{"id":413,"date":"2023-05-04T06:00:05","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T06:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/509concretecutting.com\/?p=413"},"modified":"2023-05-23T18:26:14","modified_gmt":"2023-05-23T18:26:14","slug":"need-an-egress-window-heres-our-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/509concretecutting.com\/index.php\/2023\/05\/04\/need-an-egress-window-heres-our-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Need an Egress Window? Here’s Our Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

Need an Egress Window? Here\u2019s Our Process<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t have an egress window in your basement, it can severely limit the uses to which you can put that space. If you have a basement and want to expand its usability, installing an egress window is a must. 509 Concrete Cutting and Egress Windows, located in Spokane, Washington, specializes in retrofitting egress windows into existing basements.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is an Egress Window?<\/span><\/h3>\n

An egress window is a window (or door) large enough for people to fit through to exit a room or a building. Egress windows are a critical safety feature for basements. If a fire or other disaster prevents a person from exiting the basement via the stairwell, an egress window will ensure that anyone in the basement will have a means of getting outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

State building codes require every habitable room, especially every bedroom, to have an egress window. You can only use a basement room for sleeping if it has an egress window.<\/span><\/p>\n

To meet code requirements, the window cannot be just any window. Instead, it must comply with certain specifications. Washington State building codes, which are typical of building codes for egress windows in many municipalities, provide:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • You must be able to open the window from the inside without a key or other tool or special knowledge<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The opening must be a minimum of 24 inches high and 20 inches wide<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The window sill may not be higher than 44 inches from the floor<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The opening must have a minimum area of 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. if at grade)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • If the sill height is below grade, there must be an exterior window well<\/span><\/li>\n
  • If a window well is needed, the area of the well must be a minimum of 9 sq ft, with a minimum width of 36 inches<\/span><\/li>\n
  • A window well greater than 44 inches below grade must have permanent steps or a ladder that does not block the opening of the window<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Installing an Egress Window With 509 Concrete<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Many people who want to install an egress window in their basement may balk at the thought of doing it themselves, and it is no wonder. Not only must you ensure that you comply with permitting and code requirements, but cutting through concrete basement walls to fit a door or window is a challenging DIY project. Accordingly, 509 Concrete Cutting and Egress Windows has streamlined the process for our customers, providing a turn-key service that enables you to turn the job over to us from concept to clean-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The first step is to call and tell us the basics about your proposed project. If, after our initial call, you want to pursue the project further, we will come to your house for a site inspection and discuss your options. Based on this visit, we will provide a quote for the project.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Our quoted price will include everything:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Permitting,\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Excavation, either with a small excavator or by hand<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Cutting, removal, and disposal of concrete\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Specified window (or door)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Creation of and reinforcement for the window well\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Egress steps\/ladder (if necessary,\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Drainage stone and any other necessary drainage measures\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Area clean-up\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • All labor<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

       <\/p>\n

      In addition, we always keep several egress window options in stock in our shop, so you won\u2019t have to worry about delays while waiting for your window to come in. With our process and expertise, we can minimize the time between your call and your finished window.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Benefits of an Egress Window<\/span><\/h3>\n

      In addition to the safety benefits of an egress window, it provides benefits in several other ways. Egress windows bring more light into your basement and access to fresh air. These benefits, alone, can improve the feel of your basement space, driving away odors, dampness, and uncomfortable dinginess. An egress window opens up possibilities for using your basement as a den, a game room, and an impromptu guest room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      All of these benefits will also increase the value of your home when it comes time to put it on the market for sale or get an appraisal for a refinance. Investing in an egress window will likely more than pay for itself down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

      If you are considering installing an egress window in your basement, we would love to show you what we can do. Contact 509 Concrete Cutting and Egress Windows today. <\/span>