There are times when, despite how much we love our spouse or families, we may need a little “alone” time at home. You may have just had a very stressful day at work, or you need to think about or plan something in-depth, or maybe you just want to enjoy some uninterrupted time reading a good book. But not everyone has a haven they can escape to in their homes without distractions or disruptions. Well, how about using your basement?
If you reacted to this question with distaste, it may be time to think about remodeling your basement into something more functional and attractive. Unfortunately, in many homes, especially older homes, basements do not hold much appeal. They can be dark, cold, and damp. But what if you could transform that basement into a comfortable and bright space? Imagine how quiet it would be, away from the noise and bustle inside and outside your house.
An egress window might make this possible. A bonus is that that new, comfortable space will add value to your home.
Increasing the Square Footage of Living Space
In order to turn a basement into a livable space, you need to add an egress window. An egress window is a window large enough for someone in the room to use as an exit in case of an emergency, such as a fire. In addition, someone using the window must be able to access the ground, so an egress window in a basement will often require an exterior window well and possibly a ladder, depending on how deep the basement is.
Building safety codes require rooms to have at least one egress window (or door) if they are to be used as “living spaces” – a bedroom or a family room, for example, as opposed to a utility room or bathroom. Egress windows in a basement enhance the safety of the space and allow you to legally market this part of the house as additional living space.
Increasing Your Property’s Value
Installing an egress window to increase your home’s living space provides many benefits. First, the window brings light and fresh air into your basement space. This will enable you to keep it dry and drive away musty odors. Depending upon the design of the window and its location within the space, it can help you transform your basement into a warm and bright room. With the right furnishings and finishes, it can become a guest bedroom, den, teen space, home theater, home office, homeschool room, recreation space, or workout room. Or your quiet, private study.
Adding an egress window may cost anywhere from $2500 to $6,000, depending upon how much work is involved, the type of window you want, and where you are installing it in the room. But if you consider it an investment in the home, the return on that investment can be significant. While there are variations depending on your home’s location and the basement’s configuration, it is estimated that an egress window in a basement can add an average of $20,000 to your home’s market value. At 509 Concrete Cutting and Egress Windows, we have a variety of egress windows and doors in stock, and have helped numerous homeowners in the Spokane area increase their home’s value in just a week or so.
But the investment is not just financial. Making your home safer and increasing your living space greatly benefits you as the homeowner. Your basement space can become a welcome addition to your home with a minimal investment of money and time, opening up the possibilities of your basement. Transforming your basement with one or more egress windows and some basic remodeling could be the solution you are looking for if you are feeling cramped in your current home. It will save you the time and expense of moving, expand your usable living space, and enhance your property’s value.
Unlock the full potential of your basement by installing an egress window. If you want to learn more about basement transformations by installing an egress window or door or by utilizing concrete cutting to carry out other basement remodel projects, contact 509 Concrete Cutting and Egress Windows today.
