It’s for your safety. All buildings must have more than one way out in case of fire or emergency. An egress window must provide at least 5.7 square feet of net clear opening, or an egress door of at least the same dimensions must be installed.EGRESS – What is it, and MUST I?!
According to all of the Code Enforcement officers we’ve encountered, yes, you must. There are very good reasons why you should just accept this as part of the whole package, and not cheat yourself.
It’s for your safety. All buildings must have more than one way out in case of fire or emergency. An egress window must provide at least 5.7 square feet of net clear opening, or an egress door of at least the same dimensions must be installed.
It’s in the Code. International Residental Code requires two means of egress for your safety. If you do not comply now, you will be forced to comply when you sell your home. Why not enjoy the use of a door or oversized window now, rather than pay more later? (and risk injury in the meantime)
An enlarged window or egress door introduces more natural light into your room.
Contact your local Building Inspector while you’re still in the planning stage and know what your Code requires. Their motto is, "Ignorance of the law is not a defense."
What, exactly, must I do? In addition to the stairway from the upper level of your house into your lower level (basement), you need an additional window or door for emergency egress. Many builders nowadays are accommodating homeowners and building this right in. You are required to comply with the current Building Codes at the time of remodeling. Additionally, if you are intending to use a room in your basement as a bedroom, there must be egress within that actual room.
Egress doors and windows require us cutting through the concrete foundation of your home to create an opening that is large enough for a rescuer in full gear to fit through. Adhering to this Code protects those who use your basement. A home inspection done for any purpose (i.e., selling your home) will require your basement be brought up to Code. Your Township’s Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer needs to inspect that you complied with the vapor barrier and fire stopping portion of the Code, and in doing so may require you to remove the (finished) drywall and/or tear down other portions of your finished basement. Some Townships will double all permit costs and levy substantial fines for non-compliance. Inspectors themselves have told us these stories (and they’re smiling while they tell them.)
EBCON Services only works with permits and adheres to all Township Building Codes. We are interested in your safety, and protecting ourselves and our reputation within the industry.