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The proper way to install a window well is to measure the window, dig a hole deeper and wider than the window, place a drainage tube and cap, anchor the well to the foundation, caulk the seam, and backfill the hole. The job requires tools such as a hammer drill and auger and some heavy digging. Proper placement and window well installation are critical to preventing water from leaking into the window.

Egress windows are typically required for basements with habitable space or living quarters. Not all basements or lower levels require egress windows. However, egress windows are required in homes with living spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms in a basement. The International Residential Code and International Building Code require sleeping rooms to have a specific size egress window. Check your local building codes to confirm the requirements in your area.

Because egress windows are meant for emergency exiting and entering, they need to be an accessible size. The smallest an egress window is allowed to be is 15 inches in width and height, with an opening of around 4 square feet.

Yes, you can always make an existing window bigger, but the job complexity varies widely depending on the location of the window and the framing around it. Exterior walls are always load-bearing, so making windows wider will require structural changes that make for a more complex but doable project. Making windows taller often won’t require structural changes.