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We’re Living in Our Basements
Long Island has some of the highest housing and energy costs in the nation. These high costs of living have driven many homeowners to (legally and illegally) rent basement apartments. Many adult children live in their parent’s basements, while others use their basements to create more living space with playrooms and family rooms. Our children and their friends use basements more than other household members.
What Is an Egress Window?
An egress window looks just like a regular large window, but opens fully to allow a building’s inhabitants to escape in the event of an emergency, such as a house fire or flood.
Why are They Necessary?
Egress Escape Windows are required by New York State law, as well as local town and village housing codes. The laws ensure that inhabitants stay safe by providing a second means of exit from a basement living space, in the event of an emergency. The law requires every finished basement has at least one egress window and every living space has their own egress window. You cannot sell your home without egress windows if there is a finished basement. Failure to comply can result in fines and opens you up to lawsuits in the event a fire or flood in your home.
Egress Escape Windows Enhance the Value of Your Home
Let the Sunshine In
An egress window can add a significant amount of daylight into an otherwise dark space.
Air It Out
Egress windows are also an excellent source of ventilation for a space that is often damp and cool. Fresh air on a beautiful sunny day can boost your mood and reduce stress levels
Increase Your Home’s Sales Price
Installing an egress window in your basement has a significant impact on how that basement’s square footage is used and assessed. And not just for you and your family, either! An egress window changes how potential buyers view and value your home.
