If you’re blessed with a large basement in your home, you may have wondered how to optimize this space. With the current demand for rental units at an all-time high, you might be thinking about putting in a small suite or bedroom on your lower floor to bring in extra income. Perhaps you have frequent overnight visitors or children who are tired of sharing rooms and want a space of their own.
Include egress windows in your plans to add an element of safety while allowing increased light and ventilation into your basement.
What is an Egress Window?
Egress windows are designed to act as an exit in the event of a fire or another type of emergency. While the exact size and dimension requirements may differ depending on where you live, they must be large enough for a person to fit through.
In Ontario, they must be a minimum of 3.77 sq feet and be at least 15 inches on every side. They should be easily operable, without needing special tools or training to open. National standards require each bedroom to have an egress window. While this is rarely an issue with rooms on the main or upper floors, these windows aren’t usually standard in the basement.
Why Install Egress Windows in Your Basement?
In a typical basement, windows are small and often located over a meter from the floor. Even if they were accessible, it’s unlikely they could be used as a means of escape. Whether you’re considering sectioning off extra bedrooms in the basement for your growing children or creating an apartment for rental, you’ll need to make plans to install an egress window for your renos to be up to code.
Basement egress windows can pose a particular challenge since installation may require cutting into the concrete foundation of your home to enlarge your current window opening. At Torwin, we have put in countless egress windows and have the tools and expertise to install yours perfectly.
Torwin consultants are also up to speed on window code and regulations. They can advise you on how best to execute your project based on your goals and preferences, ensuring they adhere to safety standards. We’ll provide a thorough assessment and recommendations for your egress window installation so the end result will exceed your expectations.
Benefits of Egress Windows
Egress windows are a necessity but can also make your basement a brighter, more welcoming space. Basements are typically known for being dark and damp. A larger, operable window allows better ventilation and natural light, breathing life to your lower floor. Casement, sliding and double-hung types are popular for egress windows since they’re easily operable and open wide enough to accommodate the minimum requirements. These windows come in various stylish designs, allowing you to upgrade the look and feel of your basement.
Egress windows have a great return on investment when installed for a basement rental unit. It can give you peace of mind, knowing that you’ve provided this important safety feature, whether it be for your tenants, guests or children. Reach out to Torwin to learn more about how to get started!
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