Egress Window
Also called: Emergency Escape Window, Basement Bedroom Window
What it means
An egress window is an emergency escape window required by building code in every bedroom. It must be large enough for a person to climb out and for a firefighter to climb in. The minimum opening is 5.7 square feet, at least 20 inches wide, at least 24 inches tall, with the bottom no more than 44 inches above the floor. In a basement, the window opens into a window well with enough room to climb out. Many finished basements have bedrooms without a proper egress window — this means the room is not a legal bedroom. Adding one costs $2,500 to $5,000.
When you might hear this
You hear this when finishing a basement bedroom or buying a home where the basement is listed as a bedroom. An egress window is a window big enough for a person to escape through in a fire.
What to ask
- Does this basement bedroom have a code-compliant egress window?
- What size does the window opening need to be?
- Is there a window well with enough room to climb out?
- Does a building permit need to be pulled for the installation?
This is for understanding only. It is not legal advice. If you are in a case, talk to a lawyer.