egress windows

Egress Windows for a Safe Basement

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Egress Windows

Egress windows are a requirement for the safety of a basement apartment. Building code requires that these windows be installed for emergency purposes. It is therefore common for homeowners to look at these windows as an obligation and fail to see the opportunities they present.

Egress window can not only provide a basement with more light but can also make a basement apartment a safer and healthier space in which to live.

The following are examples of strategically installed windows that make a big difference to basement apartments:

  • Kitchen

A kitchen is a necessary part of any apartment. It is also one of the most active areas of an apartment. Installing a window in the portion of a basement apartment that houses the kitchen can help to reduce humidity as well as smells resulting from cooking.

Kitchen windows also offer a great opportunity for kitchen gardens that can brighten up the apartment.

  • Bedroom

The bedroom section of a basement apartment should be calm and warm. However, adding a window can add a great deal to the appeal of the space. You get to watch the sun rise as you lie in bed especially if your window is an east-facing one.

Windows in the bedroom space can help to regulate temperatures especially in summer. They can help to keep the space cool and allow fresh air into the space, therefore promoting the health of the occupants.

  • Bathroom

You may think that adding a window to the bathroom of a basement apartment may be intrusive. However, a bathroom window will go a long way in not only making the bathroom a light and airy space but also in keeping moisture levels low in the apartment. Steam and moisture in the air can be vented out through the window. This ensures that the rest of the apartment remains dry and free of mold.

When choosing egress windows, it is important to consider the design and layout of the basement apartment. Consider what your windows will be adding to the space. The additional light as well as the opportunity to provide ventilation is a great motivation for the installation of windows in different parts of the apartment.

Ensure that you consult with a professional contractor from the beginning. This will help you select the right windows and identify the right places to have them installed. It will also ensure that you meet building code requirements.

egress windows

What You Need To Know Before Adding Egress Windows in Woodbridge NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Egress Windows in Woodbridge NJ

Are you planning to finish your basement? You may be planning to convert your basement into an additional bedroom, game room or other living space. This is a great way to not only add to the square footage of your home but also to add value to your house should you decide to sell it one day.

Many homeowners think that converting a basement is as simple as adding drywall and a few coats of paint. However, there are several other requirements for finished basements depending on the state. One common requirement is the addition of egress windows.

Add a Window

All building codes across the US call for homeowners to add egress windows if they want to convert their basements into habitable spaces. Although requirements vary, they generally call for the window to be large enough for an adult of average build to be able to escape through in case of an emergency such as a flood or fire.

Minimum Requirements

Building codes require that windows in finished basements be large enough to allow a person to escape. They should also be large enough for emergency personnel to enter the home in case they need rescue someone.

Local building codes provide guidelines on the minimal height and width of the windows. It is therefore important for homeowners to check with these requirements before they add their windows. You will otherwise have to replace your window and therefore waste a lot of money in the process.

Other Requirements

There are also various other requirements for the windows. These include the operation of the windows. Windows should be operational not only from the outside but from the inside as well. It is also important to ensure that no special tools are required for the operation of these windows.

There are also various requirements for window wells and other associated structures. For example, window wells for basements below ground level should have ladders installed in them to increase accessibility.

Replacement of Existing Windows

If you already have egress windows in your home, you should check to ensure that they meet the minimal requirements for these windows. If they don’t, you will have to consider having them replaced. Replacement may involve increasing the width or height of your windows. This depends on whether the current window meets the requirements for placement.

Get in touch with a professional to help you with the installation.