Basement Windows - Emergency Exit

[Anonymous]

I live in a tiny, one-story house in a great neighborhood with great schools (so no desire to move). Our basement is completely finished. There are two bedrooms upstairs and one "bedroom" downstairs. I hesitate to call it a bedroom because there is not an exit to the outside from the basement.

We just added a baby girl to our family, so we know that our daughter and son won't be able to share a room for very long. I don't want to use the basement room as a bedroom unless there is a way to get outside in case of a fire. The windows aren't huge but, given the right window, they are big enough for an adult to exit.

Do these windows exist? Do regular window contractors have/install these type of windows? Is it worth the cost?

[Anonymous]

If you are planning on using it as a bedroom, which I never would for a child, then I would only feel comfortable digging out a full door exit.

But, you ask about windows. Yes, the windows can be expanded so they will legally qualify as an emergency exit. They will cut into the foundation to create the space. I don't know about cost. Regular window installers could do this.

[Anonymous]

Basement egress windows also have to be low enough to the floor for a child to be able to climb up and out. It isn't just size.

[Anonymous]

OP, you and your husband should move to the basement bedroom after you have the correct size window in place.

[Anonymous]

My husband and I are definitely going to be the ones moving down there when the time comes. I'm just uncomfortable with not having a way out in case of emergency. I'm not sure digging an outside entrance is feasible, but I'll check into that option as well.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the current size and above/below ground. There are minimum codes for an egress window. You can dig outside and install one but it would be very costly - at least several thousand plus the window. We just paid someone $700 to enlarge the hole for our basement window but we should have DIY'ed (did a lousy job). If it is above ground, its much easier and just cut down and install new window and framing. Our new windows were about $400 each, plus $200 for framing and other supplies (DIY end of installing and framing). So, for us, its around $2000, so I'd guess $5-8,000 for a full job.

[Anonymous]

Add an egress window, that's feasible, will also enable you to resell as a legal "3 bedrooms"

[Anonymous]

The cost will depend a great deal on your topography around the house - if the base of the window will be above ground level at least 6 inches, then could run about $500 for a legal egress window purchase and about $1000-2000 for installation, depending on how deep into the concrete you have to cut

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Add an egress window, that's feasible, will also enable you to resell as a legal "3 bedrooms"

I agree. I would imagine that there is significant value in going from a two bedroom (tiny!) home to a legal three bedroom home for resale purposes. Check local code for specific requirements. It will probably cost several thousand, but it should be worth it in the long term. Just an observation...I would personally not feel comfortable sleeping in the basement with two young children on the main level. It would be interesting to get other perspectives.

[Anonymous]

I don't know how old your son is, but MANY boy/girl siblings have shared a room without ever needing therapy.

Personally, I'd be fine with kids sharing a bedroom until the oldest was about 11 or 12. A lot can change in a decade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know how old your son is, but MANY boy/girl siblings have shared a room without ever needing therapy.

Personally, I'd be fine with kids sharing a bedroom until the oldest was about 11 or 12. A lot can change in a decade.

+1 Our children are 8 and 9 and they won't be sleeping in separate rooms for a while.

[Anonymous]

The window size isn't just about an "adult getting out." They are supposed to be large enough that a firefighter, in full gear, can get in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The window size isn't just about an "adult getting out." They are supposed to be large enough that a firefighter, in full gear, can get in.

And carry the adult out.

[Anonymous]

pp, you don't need a closet - that is myth.

And in FAirfax county the window cannot be higher that 40"off the bedroom floor.

[Anonymous]

Check your local code - there are pretty clear rules as to what counts as legal egress. If you're spending the money, you should make sure it's up to code. You don't need to do a whole door (which would probably cost $8000+, by the time you dig out, and put in steps) but you can do a egress window pretty easily. As others have said, you have a well drop down in front of the window that comes out from the house maybe 2 feet. So the window ends up being pretty big and lots of sun comes in. I think that probably runs around $4000.