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I'm about to redo my disgusting basement (horrible reno done 30 years ago with no insulation, peeling ceiling,etc).
I'm not planning on filing permits for this one. I don't want to pay the jump in taxes (had my A/C fixed last year and suddenly taxes went up because it was original install was never 'on file'). I've filed for permits for all the other work I did on my house thus far (new heating system, new bathroom) so I guess I'm sick of giving the village more of my hard-earned money for more permits...
I'm considering putting an egress window in because I love the light and ventilation it will provide, plus could be good to have if I do decide to legalize in the future. I have a quote to do it ($3500) but since I'm not going the legal route, is it really worth the extra expense? I currently have five basement windows on three sides of the basement, so there is quite a bit of light already. Really on the fence, so any suggestions appreciated!
Yes. If you ever re-fi it may come up, or when you sell. Plus we had to put one in to sell and we wished we had done it earlier. It made SUCH a difference in the light coming into the basement. Plus if you ever do let anyone sleep down there, YOU'LL sleep better knowing they have that exit.
We paid $3500. I think that's about the best you're gonna do as we got a "neighbor discount" from the guy who did it and he knew the correct code to follow etc whereas someone else we contacted really wasn't sure about how to do the whole thing right.
Thanks Twingles...a friend in the village installed one and I just love how it feels like a real living space. Where did your neighbor find the code? I couldn't find anything on the village web site and I hesitate to contact the building department. I found some general requirements online (casement, 5.5 sq ft).
I'll PM you his info - he's in the business and rebuilt his entire house after buying on 2004-ish. Not my style but he clearly does nice work and since it was practically a teardown, the building dept was in his business from Day 1....so I knew his egress windows were up to code.
You can google egress window for the specifics ... aside from size the ladder must be built in.
I love the egress windows that I put in our basement. They literally transformed it from a basement feel to real living space. Also, as noted by KB it's a major plus for safety.
Thanks...no, no separate door for egress. Safety is a concern too, a few years back a car smashed into a pole in the front of my house while my daughter had friends over for a sleepover. It always freaked me out that they could have been in danger. Will definitely feel more comfortable with a second exit.
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and he knew the correct code to follow etc whereas someone else we contacted really wasn't sure about how to do the whole thing right.
