Basements are often thought of as dark, underutilized spaces. But with the right features, such as windows, they can be transformed into bright, functional areas.
Many full basements in West MI have windows, though they are often narrow and non-working. However, should you wish to convert your basement to bonus living space, like a media room, den, or extra bedroom, you’ll need to get up to speed on egress windows.
“Egress” is just a fancy word for exit—egress windows allow you and your family to escape in an emergency. That’s why basements have windows — they’re required by code for below-grade living areas.
Below, we’ll discuss basement egress windows in more detail and the benefits they offer to your Michigan home.
What Is a Basement Egress Window?
An egress window is any window that fully opens to allow escape in a fire or other emergency. Egress windows also provide access to the basement for firefighters or other emergency personnel. Basement egress windows have a well that keeps dirt out of the way and allows complete escape from the room.
Why Do Basements Have Windows?
Aside from safety, here are the other benefits of egress windows.
Increased Home Value and Boosted Curb Appeal
Beyond functionality, basement windows contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your home. They allow for design continuity from the upper levels to the basement, making the space feel like a natural extension of your home rather than an afterthought.
The strategic placement and styling of basement windows can significantly enhance your home’s exterior appearance, giving it a cohesive and attractive look from all angles. This attention to detail not only augments your property’s architectural beauty but also positions your home favorably in the market, should you decide to sell.
Prospective buyers often value the added brightness and perceived space that well-designed basement windows provide, making it a compelling feature that sets your property apart. Thus, adding quality windows can increase your home’s resale value, making it an investment that pays off in the long run.
Upgraded Safety Factor and Legal Compliance
One of the primary reasons basements have windows is safety. Egress windows are not just an addition; they are a necessity, mandated by building codes to ensure the safety of the occupants.
In Grand Rapids, MI egress windows are required in finished basements to comply with local building codes. There are specific code requirements for basement egress windows in the area, including that they are no more than 40 inches from the floor.
Enhanced Natural Light and Ventilation
Basement windows introduce natural light and ventilation into an otherwise closed-off space. This not only makes the basement more pleasant and usable but also helps in reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and ventilation, which can lead to significant energy savings.
Natural light has been shown to boost mood and productivity, making basement windows an essential feature for transforming your basement into a livable space, be it a home office, gym, or family room.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Windows play a crucial role in the energy efficiency of your home. Properly installed and insulated basement windows can prevent heat loss during the winter and keep the space cooler during the summer.
At WMGB Home Improvement, we specialize in providing insulation and home energy solutions that help Michigan homeowners save on heating and cooling costs. By choosing the right windows, you can enhance your home’s overall energy efficiency, contributing to long-term cost savings and environmental conservation.
What are the Benefits of Basement Egress Windows?
Like most windows in your home, basement egress windows allow more natural light into living areas, and they can be opened for fresh air and ventilation. Other basement egress window advantages include:
- Increased home value — By adding a basement egress window you increase the square footage of your home thus increasing its value.
- Upgraded safety factor — Installing basement egress windows helps to ensure your family is safe.
- Boosted curb appeal — Our aesthetic finishing and decorative well components make egress windows an attractive improvement.
What Kinds of Egress Windows are Available?
Like other residential windows, basement egress windows are available in several styles and multiple sizes to complement your home. The egress window pros at WMGB Home Improvement offer three opening styles for basement egress windows:
- Casement windows — Great for basement areas with limited space, basement egress casement windows crank open and have a locking mechanism to maintain energy efficiency.
- In-swing windows — These basement egress windows look and ventilate like single-hung windows. The nifty trick is that swing-in windows open like a door to allow for easy escape and cleaning. They are secured with a latch at the bottom of the window.
- Sliding windows — These feature a lot of glass area to really pump up the light inside basement areas. With a minimum width of 51 inches, slider egress windows can dramatically transform a basement bedroom.
How Much Do Basement Egress Windows Cost?
The cost of basement egress windows can vary quite a bit. The answer depends on the type of window, window well, and cost of labor. If you’re a hands-on homeowner, our Premium Package lets you take care of digging the exterior well, removing excess dirt, and adding gravel, and we take care of the rest! If digging isn’t your style, we can take care of the whole shebang with The Works package. Just give us a call and we can give you an estimate based on your needs.
Why Choose WMGB Home Improvement for Your Basement Egress Windows?
When it comes to enhancing your home’s basement windows, WMGB Home Improvement stands out as the premier choice for homeowners in Michigan. Here’s why:
- Trusted Expertise Since 1984 — With decades of experience, we’ve established ourselves as leaders in home remodeling, especially when it comes to windows. Our dedicated team brings unparalleled expertise to every project, ensuring your basement windows are installed with precision and care.
- Focus on Energy Efficiency — We prioritize energy-efficient solutions that provide significant savings on heating and cooling costs. Our high-quality windows not only enhance your home’s comfort but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Customized Solutions for Every Home — Understanding that each home is unique, we offer personalized window solutions tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s egress windows or glass block windows, we ensure the perfect fit for your space.
- Commitment to Customer Satisfaction — Our goal is to exceed your expectations. From the initial consultation to the final installation, we work closely with you to ensure your complete satisfaction with our services.
Choosing WMGB Home Improvement means partnering with a company that genuinely cares about the safety, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of your home. Let us transform your basement into a bright, comfortable, and safe space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Install New Basement Egress Windows in Your Home
There are lots of egress window options available to suit most Kalamazoo, MI homeowners hoping to upgrade and finish off unused basement areas. Our egress window team can help you select the right combination of windows, wells, and installation to meet your budget and experience. With the right egress windows, your finished basement will be a safer, more enjoyable living space for you and your family.
Upgrade your basement with new egress windows. Call 616-300-1425 or contact us online to get a free quote for egress window installation.
