Finishing a basement is one of the most popular home improvement projects in West Michigan. More square footage, more livable space, more value. But before the drywall goes up and the flooring goes down, there is a question worth answering early: does this space need an egress window?
For a lot of homeowners, the answer is yes. And getting it right from the start saves a significant amount of time, money, and hassle down the road.
What Is an Egress Window?
An egress window is a window designed to provide a safe exit in the event of a fire, flood, or other emergency. It is large enough for a person to climb through and for emergency personnel to enter. That combination of size and accessibility is what sets it apart from a standard basement window.
Beyond safety, egress windows also bring in natural light and fresh air, two things most unfinished basements are in short supply of.
When Is an Egress Window Required in Michigan?
The answer is straightforward. Every finished basement must have an egress window in Michigan if finished living space exists below grade. More specifically, any bedroom below grade requires one. If you are turning that basement into a guest room, a home office with a sleeping area, or any other space someone could reasonably sleep in, an egress window is not optional. It is a code requirement.
This applies to new construction and to existing homes being renovated. If the space is getting finished and will function as a bedroom, the egress window needs to be part of the plan.
What Does Michigan Code Require?
Egress windows and window wells must meet minimum size requirements under IRC building codes. The requirements exist to make sure the opening is large enough to actually serve its purpose in an emergency. No locks, security grates, bars, or other devices are allowed to block the window well.
Here are the specific size requirements for basement egress windows:
- Minimum of 5.7 square feet of openable space
- Must open to at least 24 inches in height
- Must open to at least 20 inches wide
- Windowsill can be no more than 44 inches above the floor
If your egress window sits below grade, a window well is also required. Here are the Michigan code requirements for basement window wells:
- Inside area must be no less than 9 square feet
- Minimum projection inside the well is 36 inches
- Window must open fully and completely within the window well
- If the inside depth of the well is greater than 36 inches, a fixed operable ladder must be installed
Egress window wells come in minimum sizes and go up to 84 inches wide, all meeting Michigan code requirements. Covers and grates are options to add safety against falls and improve security.
What Types of Egress Windows Are Available?
Not every window style qualifies as an egress window. Below-grade installations are most often limited to a few specific designs.
Here is what WMGB Home Improvement installs:
Casement windows open to the exterior and provide a large square foot area in a narrow design. They can be doubled or mulled together for larger size egress windows, making them a flexible option for a range of basement openings.
In-swing casement windows operate vertically as a single hung window for ventilation but open to the interior of the home for escape. They are a great alternative for spaces that run into size limitations with a standard casement.
Sliding windows open left or right and are the largest of the egress window choices. Maximum light and maximum ventilation make sliding windows a strong option for homeowners who want as much openness as possible. They can be made as big as needed.
What Are the Benefits Beyond Safety?
Safety is the primary reason egress windows exist, and it is the most important one. Having a finished, code-compliant space means your family has a reliable exit if they ever need one. Other benefits include:
- More natural light in a space that typically has very little
- Natural air flow throughout the basement
- Improved aesthetics compared to small or aging basement windows
- A point of access for large items that would not otherwise fit through a standard window
- Peace of mind knowing the space meets current code
A finished, code-compliant basement also adds value to your home. The cost to install an egress window varies, but having the work done correctly by an experienced installer protects that investment for the long term.
Why Installation Matters
An egress window is only as good as its installation. The opening needs to meet code, the window well needs to drain properly, and the window itself needs to operate reliably under pressure. Cutting corners on any part of that process creates problems that are expensive to fix later.
At WMGB Home Improvement, we have been installing egress window systems in the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Holland, and Lakeshore areas for over 35 years. Our team will help you find the right egress window for your home’s needs and budget, and make sure everything meets Michigan code requirements before the job is done.
If you are ready to get started or just want to talk through your options, reach out online or call us at 616-727-8198 for a free estimate. We will come out, assess your space, and walk you through exactly what the project involves.
