One of the most common questions I hear: “If I’m replacing an existing bedroom window, does the new window have to meet today’s egress code?” It’s a fair question because there are a lot of opinions on the subject. Some people immediately assume every replacement window must meet today’s emergency escape and rescue opening requirements. … Read more
I’ve heard this question many times: Can you build a deck in front of an egress window? Actually, maybe you can. I’ve seen this come up during plan reviews, inspections, and conversations with homeowners more times than I can count. Someone notices a basement emergency escape window under a proposed deck and immediately says the … Read more
Bedroom egress window requirements begin with one common misconception. Most people assume a larger bedroom window automatically meets code. Most people start by measuring the window. The code starts somewhere else. Before grabbing a tape measure, the first question isn’t how big the window is. It’s whether IRC Section R310 requires an emergency escape and … Read more
