As a homeowner, you know how daunting it can be to think about the safety and security of your family. One important aspect of keeping your home safe that often goes overlooked is installing egress windows. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, egress windows can provide significant benefits to your home’s value and your family’s security. We’ve gathered all the important information you need to know about egress windows and why they’re a wise investment.
1. Safety First
First and foremost, egress windows are an essential component of your home’s safety. In the event of a fire or other emergency, an egress window provides a safe exit for occupants. In many states, it is even required by law to have egress windows installed in all basement bedrooms. An egress window must meet specific size and accessibility requirements to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can safely exit the home in an emergency. Not only do they provide an exit route, but they also allow emergency personnel to enter the home if needed.
2. Add Square Footage and Value
Egress windows can also add valuable living space to your home. By meeting size requirements for an egress window, a basement can legally be classified as “living area,” increasing the overall square footage of your home. This added value can significantly increase the resale value of your home. Additionally, the natural light that accompanies egress windows can make the basement feel more inviting and livable. If you plan on finishing your basement, egress windows are the perfect solution to provide legal egress while maximizing the potential of that space.
3. Improve Curb Appeal
Egress windows come in various styles and sizes, making it easy to find a window that fits the aesthetic of your home. Choosing the right egress window can improve the overall look of your home and boost its curb appeal. Rather than bulky metal grates, egress windows can feature stylish window wells and covers that add depth and texture to your home’s exterior. Not only do they add to the aesthetics of your property, but they also improve the functionality and efficiency of your home.
4. Increase Natural Light and Ventilation
One of the biggest advantages of egress windows is the added natural light they bring to your basement. Many basements lack natural light, making them feel dark and uninviting. With egress windows, natural light can flood into the basement, making it a more pleasant and functional space. Egress windows can also improve ventilation in the basement, which is critical in reducing moisture levels and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Basement egress windows can be customized to fit your specific needs, providing an additional source of ventilation to make your basement a more comfortable and healthy space.
5. Ease Your Mind
Finally, knowing that your home is equipped with egress windows can bring peace of mind and a sense of security to you and your family. Ensuring that your home is safe in the event of an emergency is essential, especially when it comes to your family’s safety. With egress windows, you can be confident that your family has a safe exit route, and emergency personnel can access your home if needed. Installing egress windows is a small investment that can pay off in dividends in the event of an emergency.
6. The Installation
Our crew digs the hole by hand, to minimize any damage to your property, and protect underground utilities. In a number of cases this policy has proved to be very helpful, as some homeowners install private lines around their homes which are not reflected on any materials provided by the city. Imagine the damage a backhoe could do in this case.
A special diamond-bladed hydraulic ring saw is used to cut through the outside of the cement block to minimize the dust and mess on the inside. A member of the crew will score the inside of the wall with a small jackhammer, then the wall is pounded out with a good, old-fashioned maul and a bit of sweat.
We install several different types of window wells to meet your specific needs. Some are galvanized steel with a ladder attachment while others are a stepped window well made of structural plastic that won’t rust, rot, or be eaten by bugs. We can also install a clear cover to protect the window well from rain, snow, ice, etc.
The window is installed and trimmed with help from our mobile wood shop. In as little as one day, Standard Water can transform a dark, cold basement into a light, warm, inviting–and code-compliant–living space.
Conclusion:
Egress windows are a smart investment for any homeowner looking to improve the safety, value, and functionality of their home. From increasing natural light and ventilation to improving overall curb appeal, egress windows can benefit your family in many ways. If you’re considering installing egress windows, be sure to work with a professional to ensure that you’re meeting all the necessary requirements and codes. With egress windows, you can enjoy your basement space to the fullest while gaining peace of mind knowing that your family is safe.
Contact Standard Water Control today for a free consultation. You’ll be glad you did!