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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 can significantly add value to a home. By making basement and attic areas safer and more livable, they allow you to market these spaces as finished living areas, which increases your property's value. Many homeowners can recover the full installation cost, with some sources citing a return on investment of around 70%. The exact value added depends on your specific home, location, and adherence to local building codes. Beyond financial value, egress windows enhance functionality by adding natural light and comfort. They are also a crucial safety feature, often mandated by building codes to serve as an emergency exit.

An egress window is similar to a regular window. However, this type of window opens fully to allow people to escape the home or rescue personnel to enter the home if an emergency occurs. Egress windows are required in all finished basements before they can be considered a living space.

You install a window well 8 to 12 inches deeper than the base of the window sill. After filling the well with drainage rock, the well should sit 3 inches below the bottom of the window. The top of the window well should also be at least 3 inches higher than the surface-grade ground. The window well should be about 6 inches wider than the window opening.