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Having an egress window well in your basement will dramatically increase the amount of sunlight in an otherwise dark room, but it also has a more serious purpose. If there is a fire or some other emergency in your basement, the egress window well offers a large, safe exit for you and your family. Adding an egress window well to your basement is an essential feature when remodeling your home. An egress window well must have a clear opening of at least 5.7 sq. ft. – large enough to allow a firefighter and his equipment to enter your home through the window in case of emergency. The window must also be at least 20 in. wide and 24 in. high, while the bottom of the opening can be no more than 44 in. from the floor. If you’re going to install an egress window well, prepare yourself for a big project. Hiring a professional to do it for you will cost from $6,000 to $8,000. If you do the project yourself, expect to spend about $1,500 on materials, tool rental and refuse container fees. When deciding where to place your egress window well, keep in mind that fresh morning light comes from the east, while a window facing south will give you more even year-round light. Before starting, check for obstacles such as buried utilities, shrubbery, indoor wiring and ductwork. The more stuff you have to work around, the more complicated your project will become. Always call for buried utility marking so you don’t hit any water, gas, electrical, cable or sewer lines when you start to dig your well. Try not to build your egress window well beneath a load-bearing wall (perpendicular to the floor joists). If you have no choice, consult a structural engineer or architect to determine the header size. When you have a sketch of your plan prepared, take it to your local building inspector’s office to get a permit for the project. If your basement has ever had any moisture problems, there are some necessary steps that need to be taken before you start building. First, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and drain water away from the house. Second, check the grade of the slope around your foundation walls. It should be ½ in. per foot at least 10-12 ft. out from the foundation wall. Third, make sure the drainage system is in good repair. Last, consult a water-proofing specialist if you’ve ever had any flooding problems. Once you have all of these things taken care, you’re free and clear to start building your egress window well. Avoid putting it near a walkway unless you provide a substantial barrier to prevent falls into the well.
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