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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, it is generally better and more cost-effective to replace all your windows at once. Contractors often lower the per-window labor and material costs for larger projects, saving you money in the long run. Installers may also quote a flat rate for overhead, making multiple small jobs more expensive than one large one.

Replacing all windows simultaneously offers other advantages:

• Aesthetics and Home Value: It creates a cohesive style and uniform energy efficiency, which is appealing to potential home buyers.

• Efficiency: The entire replacement process, which can take several weeks, is completed in a single, more efficient project.

However, replacing all windows requires a significant upfront investment. While you can replace just a few windows, experts recommend replacing at least five to eight at a time to avoid high overhead costs. An exception is when a single window is damaged; in that case, it can be replaced on its own.

In most cases, it's worth it to install hurricane windows—especially if you live in an area prone to hurricanes and storms. Hurricane windows not only protect your windows from breaking but also protect the interior of your home from storm damage while also potentially reducing your homeowner's insurance premium. On top of that, hurricane windows have an ROI of 80% to 85%.

When comparing impact windows vs. hurricane shutters, it’s important to consider the protection and installation details to determine the right choice for you. For constant protection against storms and flying debris, impact windows are a better option than hurricane shutters, especially if you don’t want to install shutters that will change the look of your house. However, impact windows are more costly than hurricane shutters. If you want a budget-friendly option that’s still protective against storms, hurricane shutters are a solid option.