The Height of an Above Floor Basement Egress Window

Identification

• A basement egress window is larger than the typical 30 inches wide and 15 inches high and set lower to the floor to make for easy access. To install an egress window, the ground outside the window is removed so there is a large, deep window well that a person can climb out to safety. Some construction is required in an existing home to remove part of the foundation wall for the increased window size.

Measurements

• An egress basement window must have a minimum size of 20 inches wide and 24 inches high, with a 5.7-square-foot space. The bottom of the window must be at a minimum height of 44 inches from the floor. You can increase the size of the window and still have a legal egress window; however, the size and height from the floor must meet the minimum requirements.

Benefit

• The main reason to add an egress window to a basement is to provide a second exit from your home if a fire or other emergency requires a quick exit. Many basements have small windows, or are windowless with no natural light. An egress window allows more natural light into the area to reduce lighting bills. Egress windows placed in the basement of a home increase the home value and make the finished space in the lower level legally usable for a bedroom or other living space.

Consideration

• Consider changing basement windows to an egress style when remodeling or building a new home. Place egress windows away from walkways to prevent accidental falls into the dug-out space outside of the window. Completing the task of adding an egress window to your basement is less costly if you do the work yourself, rather than hiring a contractor to do the work.