As many have said before if I had a nickel for every time Ive been asked Many people have inquired and asked the questions; What is a basement egress? Perhaps more often asked is, Do I need one?
With these questions being asked as often as they are, we thought it be best to clearly state the answer, so as to simplify this issue for as many people as possible.
Simply put, this issue of egress all began when the International Building Code was updated a few years ago, which now states that for any living space below grade, now must have another way to exit that space, other than the internal stairs. Now, if you already have a living space in your basement, and dont have a source of egress, dont panic, you are grandfathered in. That said, if youd like to add a source of egress, let us know as we can accommodate the installation into an already finished basement. However, if you have an unfinished basement, and you are looking to finish that basement, into a family room, a bedroom, or other living space, then you will need to consider what type of egress you will want to include in the planning and completion of that remodeling project.
In addition, others choose to add egress by installing a window and well system, for the simple reason of wanting to add light, (about 80% more) and ventilation to what traditionally has been a dark, damp, smelly space. It is also worth mentioning, that recent studies show that those who choose to invest in creating added living space along with a basement egress system can actually add 10-15% of a homes value when selling the property. Considering the current state of the housing market, many homeowners see the value of investing in this additional living space, knowing that they will profit form the investment when they choose to sell the property.
Many options are available to meet the newly established code. You can choose from adding a door, leading to external steps, with a Bilco enclosure. Or, if the idea of having a beautifully enlightened room, with ample ventilation appeals to you, you may want to consider the many options that an egress window and egress window well offer.
Either way, the professionals at Under Construction are prepared to assist you in this important decision. Feel free to contact us to schedule a free consultation to answer any questions you may have. We know basements, and your basement no longer has to be that dark, damp place. It can become a newly created living space, adding value to your home and providing an economical solution to the need for more space. Give us a call. We look forward to answering your questions!
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