Egress Windows

[Alpenglow]

I was curious how other appraisers handle any issues with egress windows for bedrooms. I have run into a few duplex and 4-plex properties recently where the windows are about 50" above the floor which does not seem to meet egress standards. These were for basement units. Do other appraisers require these appraisals be made subject to replacement of the windows or the addition of a step? Also noticed a window missing the crank to open and close a window, but it could still be pushed open. This would be for conventional loans. There are no additional state requirements here. Do you use the same standard for single family and multi family for these issues? I am just curious how other appraisers are handling this, especially with older properties where these issues are frequent.

 

[RSW]

Is it conventional or FHA? FHA says "Basement windows are to be no more than 30" from the floor. No such requirement for conventional.

 

[Sadie]

Whats code for your state? if the bedroom windows don't meet code, they can't be bedrooms. Does the overall unit have proper ingress and egress? If so, then the unit is ok, just can't call the bedroom a bedroom. Just be sure the unit does have sufficient area for living, sleeping, etc. Just be sure to explain yourself. The bedroom window thing is a safety issue.

 

[RSW]

I'm not a code expert and don't make any type of statement about something not being up to code. It can open up a whole can of worms.

 

[glenn walker]

I am not dealing with it because in many older homes or units its nearly impossible to install new windows and very costly. Once you go down that path it never ends up good. In my area codes have changed many times over the last 40 years. If I called out window sizes and widths and heights in some areas 50% of what I do would not pass muster.In some cities Mid-Century1950 to 1965 homes had bedroom windows installed near the top of the walls and it would take a small ladder to get up and out. I figure they past the time test and if in 60 years its still there than so be it. Hell we didn't even have smoke detectors back then but people did have more common sense, today unless a bell or buzzer goes off the dunderhead may just sit here and burn up. Probably 25%to 40% of Los Angels County windows do not meet anything near modern codes or guidelines. HEY MABEL this goofy appraiser says we have to replace all of our windows : )

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

I am not dealing with it because in many older homes or units its nearly impossible to install new windows and very costly.

That's not what that radio guy with the funny accent says.

 

[Fernando]

Whats code for your state? if the bedroom windows don't meet code, they can't be bedrooms. Does the overall unit have proper ingress and egress? If so, then the unit is ok, just can't call the bedroom a bedroom. Just be sure the unit does have sufficient area for living, sleeping, etc. Just be sure to explain yourself. The bedroom window thing is a safety issue.

I agree, it's not a bedroom. Just call it a bonus room and you deal with that and not as a bedroom. Simple.

 

[Sadie]

I agree, it's not a bedroom. Just call it a bonus room and you deal with that and not as a bedroom. Simple.

Or just call it a room.

 

[Sadie]

I am not dealing with it because in many older homes or units its nearly impossible to install new windows and very costly. Once you go down that path it never ends up good. In my area codes have changed many times over the last 40 years. If I called out window sizes and widths and heights in some areas 50% of what I do would not pass muster.In some cities Mid-Century1950 to 1965 homes had bedroom windows installed near the top of the walls and it would take a small ladder to get up and out. I figure they past the time test and if in 60 years its still there than so be it. Hell we didn't even have smoke detectors back then but people did have more common sense, today unless a bell or buzzer goes off the dunderhead may just sit here and burn up. Probably 25%to 40% of Los Angels County windows do not meet anything near modern codes or guidelines. HEY MABEL this goofy appraiser says we have to replace all of our windows : )

I think by now most appraisers know their states minimum code for a smoke detectors. Those have been there for at least a decade. Most states follow the IRC for residences. All are on line, but for something simple like bedroom window height that is usually in your supplemental standards or is a simple google search. That code is there for a reason. I have seen people install window wells in the basement to retrofit the basement for legal bedrooms. I would hate to see someone be injured (or worse) in a fire because they couldn't get out or a rescuer couldn't get through the window in the room you labeled a bedroom.

 

[Mark K]

There are literally hundreds of homes in this area where the BR windows don't meet current code. In the 50's and 60's a lot of homes were built with sliding windows mounted higher then the current maximum distance allowed from the floor (44'' max to bottom of window). They were a 'safety feature' according to the builders, to slow down burglars; buyers loved them. The windows are about 24" tall and 48" - 60" wide and the bottom of the windows are about 60" from the floor.

These houses have sold for many decades, FHA, VA, conv., no problem. And the window configuration has no adverse effect on market value.

When I was doing mtg. appraising I'd make a note in the report that the BR windows do not meet current code for emergency egress but they did at time of construction. That was the extent of my involvement in the issue. Never had a lender or anyone else make an issue of it.