"Nathan Brand was the inspector who did our inspection. We were so impressed with his knowledge and presentation of services to be done. such a nice presentation and gentleman. We are having them do our work for us ."
Basements are generally required to have windows for your safety. At a minimum, windows should provide an egress in the event of a fire. But basement windows do more than offer a way out; basement windows also offer natural light and ventilation in an area of your home that is otherwise dark and musty.
Yes, egress windows are grandfathered. However, this comes with some specifications. If you are remodeling a basement or adding a sleeping area, you’ll need to update the egress windows to be up to proper code. But, if you’re leaving your home as is, you do not have to adhere to these requirements.
Most professionals can install a window well in two to three days, depending on the size of the well and the window you want inside it. If you’re just replacing an existing window well, the work is much less intensive, and most experts can get the job done in just one day. Connecting the window well to a drainage system or installing a custom concrete window well will naturally take longer, but even the most complicated installations shouldn’t take more than three days.
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.
Yes, you absolutely need a permit to add a window to your house. Your contractor can likely obtain this permit on your behalf. Ask about this when getting quotes from multiple window contractors.
The Langdon, ND homeowners’ guide to egress window services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Window wells bring more natural light into your basement and can act as a safe point of egress. Learn about window well replacement costs in this price guide.
Find out how much it will cost to replace a basement window in your home, based on the type and size of the window, whether it’s prefab or custom, and who does the installation.