Building Control Query

SpeedFreak

SpeedFreak

SpeedFreak

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We have refurbished a house and all work undertaken has been validated by building control. However, the inspector has stated that the windows in the bedrooms need to be changed to be egress compliant. The windows are original and we're not touched during the refurb. Is this normal?
 
An egress window serves as a crucial means of escape during emergencies, such as fires, providing safe access not only for occupants but also for emergency personnel. To qualify as an egress window, the window must adhere to specific requirements and dimensions.

When constructing or renovating a home, compliance with building codes is of utmost importance. In the majority of jurisdictions, egress windows are mandated by local building departments. The International Residential Code (IRC) Section R310 stipulates that egress requirements must be met for basements, bedrooms, habitable attics, and any other sleeping rooms, except basements solely used for mechanical equipment within a total floor area not exceeding 200 square feet. In basements with multiple sleeping rooms, each room must have its own egress route.

Egress Window Requirements
Egress windows must fulfill certain criteria, including a maximum sill height and a clear opening with minimum width, height, and square footage. The clear opening refers to the unobstructed passage from the interior of the room to the exterior when the window is fully opened.

To meet egress standards, a window must satisfy the following conditions:

Minimum clear opening width: 20 inches
Minimum clear opening height: 24 inches
Minimum clear opening square footage: 5.7 square feet
Sill height not exceeding 44 inches above the floor, and if below grade (e.g., basement), it should include a window well.
It is essential to understand that meeting all three clear opening requirements is imperative. For instance, a window with a clear opening of precisely 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall would not qualify as egress, as it falls short in square footage.

Window Egress Exceptions
There are very few exceptions to the window egress requirements and exceptions vary from location to location. It is extremely important to discuss any specific egress window exceptions with your local building department. Exceptions may be granted, but are not guaranteed, if the window is at grade level or lower, the home is very old, or if you are replacing windows with the exact type of window that was previously installed. Again, exceptions are rare – and any potential exception should be discussed in depth with your local building department, and it is possible for one area to allow one exception but an area very close by will not allow that same exception.

constructionwindows.com

What are Egress Windows and Why are they important?

Buy Windows online from Construction Windows, a certified Milgard Windows dealer! We make it easy to buy Windows online. Design custom windows online with Construction Windows in an amazing price range.
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Thanks for US requirements lol.

The windows I believe would have met UK code at the time of construction. My question is if that applies at all given we have not touched them as part of the refurb. To fully comply we would have to replace the windows and remove two courses of bricks.

I am not concerned at all from a practical safety perspective.
 
Cant see how you need to change them now. I thought it only matters when going to change them?

Seek more advice...
 
If you’ve added more space, or changed the layout then egress from the new bit needs to be considered and could be via the untouched windows ?
 
200sols said:
What do you mean by renovation? Did you change the structure of the house, did you add rooms etc?
Click to expand...

I have no knowledge of the actual regulations, but this makes sense to me. If work has been done that required official inspection and sign off, then any changed areas would presumably need to be compliant with the current rules.
 
SpeedFreak said:
The windows I believe would have met UK code at the time of construction. My question is if that applies at all given we have not touched them as part of the refurb. To fully comply we would have to replace the windows and remove two courses of bricks.

I am not concerned at all from a practical safety perspective.
Click to expand...
Bet you would be with the flames licking at your feet.
 
Last edited:
When adding a loft conversion to a house, all internal doors adjoining the hallway and the landing need to be changed to fire proof doors. Perhaps this is a similar scenario where you've made an internal alteration which necessitates the window change?
 
SpeedFreak said:
Could be that. I think fire doors may be the most logical solution if it is needed. Only three rooms.
Click to expand...
But it may not be about stopping fire, but escaping in the case of one.

We have converted our garage and bricked over an open porch. I am adding power and water for a washer and dryer in the porch. The garage exits into the porch also.

Because the porch now has "appliances" in, there has to be alternative egress from the garage. The reasoning being that the porch may be the location of the fire. Alternatively I could move the garage doorway into the hallway itself but that's a lot of work. It's either remove one course of blocks and fit a new window in the garage (annoying), or block up an entire doorway and knock a new one out.

Obviously don't know what your exact circumstances are but there are definitely knock on effects on other rooms.
 
Last edited:
mickyflinn said:
An egress window serves as a crucial means of escape during emergencies, such as fires, providing safe access not only for occupants but also for emergency personnel. To qualify as an egress window, the window must adhere to specific requirements and dimensions.

When constructing or renovating a home, compliance with building codes is of utmost importance. In the majority of jurisdictions, egress windows are mandated by local building departments. The International Residential Code (IRC) Section R310 stipulates that egress requirements must be met for basements, bedrooms, habitable attics, and any other sleeping rooms, except basements solely used for mechanical equipment within a total floor area not exceeding 200 square feet. In basements with multiple sleeping rooms, each room must have its own egress route.

Egress Window Requirements
Egress windows must fulfill certain criteria, including a maximum sill height and a clear opening with minimum width, height, and square footage. The clear opening refers to the unobstructed passage from the interior of the room to the exterior when the window is fully opened.

To meet egress standards, a window must satisfy the following conditions:

Minimum clear opening width: 20 inches
Minimum clear opening height: 24 inches
Minimum clear opening square footage: 5.7 square feet
Sill height not exceeding 44 inches above the floor, and if below grade (e.g., basement), it should include a window well.
It is essential to understand that meeting all three clear opening requirements is imperative. For instance, a window with a clear opening of precisely 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall would not qualify as egress, as it falls short in square footage.

Window Egress Exceptions
There are very few exceptions to the window egress requirements and exceptions vary from location to location. It is extremely important to discuss any specific egress window exceptions with your local building department. Exceptions may be granted, but are not guaranteed, if the window is at grade level or lower, the home is very old, or if you are replacing windows with the exact type of window that was previously installed. Again, exceptions are rare – and any potential exception should be discussed in depth with your local building department, and it is possible for one area to allow one exception but an area very close by will not allow that same exception.

constructionwindows.com

What are Egress Windows and Why are they important?

Buy Windows online from Construction Windows, a certified Milgard Windows dealer! We make it easy to buy Windows online. Design custom windows online with Construction Windows in an amazing price range.
constructionwindows.com constructionwindows.com
Click to expand...
Is this chatgpt or similar? if so please don't
 
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