I have a basement that I’m remodeling. The home originally had a basement bedroom, with window egress. However, a three story addition was later added (prior to us owning the home), bumping out the kitchen on the 2nd floor, and a third floor room, with that bedroom window now opening into an unfinished room on the first floor. So now if you crawl out that basement bedroom window, you’ll be in an unfinished room, with an exterior door about 10 feet away. The bedroom also has a door into the main basement living area, which is wide open with two sets of French doors, and a triple window, all at ground level. So there are plenty of ways out, but I’m concerned that with the remodel, the inspector won’t allow that window to count as egress since it doesn’t go directly outside, and we therefore can’t treat that room as a bedroom. I can’t seem to find anyone with a similar situation out there. Anyone have an opinion?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

This floating home maximizes its waterfront location with seamless indoor-outdoor living, a unique two-story layout, and a design that prioritizes light and views.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
tmelch
the easy answer is to talk with your inspector, as they will be the decider anyway.
My understanding is if you call it a bedroom, it must have an egress window to the outside.
...or climb in
like a firefighter with an oxygen pack. A bedroom requires 2 means of escape or exit for the occupant in case of fire. This usually means a window. If so, then the openable portion of the window must be at least 24" hight and 20" wide, with a net area at least 5.7 sq. ft. and the sill being no more than 44 in. from finished floor. I believe the overall size may be reduced to 5.0 sq. ft if the opening is at grade level.
What you now have would be the same as proposing two interior doors opening to the same bedroom. I don't believe that qualifies as a 2nd means of escape.