Is That Egress Window LEGAL?

[@AlexWaardenburg]

The writing and delivering in this video is really top notch.

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Thank you everyone for watching this content.

[@invis7150]

I just cleaned out bottom of egress window of my friend. They had a steel grate covering top opening. Do they make a cylinder to assist top grate? Because it takes about 30 pounds of lift and I don’t think a child or elder could get it open. Thanks for your video.

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Hi Paul. Oh, good point. Not that I'm aware of. Sometimes home owners store wood or bags of mulch on top which defeats the purpose too. Makes the lid too heavy.

[@invis7150]

@@MarkTheRealtor Well I’m going to work together with my friend to develop something that will assist plus hold cover open. I really liked your videos.

[@dcmobile4699]

Curious, we have a bungalow with basement that was finished sometime in the 60's (with various cosmetics improved over time - paint, trim, carpeting, etc.). Unfortunately, the entire basement ceiling is only 6'9, LOL. Apparently, this wasn't unusual for a 50's bungalow - but wondering if, for the sake of future sale listing, we might be grandfathered from the 7' min rule? Not a huge deal I guess, just curious what you think. Thanks

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Good point DCM. That feels like there would be no option for an egress window for your basement. AND, consult with a local City or code inspector in your area too please.

[@dcmobile4699]

Yeah, may be likely :-(. But I'll update, as we just rcvd a callback from a contractor this am who will come out to check and hopefully quote it next week. We want to put one in, as one of our kids will be returning here for his last year of college and will be hanging in that space - would feel better having the additional egress even if we can't officially take advantage of it at resale. If doable it will be interesting to find out the $$ though, LOL. Hopefully under 10k. Thanks for the videos!

[@lukeschmidt7990]

Let’s say the bottom of the egress window is 50 inches from floor on inside, can a permanent step be installed to bring the gap under 44 inches?

[@MarkTheRealtor]

That is not stated in the code Luke, sorry. It does makes sense, to me. But when the house sells and the Appraiser measures, if it's over 44", then it may not count as an official "bedroom" for value.

[@wabiwagilles]

Hello Mark! With the 24/44 height requirement, how is this going to work in a house with a 9ft ceiling basement walls? Does that mean we will need to dig deeper from outside to get down to lower than 44inches? Also you call d the Casement windows « Holy Grail » does that mean those are the best?

[@MarkTheRealtor]

That is correct. Sorry. And if the window well exceeds 36" deep, then a ladder is required.

[@aileenchen5385]

What about window well? Any rule for egress window well? Thank you !

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Good day Aileen. Thanks for watching and the note. If the exterior window well is less than 36" deep just push open the lid and crawl out. If the exterior window well is more than 36" then either a bolted ladder, or a molded in ladder must be included to get out of the window well to safety.

[@stevenjose7872]

Hey Mark, do i need county permit to cut wall open for the egress window? Please help.

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Hi Steven. In our County when cutting into a structural foundation, a permit is required. Not sure about your County. Perhaps check with them. Hope this helped.

[@nicolereadstarot]

Would it be better to make a walk out instead of an egress? Would it be easier?

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Yes, good point Nicole. Walk-out basements are usually better. But they are more expensive.

[@valeriej291]

Thanks, Mark! Very helpful.

[@jeremydixon5701]

What is the ratio of room Sq footage to window square footage? I've been held to an 8% ratio. Idk about where you are from

[@tashtant]

What about drainage ? Does the well need to be connected to drain tile or well draining material is sufficient ?

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Thanks for the note Tash. You are correct the egress window well has gravel in the bottom which is supposed to connect under the footing to the homes Sump Pit and Pump system.

[@thischannelistrash7198]

....but Mark.... What if my house is worth $280k with a 4Bed/4bath above, and I put a 3Bed/2Bath in my basement?

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Thanks for the note. It would be unprofessional for me to comment on your market. Please ask a local broker there in your area.

[@RobertHardt]

Here’s what you misinterpreted and skipped- the 5.7 sq raw is the entire window. This is in the event a firefighter needs to smash it out and climb in. Min 20 x 24h is not 5.7 yet is a different requirement also in the code referring to someone escaping. And it is the passable, nothing obstructing (knobs, jambs, etc) portion of the rule. You can’t measure that whole slider with only half that opens and say “yep that’s 20 and 24!”.. one other thing you missed.. in a comment you referred to a ladder needed at 36” or deeper. This is 44 just like inside. Be a bit silly if you were required to 44 inside but only 36 outside. But I think you were thinking of 36 horizontal measurement from window to well wall, which you also missed when asked in comments.

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Hello Robert. I have the code book right here. IT's very specific. 5.7 s.f. with the window slid open. For a fire professional and their gear. From the basement floor to the sill is 44". And the depth of the outdoor well itself is 36" or anything larger needs a ladder. Nothing Robert was misinterpreted or skipped. Perhaps we are looking at different code books?

[@michaelhaze4507]

going into business, my goal is compleating every job 1 day start to finish,via mini ex /ring saw would it work out 3K profit in a day LMK egress windows

[@MarkTheRealtor]

That's exciting Michael. Thanks for sharing.

[@Jay11111989]

Might want to mention natural light and veneration codes while you're at it

[@MarkTheRealtor]

Hi Jason. Now I'm curious. I just checked the BOCA and IRC code books and could not find Veneration anywhere. Can you teach me more please?

[@emilysusan510]

great info