No job is too large or too small for KC Coring and Cutting. We have worked on some of the largest construction projects in Kansas City, but our skilled crew is also available for concrete cutting jobs in your home or office.
Today we would like to discuss one of the projects we often do in people’s homes: adding an egress window to a basement. Let’s discuss what an egress window is and why you may need one in your home. We will also discuss why KC Coring and Cutting is the right company for this job.
An egress window is designed so a person can egress (or depart) from home during an emergency. They are typically installed in finished basements. There are many benefits of installing an egress window in your home.
Egress windows increase the amount of natural lighting in a basement.
You have to fight to keep basements from feeling dark and dreary. Adding an egress window would help your basement feel like less of a dungeon and more like a livable space. Opening an egress window in the basement will also allow you to air out the area of any musty smells that may have accumulated. While egress windows can undoubtedly make your basement more pleasant to be in, there are more serious reasons that you should have one in your home.
Egress windows can be used to exit your house in case of an emergency.
No one wants to think about house fires, but most of us know someone who has been the victim of one. The primary purpose of an egress window is that it allows people to exit a home during an emergency.
Egress windows are required in Kansas City homes.
Kansas City (and the towns that make up the surrounding suburbs) follow the International Residential Code. Part of the IRC states, “ Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room.” Check with your city offices to uncover the exact window size and minimum net clear opening required in your area.
Installing an egress window can increase the value of your home.
Because egress windows are required in finished basements, having one can increase the value of your home. Even if your basement is currently unfinished, already having an egress window will cut the cost when the new homeowner finishes the space.
Having an egress window not only makes a basement more livable, but it also is required in homes that do not have a walk-out basement.
Do you need help with adding an egress window to your basement in Kansas City? Contact KC Cutting and Coring. We have been serving the Kansas City area for over 41 years, and we are familiar with the egress window code requirements.
