
Factors in Calculating Egress Window Cost Be sure to inquire about specifics with your local building authority. The regulations for window wells and bars, screens, grills, or covers over a window differ from city to city. According to the International Residential Code, basement egress windows should be at least 20 inches wide, at least 24 inches high, a net opening of at least 821 square inches or 5.7 square feet, a windowsill that is no more than 44 inches off the floor, and a window well that projects at least 36 inches from the house with a clearance area of 9 square feet. The building codes in your area will dictate the specifics regarding the egress windows in your home. These windows are required for all the living spaces in a home. Egress windows are large secondary exit windows that ensure the safe exit of you or a family member during an emergency. These windows are not large enough for someone to exit or a first responder to enter.

Depending on the home’s age, the basement may have small, narrow windows or hopper windows that open inward.


Basements in older homes rarely have large enough windows for people to climb out of in the event of a house fire or other emergency.
