Interesting Buffettgirl. Post Cocoanut Grove fire, swing-out is mandatory on all public buildings, nationwide I believe. (In 1942, hundreds of people fleeing a fire in an elegant Boston nightclub crushed up against inward-swinging doors that then could not be pulled opened inwards against the crush. Nearly 500 people died. Accounts are absolutely horrific.) Why then should it be against code in Massachusetts on private residences? (I'm not doubting that you are correct, I just think it curious, even ironic, that it should be so. A puzzle.) It's probably not the primary exit anyway though, so that should probably not be a problem for Huango. I think, Huango, if you have a storm door, that pushing two doors outward wouldn't work (from inside you have to push the inner one open to get to the outer one, but there's no room ...). And depending on where the snow drifts, the door might get snowed in (or maybe that's not a problem if you don't use the deck much in winter). Or you could build a wind screen or overhang to divert the drifting snow. But otherwise? Obviously, check the code, but if it's the only reasonable solution, even if it's a bit odd, do it.

Just failed inspection with the $7 Home Depot "Intermatic" alarms......setting up another final inspection and have confirmed that the "Techko model#S087" will pass inspection. WHatever you buy make sure they are UL2017 compliant. THEY CAN BE BATTERY OPERATED......DO NOT HAVE TO BE HARD WIRED OR PLUG IN TYPE. We live in Dunedin, FL Pinellas County. Here is the code: 424.2.17.1.9 Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following shall apply: 1. All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool shall be equipped with an exit alarm complying with UL 2017 that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet (3048 mm) and is either hardwired or of the plug-in type. The exit alarm shall produce a continuous audible warning when the door and its screen are opened. The alarm shall sound immediately after the door is opened and be capable of being heard throughout the house during normal household activities. The alarm shall be equipped with a manual means to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last no more than 15 seconds. The deactivation switch shall be located at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold of the door. Separate alarms are not required for each door or window if sensors wired to a central alarm sound when contact is broken at any opening. Exceptions: a. Screened or protected windows having a bottom sill height of 48 inches (1219 mm) or more measured from the interior finished floor at the pool access level. b. Windows facing the pool on floor above the first story. c. Screened or protected pass-through kitchen windows 42 inches (1067 mm) or higher with a counter beneath. 2. All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with positive mechanical latching/locking installed a minimum of 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold, which is approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Sorry for the bad format, its phone copied from a pdf file put out by University of Florida has few sources and names. "There are testing standards set forth by the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) and/or others that must be met before a window is certified as being impact-resistant. One of the most stringent testing requirements is referenced in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) section of the Florida Building Code, which applies to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Every exterior opening, residential or commercial, must be provided with protection by shutters or impact-resistant windows against wind-borne debris caused by hurricanes in the HVHZ. The Florida Product Approval System, under the Florida Building Commission, covers products that affect the structural integrity of buildings—therefore windows are included. A company may have its products approved for local or state use. Click on “Product Approval” at www.floridabuilding.org for more information. Note that not all areas of the state require impact-resistant windows. Check with your local building official to determine if you live in such an area. However, if this is a concern, Miami-Dade County has the strictest test protocols in the country for wind-borne debris, air and water tests. The Florida Building Commission recognizes products receiving Miami-Dade NOAs as state-approved products."

No guests are going to go in/out the office doors unless you do. I have french doors in our bedroom that go out to the covered patio and I am the only one who ever uses them. Even DH goes in/out the doors to the main family room and "public" space. You can always keep it locked if you're worried about it, especially the first few times you have people over. And if you find yourself never using them you can just pretend it's a wall and block it off with furniture either inside or out. But I bet you will love using it while working or having open on nice weather days. :)