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 they’re required by code for below-grade living areas.
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 into 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.
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.
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.
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.
