I would like to add an Egress window
Hello,
I am looking to enlarge an existing basement window to meet egress requirements. The house was built in the early 70’s so it has some of the small windows high on the walls in the basement (8 inch thick foundation). I have been in touch with the building department and have been instructed to follow the Uniform Building Code. I have checked this out and don’t see any problems there, however according to the guy I talked to at the building department I must have a structural engineer do all the drawings before I can be issued a permit. There has to be others who have done this retro-fit and there must be some kind of generic engineering drawings that meet code. I would like to have a 4 x 4 window but could go smaller. I have also asked if I did not expand the width of the window if I still need a structural engineer to do that and the answer is still yes. I have called a few places locally to have an engineer come out and create some drawings but I have found it to be a little pricey. I have talked to some of my neighbors who have had their windows enlarged and asked about who did the work for them. And so far have not found any one who had a permit or the windows were done before they bought the house. (wink-wink)
Any suggestions?
Replies
If you going to make the opening at 4' and that's bigger then the opening you have now you have to remove block and put a concrete lentel in, or if you don't have the height for the concrete lentel, then you have to cut the framing and install a double box header. As far as a Generic Engineering Drawings that meet code, never heard that befor. If he wants Engineered drawings then you have to give him Engineered Drawings from an Engineer or try an Architect.
As far as you putting a window in the same opening without doing anything structural above your still cutting out part of the foundation to accomodate the height of the window.
So you have to either try and use an engineer or an architect and see who's cheaper.
Joe Carola