OfflineI did an inspection the other day on a home that stated that it had 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. When I started the inspection, I noticed that the basement rooms did not have the required egress windows, which did not allow them to be rooms. This house was really, just a 2 bed 2 baths home. WOW the home owner was sure disappointed. I have attached some information, so each of you won’t make that same mistake and be sorely disappointed.
WHAT IS AN EGRESS WINDOW?
An egress window is a window that is required in specific locations in a dwelling and is intended to provide an emergency means of exiting a dwelling. Windows must meet specific size and requirements to qualify as an egress window.
WHERE ARE EGRESS WINDOWS REQUIRED?
Egress windows are required in every room used for sleeping purposes (bedrooms) on any floor and in basements with habitable space. If you are constructing a new home, the code requires that you put an egress window in each bedroom. It also requires an egress window in the basement if habitable rooms will be finished in the basement. If you install a basement bedroom or bedrooms, an egress window is required in each bedroom. If you have an existing home and you add a sleeping room in an unfinished basement, the code requires that you install an egress window in the sleeping room or rooms.
WHAT ARE SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EGRESS
WINDOW?
An egress window must satisfy four International Residential Code (IRC) criteria:
• Minimum width of opening: 20 in.
• Minimum height of opening: 24 in.
• Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor).
• Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in
I hope this helps when you are rehabbing your homes.
Happy Rehabbing!!
If you would like the chance to work with me or one of my fellow real estate investor coaches and our advanced training programs, give us a call anytime to see if Dean's Real Estate Success Academy and our customized curriculum is a fit for you. Call us at 1-877-219-1474 ext. 125
Craig,Great post,good point. Thank you. Chuck
Our costs have run anywhere from $500 to $1200 per egress window installed. Depends on foundation thickness and construction, location of window, depth and size of existing window if any.
Michael Mangham
Mentoring/Team Building Nationwide
MD Home Acquisitions LLC
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Hi Coach thanks thats important when buying and meeting codes, many thanks, Jim
jbischoff
Coach, Excellent info. Annie
For your resale purposes, requirements for a room to be considered and marketed as a bedroom can include:
1. legal egress window
2. closet inside the room
3. must be heated
4. must be accessed through heated living space - can't go through a cold basement to get to the bedroom
Local codes vary from State to State; make sure you inquire with your city; when you apply for a remodeling permit, the city engineers/inspectors will review your plans to make sure they meet established codes.
When you buy houses that have room additions without proper permits, that's when you will usually encounter code violations. A clue to know if a room was built without permit is when the homeowner shows a square footage of the house larger than what is recorded with the city
Valerie
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You are right; the cost is going to vary, depending on where you live and the conditions of the foundation. A qualified concrete cutting company would be a great resource to help you determine your costs. It is amazing what they can cut anymore and the tight conditions they can do it in.
While you have a concrete cutter at the home, you may consider cutting in a walk out basement for ease for additional renters if that is in the cards for you. The cost for this can vary, but they can quote you for everything at once.
Happy Rehabbing
If you would like the chance to work with me or one of my fellow real estate investor coaches and our advanced training programs, give us a call anytime to see if Dean's Real Estate Success Academy and our customized curriculum is a fit for you. Call us at 1-877-219-1474 ext. 125
The egress window is the one I worry about the most, because the other requirements are an easy fix, most of the time. The main point I wanted to bring out, was the house was being sold as a 4 bed 2 baths. I don’t want any investor thinking they are getting a 4 bed and find out, only 2 bedrooms qualify. That would be a hard pill to swallow.
I just want everyone to be aware and make a note of this, so they don’t make the mistake this couple made when buying their future home.
Happy Rehabbing!!!
If you would like the chance to work with me or one of my fellow real estate investor coaches and our advanced training programs, give us a call anytime to see if Dean's Real Estate Success Academy and our customized curriculum is a fit for you. Call us at 1-877-219-1474 ext. 125
I totally agree; the best way to determine if you will have additional repair costs is too check with the city to confirm if a proper permit was purchased and all the proper inspections have been completed. If you notice additional rooms have been added, then you will need to bring up to code or tear down and start over. Have a qualified contractor help you to determine the cost to bring up to code. This is the additional cost you will need to take into consideration.
Remember; codes will vary from State to State so make sure you have a qualified city employee that can answer your questions and show you permit.
HAPPY REHABBING!!!
If you would like the chance to work with me or one of my fellow real estate investor coaches and our advanced training programs, give us a call anytime to see if Dean's Real Estate Success Academy and our customized curriculum is a fit for you. Call us at 1-877-219-1474 ext. 125