What Is an Egress Window? An egress window looks just like a regular large window, but opens fully to allow a building’s inhabitants to escape in the event of an emergency, such as a house fire. Egress windows are required in all finished basements before they can be legally converted into a living space.

How do I know if my window is egress?

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 window egress?

Requirements for Egress Windows in Basements

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. A sill no more than 44 inches off the floor.

Are egress windows worth it?

Are Egress Windows Worth it? An egress window is a great way to make your home safe and comfortable and an excellent way to add instant value to your home. It is a fairly affordable project and one of the few that will fully recoup your costs in resale value.

How much value does an egress window add to a house?

Depending on your area, the average cost price for a two-bedroom home is around $200,000 in larger metropolitan areas. The average cost for a three-bedroom home is over $300,000. So, for the price of an egress window, you are looking at adding over $100,000 to your home value.

Egress Basement Windows: What You Need To Know

Do windows count as egress?

Egress regulations actually only apply to rooms like bedrooms and home offices that don’t have doors opening to outside. Egress laws for at least one window in these rooms require the following: The window must open a minimum width of 20 inches. The window must open a minimum height of 24 inches.

Do double hung windows meet 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?

Egress Windows : Everything You Need to Know

No dimension less than of 15″ (width and height) and must have a total opening area of 3.77 square feet (0.35 m2) minimum. …
Must open from the inside without tools and without special knowledge in case of emergency.
The window cannot be higher than 1.5 m above the floor.

What type of windows are egress?

Types of Egress Windows

Basement egress windows with a well. Most homes in the US have the window well surrounding the basement window. …
Skylight egress window. …
Single-hung egress window. …
Double-hung egress window. …
Casement egress windows. …
Awning egress window.

Does adding an egress window add value?

An egress window can add substantial value to your home and allows you to legally market a basement space as a bedroom.

Do egress windows weaken Foundation?

Foundation Weakening

An improperly cut egress window opening can compromise your foundation’s strength. Properly trained egress window companies and installers can ensure that your egress window is not only functional but maintains your home’s structural integrity as well.

Do egress windows leak?

While egress windows offer various benefits, they can also be the source of many problems in the basement. One of the most common problems experienced with these windows is water leakage. This can result in extensive damage in a basement.

Does an egress window add value to a home?

An egress window converts your basement space into more livable space for an additional bedroom, a home office or a family room. Not only does it create more comfortable space to live, it can also significantly contribute to the resale value of your home.

Does adding an 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.

Should I add egress window?

All bedrooms must have egress windows, so if you are planning a bedroom in the basement, an egress window is a must. Even if you’re thinking about a playroom, family room, or other space, egress window installation may be a wise choice.

Why are egress windows so expensive?

Many factors impact egress window costs. Prices can differ from the national average due to labor costs and permit fees in your area, materials, window size and type, the number of egress windows needed, window removal, glass quality, the type of property, and geographic location.

Can I use any window for egress?

Casement Egress Windows

Different types of windows can serve as egress windows as long as they meet the minimum requirements for size and clearance. Casement egress windows usually have one or more hinges at the side and swing in or out to open like a door.