Egress Window or Direct Access Door ($2.5-$5k)

[juellez]

This is a big one. Many years back I started going to the community night at PSU for permitting and have a folder on all the junk we need to get this permitted. As such, would be a great option for pulling in a contractor or two to get a qualified estimate so we (I'm talking to you @fayeishere) can get a better sense of when we can realistically fit this in.

From some quick googling, expecting this to be a job costing somewhere in the $2.5-$4k range. One option could include us doing our own well landscaping prior to window installation. Some info:

• General Overview - http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Pros-Costs-and-Cons-Egress-Windows.16003.html
• Portland Permits - http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/38148

Some fun designs:

Portland Code highlights:

• You must be able to open the window or door from the inside without a key or separate tool.
• Finished sill cannot be higher than 44 in above the finished floor.
• When window is fully open, opening must be at least 5.7 sq ft in area. Open area of 5 sq ft is allowed at egress windows at the first floor and at basements where the bottom of the window well is not more than 44 in below the ground.
• Min width = 20 in, Min height = 24 in. (Though a window opening with the minimum width and minimum height will not meet the minimum area requirement.)
• Window must be able to open completely inside the window well.
• Well must have clear space in front of the window opening at least 3ft x 3ft.
• If bottom of the well is more than 44 in below top of the well, permanent ladder or steps must be used. Steps in window well do not need to meet the code requirements for stairs. Ladder or stairs may project 6in into the 3x3ft space reuqired for window wells but cannot restrict the window opening.
• Ladder must have runs at least 12" wide. Rungs must be spaced with max 18" from rung to rung. Ladder must be attached to the well so that there is at least 3in between the wall of the window well and the ladder. Ladder must extend all the way from the bottom to the top.
• Any grill, cover or other obstruction over well needs to be easily romovable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or special knowledge. Opening size of cover must be at least 5.7ft square clear.
• New windows or doors must meet current code requirements for energy conservation. Double glazed windows or storm windows placed over existing single glazed windows will be approved.
• New windows or doors must meet current code requirements for energy conservation. Double glazed windows or storm windows placed over existing single glazed windows will be approved. • New construction affecting basement walls requires that the basement walls be insulated to R-13. Existing insulation in basement walls that is R-11 or greater will be approved.
• Ceiling height: Where the ceiling is fl at, living space may have a ceiling as low as 6’8”. Beams, heating ducts, pipes, etc. are allowed as low as six feet from the floor if they are within two feet of a wall, or as low as 6’2” where they do not take up more than 10% of the floor area in the room where they are located.

[juellez]

Started to round up some estimates:

• http://www.homeadvisor.com/servlet/TaskConsumerRegistrationServlet -- annoying site
• Facebook shout out
• http://www.johnswaterproofing.com/free-estimate/confirmation.html -- filled out a form

// my summary:

When I bought my home 8 years ago, it had a finished basement. However, the basement has no egress windows. I'm interested in adding at least 1 egress window to improve the amount of light and to have the option of converting the finished space into a bedroom (barring other guidelines are met). I'm also in the process of planning & designing some landscaping, so I'm interested in incorporating the well into the landscaping, though realize there's some chicken/egg situation since I don't want to take the time to do the landscaping until I confirm it meets the requirements & design we choose for the egress window.

Based on preliminary research, I have some budgeted so would like to find a contractor who's able to complete the work within a month. However, I don't have an existing egress nor do I have any recent drawings or plans on file - so those may need to be done from scratch for permitting.

[fayeishere]

http://www.homeadvisor.com/tloc/Portland-OR/Egress-window-Install/

Beata Alexander from North Richmond 5 Apr Marius Harold and Emile Ward work as team. Great reliable, talented and trustworthy guys. Marius: 406-270-1411 (he is local)