Do you need more space in your home? An additional bedroom maybe? An office or workshop? Or do you need a hobby room?
Guess where you can get all that space and more? Your basement of course!
However, a rule (which you probably knew about only recently) that requires you to follow building codes when renovating your basement has been passed. It requires you to have in place a means of egressing the room – especially when you intend to have a bedroom down there. Hence, egress basement windows.
The Cost and Benefits of Egress Basement Windows in Nassau County NY
Since – as mentioned – this is a fairly recent ruling; many of the existing basements do not have egress windows or have windows that do not meet the building codes by being small in length and height.
Don’t worry if your basement does not have an egress window. There are several contractors out there who are willing to save you the trouble for not more than $3000.
The process is not as complicated as it seems and the benefits of having egress basement windows in Nassau County NY make it totally worth it. For instance, the window is supposed to be large enough to let in enough sunlight.
Of course, the most important benefit of this system (which is the whole point of having one) is that in case of any type of emergency from inside the house, you and your loved ones can easily escape the danger through the window.
Also, you get to have a regulated environment in terms of humidity and heat.
Code Requirements
As regulations vary with locality, it is important that you check with your codes administrator as the first step in the installation process. The variations are minor but in general, this is what you are likely to find:
You will need 5.7 square feet for the window opening – including or excluding glass area.
The distance between the opening bottom and the floor should be at most 44 inches.
A window well of not less than 36 inches in width and a 36-inch outward extension from the egress window is required. It should also be at most 44 inches in depth. In cases where the basement is too deep, the code will most likely allow a block of concrete on the well floor that serves as the step. This is on provision that it won’t interfere with the opening of the window.
In Conclusion
As you can see egress basement windows are not only extremely beneficial but also can save lives in case of an emergency. Get one for your basement today!
