Basement Egress Questions
kazmom
5 years ago
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geoffrey_b
5 years agoworthy
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoRelated Discussions
Egress Basement Windows
Comments (21)There are many houses in my neighborhood with lookout windows. We purchased our lot before selecting a builder, but the person who showed us the lot told us we would be able to build a house with lookout windows. When we started talking to builders, it became clear that lookout windows were not an option. I was very disappointed that our windows would all be below grade with window wells, but the lot was still great for us. We ended up with larger than standard windows - 20" instead of 16"??? I can't remember exactly. We also added a larger egress window so that we can add a bedroom when we finish our basement. Lookout windows are definitely more desirable. I would expect some type of compensation if you had agreed to that in the plans. However, for us it was certainly not a deal breaker. I hope you can find a resolution....See MoreAdding Egress or "walk up" door to basement-OMG $$$$$$$$!
Comments (4)Cutting holes in masonry walls seems to be a very high priced business. I got an estimate for cutting a hole in the brick wall of my garage to add a side door, and the estimate was about $8k, which included the lintel, but did not include actually installing a door. Cutting out for the egress window usually involves digging a large trench in front of the wall, and installing a concrete well that is sealed to the wall. I assume they can buy precast wells, but it is still a large structure that may be expensive to purchase and hard to move into place. I know there are specs for how deep and wide it needs to be to meet code. They also need to use a concrete saw to the cut the wall, which is probably at least 8 inches thick. It is very physical labor, and making cuts in concrete walls is not easy because you have to hold a very heavy saw vertically or horizontally while cutting, and you don't want it to get away from you and cut the wrong thing (like yourself). Bruce...See MoreBasement egress window
Comments (6)We paid a bit more and got wood windows with muntins that match the rest of the windows in the house. Our wells around the egress window are wood timbers--more money but a much better look overall. If you have the space do the wood timbers with an interior step to allow for more light and also a better look. If you can step up the budget a bit, you'll get a much better look....See MoreHeight of Egress Windows in Basement
Comments (8)Pretty easy to look up. In the US? Some states have diff codes but most are based on IBC. Your architect should know. "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, that is at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor."...See MoreMark Bischak, Architect
5 years agokazmom
5 years agogeoffrey_b
5 years agokazmom
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agokazmom
5 years agokazmom
5 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
5 years agogeoffrey_b
5 years agokazmom
5 years ago
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