already finished basement needs egress

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

We are thinking we want a bedroom in the basement but the house came with the basement already finished without egress. It's a professional finish, all drywalled and insulated. Looks very nice. Considering we don't even know what's behind the wall, is it even possible to enlarge the window? If we did, would it destroy the interior wall completely? I've never seen anything like this done. Thanks.

OK, trying to post a photo.

That's just a really large bulletin board underneath, as it is currently an office.

EDIT: I am NOT asking about code or safety. Still hoping to get a comment on what will happen to the wall and ceiling when the concrete guys cuts. There's spray foam behind the wall and cellulose in the ceiling. Can this all be repaired good as new or will I hurt the integrity of the system?

Featured Answer

worthy

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

An egress window elsewhere in the basement does not count as an egress window.

A competent contractor will make sure insulation, drainage and waterproofing are not impaired. Closed-cell spray foam against the basement wall was a great decision. If necessary, the contractor will seal the new window with handheld spray foam. Similarly, any plastic membrane will be sealed against the foundation wall. Hard to comment further when we don't have any idea of the composition of the basement walls.

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Comments (7)

PRO
Norwood Architects
3 years ago
Can you post photos?
juniperg92 thanked Norwood Architects
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
This is pretty typical basement window with window well. You would need to get a contractor in your area they dig down outside to get to the foundation then cut a hole in the concrete to make awindow. Is this a bedroom you will be using all the time ? There are many bedrooms in basements with no egress not great but if used only onvce in a while maybe, If you post pic of the whole basement and the outside of the house there might be aspot better to work with or is this the only window?
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worthy
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The height and width of the opening and access will vary according to your jurisdiction.

For instance:

Source

An egress window is like a smoke detector. Only rarely useful. The odds are in your favour without it. What have you got to lose?
Lyn Nielson
3 years ago
any building contractor can accomplish this. Ask for a quote.
bichonbabe
3 years ago
Has been done many times in my neighborhood. Where I live it is code to have an egress window for a basement bedroom. To ignore the code would be irresponsible as it is unsafe and also will affect inspections and resale.
juniperg92
Original Author
3 years ago
Patricia, this is the only window in that room.