Egress Windows
The Regulation
When adding an egress window to the basement or attic of your home, you have to keep certain requirements in mind:
- Minimum width of opening: 20 in.
- Minimum height of opening: 24 in.
- Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor)
- Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in.
Return On Investment
Egress windows allow you to finish your basement or attic so that the space is livable and flows seamlessly from the rest of the house. This added square footage, bedroom and living space adds tremendous value to Seattle area homes. Local building codes require egress windows in order for a basement or attic room to be considered a bedroom.
When adding egress windows to your basement you can dramatically increase the amount of nature light your basement receives, again making the space more livable. If you decide to finish your basement, as, about how Green Built Northwest can maximize light through your basement floor plan. We can help design the layout of your basement to allow for light flow by avoiding too many walls and closed off spaces and helping you consider the location of your windows before deciding where those walls will go. Ideally, we’ll help design a space so that light moves uninterrupted from one side of the basement to the other.