Basement bedrooms can add value—but only if they’re safe. If a bedroom doesn’t have a proper egress window, it’s a significant safety issue and in some circumstances can stall financing or insurance approval. The International Residential Code (IRC) has clear rules about emergency escape and rescue openings for basement bedrooms, and your inspector should flag any room that doesn’t comply.

Egress Window Dimensions

• Have a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet (enough for a firefighter in full gear).
• Be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high (preventing long, skinny windows that otherwise meet the square footage requirement).
• Have a sill height no more than 44 inches from the floor (so kids or adults can climb out unaided).

Bonus Tip: These dimensions must be met through normal operation (not by removing sashes, using tools, or with the use of keys or special knowledge).

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Window Well Dimensions & Features

If the window opens into a below-grade space, it needs a window well that provides:

• 9 square feet of space, minimum 36” x 36”.
• A permanently affixed ladder or steps if the well is deeper than 44 inches.

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Quick Visual Safety Checklist

Ask yourself when touring a home with basement bedrooms:

• Can I open the window easily? Could a child?
• Is it too high off the floor to reach?
• Could I fit through it?
• Is there a well—and could I get out of it?
• Would I feel safe relying on this in an emergency?

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