New egress windows: How much value do they add to your house?

Wonder how to boost your house market value? Want to add more comfort to your space?  It's time to redo your basement, then!

Installing egress windows for basement is a great way to make room for a second bedroom, a home office, or a family area and convert it into a more livable, functional, and user-friendly space. Not only can it make your home more comfortable, but it may also make a big difference in how much your house is worth when you decide to sell it.

What Is an Egress Window?

Basically, large windows that can be used as an emergency exit are referred to as egress windows. Egress literally means "to emerge" or "a path out."

It is a legal requirement to have egress windows if you want to convert your basement into a bedroom, an office, or a family room. 

The International Code Council guidelines state that every basement, livable attic, and bedroom must have an egress window, also known as "Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening." It basically means that it should have a window that a person can fit through or a door that opens outside.

In Canada, any room used for sleeping should have Egress windows with unobstructed openings. These windows must meet size regulations specified by the National Building Code of Canada, which include the following:

• The unobstructed opening must have a minimum dimension of 0.35 m2 (3.8 sqft) in area
• No dimension should be less than 380 mm (15 inches)
• If a window well is needed, it must extend at least 760 mm (about 30 inches) from the window to allow for an easy exit
• The maximum sill height from the floor should be 44 inches (1118 mm).

What Are the Different Egress Window Styles?

Choosing the type of egress window for your basement depends upon several factors, such as the layout of your basement and your budget. Here are the NBCC (National Building Code of Canada) approved egress window styles that you can choose from:

• Casement: A window with at least one side hinge is considered a casement window. These units are the most common type of egress windows because of their outward swing, which enables them to fit in smaller areas of a basement. Casement models are popular replacement windows due to their superior ventilation, traditional look and excellent energy efficiency. The cost of a new energy-efficient casement window for basement starts from $535.
   
• Horizontal or Sliding: Just like a sliding glass door, these windows open to the left or right. A horizontal window cannot be an egress window unless it is at least 4 feet by 4 feet in size. Due to the massive size of the window, sliding windows are frequently found in bigger spaces like family or living rooms. Your typical price for sliding egress windows will start from $635.
   
• Hopper: Basement hopper windows are usually the most frequently installed units when planning a basement renovation. These windows come with the standard size of 42″ x 22″ to meet the egress code, and apart from their primary purpose, egress, Canadian homeowners install them to allow for more natural light and airflow. These models are hinged at the bottom and open at the top. The approximate price for hopper windows will start from $700.
   
• Single-Hung: Popular units that consist of two glass panes; the bottom sash slides up and down while the top sash remains in place. A single-hung window must be at least 20 by 24 inches in size to be considered an egress window. Having a price tag that starts from $400 per window, they are typically the most affordable models.

How Much Value Can Egress Windows Add to Your Home?

Egress windows are one of the most efficient projects that allow you to completely recover your cost in the resale value. 

The value that Egress windows add depends upon your house and its location. Installing this window in your basement will allow you to market it as an additional room, adding around an average of $20,000. 

A legal basement bedroom with Egress windows will add an approximate value of 50%-70% of the above-ground equivalent. The presence of an ensuite bathroom enhances the likelihood of receiving a more significant return on a basement bedroom. Egress windows make your house more marketable in two ways:

• Firstly, if you want to upgrade your two-bedroom home into the market for a three or four-bedroom home, a legal basement bedroom will attract a larger pool of purchasers. 
• Secondly, even if the basement isn't a proper bedroom, installing an egress means a buyer won't have to set aside money for it when they move in.

Takeaway

Installing new Egress windows to your basement allows you to create additional space in your house. However, they should meet strict local building code requirements to bring maximum value and provide correct escape routes. That is why it is crucial to hire professional window installers and consult with them regarding what works best for your house before renovating your basement.

If properly installed, these windows will improve light, ventilation, and energy efficiency while significantly boosting the value of your home.