Egress windows are essential architectural features that do more than just enhance your curb appeal. They’re required in habitable basements and sleeping rooms to serve as emergency escape and rescue openings. While their purpose may seem straightforward, there are still plenty of things you need to know about egress windows.
As the authority in window installation in Grand Rapids, MI, WMGB Home Improvement wants to share with you a couple of nuggets about egress and basement windows. This way, you can fully appreciate them and make the right decisions upon planning your project. Be sure to take note of the following:
Not All Basement Windows Are Egress Windows
Again, you only need an egress opening in your basement when it has finished rooms. Be it existing or added, the building codes require your basement to have egress windows as long as it’s considered a living space. On the other hand, unfinished basements are not subject to local building requirements. It could just have ventilation windows to let it breathe and allow excess heat and moisture to escape your home.
Basement Egress Openings Have Stricter Standards
Compared with bedroom egress windows in Lansing, MI, local building codes are harder on basement egress openings. There are many considerations to guarantee they can provide a fast and safe escape route in the hour of need.
In a nutshell, your basement egress windows must be able to be fully opened, have a minimum width and height, and plenty of open area. As standards may vary per location, you can rely on our experience to ensure your basement egress openings comply with your local building requirements.
DIY Egress Window Project Lead to Disaster
Considering the rigorous standards for an egress window in Grand Rapids, MI, it’s advisable to leave this job in the hands of professionals. Handyman or not, egress opening construction is one of the projects best entrusted to experts. After all, a single mishap in this project is enough to put your family’s safety in jeopardy.
If you’re looking for a trusted company specializing in egress window installation, your search ends with WMGB Home Improvement. Call us now at (616) 226-8580 and let’s talk about your project.
