There are some things that homeowners should know about Egress Windows in Des Moines, IA. If you do not have the proper information, you could find yourself in violation of the codes for your city and state. The result could be substantial fines or worse. The following information on Egress Windows in Des Moines, IA is designed to help you not only meet proper building codes, but also to help keep your family safe.
Usually egress windows are installed in a basement. They may be installed if you plan to turn the basement into an in-law apartment, or if you decide to make a bedroom in the basement. This is commonly done as more room is needed. When a grown child wants his or her own space for example. The problem with using the basement as living space, is that in most homes, the basement does not have two means of egress. This means that there is only one exit. Building codes stipulate that there must be two forms of egress from a living space.
For this reason egress windows must be installed in the basement. These windows are large enough for a person to exit through. A basement that has two ways out, would not need these windows. However, two exits from a basement is not as common in houses, as one exit is. Installing this type of window is something best left to the professionals, such as those from BAM Basements. They can come out to give you a price quote and show you options available in these windows.
You may be wondering if it truly is necessary for you to go through the trouble and expense of adding egress windows. If you think about the reasoning behind the regulations that stipulate the need for these windows, you will see that they are well worth it. If a fire were to break out and the one form of exit was blocked, those sleeping in the basement would have no way to get out. They would be helplessly trapped. This is the reason that egress windows are a necessity for anyone who plans to live or have a room in the basement.
