So it seems here in Ohio- for a standard builder grade 3050 (36" x 60") vinyl single hung in a drywall return, an "insert" double hung for replacement WONT meet egress unless you cut drywall or worse yet, enlarge opening. In essence, homeowners are taking a code compliant window out of their home and putting in a non-compliant replacement window. Assuming drywall and sill, the replacement size will be nominally 35 1/2" x 59 1/2 and most vinyl windows will not meet egress at that bedroom size for second floors (needing 5.7 sq ft). This could be an issue for resale, etc..

Egress rules have recently changed,for IBC code, have you confirmed with local officials you would need to enlarge opening?

Egress is a NON ISSUE if you are doing replacement or new construction in the original opening. The original window openings are grandfathered in so to speak. Unless you are creating a brand new opening , egress wont be an issue.

Anderson, Marvin, etc all make windows that meet the IBC for an egress window. Your lumber yard / big box store can help you with the sizing.

I think the best bet is a casement, a double hung egress is huge.

Master is not quite correct about grandfathered in. If it's a rental - you may have to install egress windows. Or if your making a room into a bedroom, you will need to have an egress window.

For the most part(99% of the time), if you replace your current windows, you need not worry about egress. How many customers want to change their current homes to a rental property? Not many.

All of the above posts have valid points. Generally speaking, unless you are making an alteration in the opening (or making a new one), or changing the purpose of the room (IE: converting an attic to a bedroom or something), the egress requirement will not apply. The majority of older housing stock has windows that do not meet current code to start with, so obviously you cannot be expected to meet current requirements if you want to new windows. That said, things could get a little dicey with the local officials if the window did previously meet current code and the retrofit does not. This is not a common scenario, but happens from time to time. There are situations where daylight area comes into play as well, as it correlates with the room size. I run into this most frequently when installing a new egress window below grade.. I think that the best advice, when in doubt, is to check with your local officials before you spend a dime.