If your finished basement includes multiple sleeping areas or enclosed rooms, more than one egress window may be required to meet code. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring everyone has a safe way out in an emergency.
If you’re finishing your basement or planning to add a bedroom below grade, understanding egress window requirements is essential. These specially sized windows serve as emergency exits and are mandated by building codes for any habitable basement space. Beyond legal compliance, egress windows improve safety, bring in natural light, and make basements more livable.
At ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we help homeowners navigate these regulations with ease, making sure your basement not only meets code but adds lasting value to your home.
Most standard basement windows do not meet the requirements to be considered a true egress window. According to IRC code, an egress window must meet specific criteria:
Additionally, the window must be operable from the inside without keys, tools, or special knowledge. Any window not meeting these guidelines cannot be relied upon for safe emergency exit.
Choosing the right size for your egress system isn’t just about passing inspection; it’s about making sure your space is truly safe and usable. While egress window dimensions are covered earlier, many homeowners don’t realize that the window well plays just as big a role in ensuring a safe escape.
If your egress window sits below grade, code requires a window well with enough space to allow full clearance and movement. A cramped or improperly sized well can make even a large window difficult to use in an emergency.
Here’s what a compliant egress window well needs to include:
Even though these are minimum requirements, many homeowners choose to go larger for better access and comfort, especially if they’re finishing a basement or using it as a bedroom. Our team will help you choose dimensions that meet code and make sense for your space and long-term plans.
A common question homeowners ask is whether egress window requirements apply to basements that were finished years ago, especially if the work was done before modern codes were enforced. In some cases, older finished basements may be considered “grandfathered in,” meaning they aren’t legally required to have egress windows unless major renovations are made.
However, even if your basement doesn’t technically violate current code, that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
If someone sleeps in your basement, even occasionally, a lack of egress presents a serious risk. In the event of a fire or emergency, having only one way out could trap someone below ground with no escape. Egress windows are designed to give occupants and first responders a clear exit or entry point, improving safety and potentially saving lives.
Adding an egress window also brings practical benefits: more natural light, better ventilation, and improved home value. So while your finished basement might not legally require one, choosing to install an egress window is often a smart and responsible decision.
In most homes, a single properly installed egress window is enough to meet code, as long as there’s only one bedroom or habitable space in the basement. However, if your basement includes multiple sleeping areas or separate finished rooms, each of those areas may need its dedicated egress window or direct exit.
Building codes are clear: every basement bedroom must have its emergency escape route. This ensures that anyone sleeping in any part of the basement has a safe, unobstructed way out in the event of fire, smoke, or other emergencies, without needing to rely on access through another room.
If your basement layout includes a large open space plus one or more bedrooms, you may need multiple egress windows to stay compliant. Our team at ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing can help assess your layout, determine what’s required, and recommend a solution that meets code and fits your design goals.
Installing an egress window is not a DIY job. Permits are usually required, and local codes can vary by county or city. Requirements may include engineering plans, inspections, and property surveys. At ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we understand the regulations across our service areas and ensure all work is fully compliant from the start.
If you're planning to finish your basement or need to bring an existing space up to code, our team is here to help. We’ll walk you through the egress window requirements, manage permitting, and provide expert installation with lasting results. Contact us today for a free estimate.
We respect your privacy. By submitting, you authorize '58 Foundations and Waterproofing to reach you via call, email or text for information about your project needs. We will never share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. You can opt out at any time. Message/data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Privacy Policy