I need to replace the windows in my finished basement in my Ottawa single family home. There aren't any bedrooms in the basement, just a laundry room, storage room and a family room (with TV, etc.). Can I just simply replace the existing old drafty windows with new energy saving windows (same dimensions), or am I required to replace them with an egress window?
City Bylaws may differ and I'm not familiar with Ottawa's. But as far as the building code is concerned, as long as the basement is not a separate dwelling, it does not need egress windows.
If you have no bedrooms then you are not required to put an egress window in only if it's a bedroom. I do recommend however if you're replacing the windows anyways you might want to spend an extra 1500 to $2,000 to get an egress for safety and to let natural light in. Bottom line having an egress window in the basement can save lives.
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