For more complex projects 3-4 days, weather permitting, of course!Nov 3, 2017.
