Security Bars On The Window

[KYLECODY]

of a bedroom, lower level. Not an FHA loan. A few(3-4) out of maybe 12 lower level windows have iron security bars over the windows....Would you still call this a bedroom??? It is for functional purposes but I feel it needs to be mentioned...anyone have some good verbage to share???
There is ample egress throughout the home, just not in the one bedroom....Thanks.

 

[Mountain Man]

It's not FHA, so I'd probably say label it as the market recognizes it. But be sure to leave in the blurb about the limited access due to the security bars.

 

[DB]

Sounds to me like what it is ... a security measure ... Mention it like you would an alarm system or a security door on the front ... I don't see that this is major problem ... in fact Marshall & Swift allows the following:

Security mesh or iron bars $7.45 – $14.90

wrought iron grilles, dec. $11.60 –$20.70

Sounds like added value to me ......

 

[KYLECODY]

and the owner is a lawyer....hate to be sued on this...so I need some good cya statements. Thx.

 

[KYLECODY]

Im just concerned with the potential liabilty of not having adequate egress from a bedroom.

 

[DB]

That's the insurance agents job .... not the appraisers ....

 

[Bill Rose]

Security bars suggest a crime area. In my neck of the woods, it's a detraction from the appearance of the property and only considered necessary in low-rent neighborhoods.

 

[Otis Key]

Kyle - RUN - naw - just joking.

What does your ordinances say about wrought iron? Is that lower level used as a bedroom - does it have a closet - does the market recognize that it's a bedroom? We have an ordinance that at least one window per bedroom has to have an emergency release for Safety Reasons. That would be my suggestion - always SAFE, SANITARY & SOUND! Conventional, FHA, VA, Relo, Divorce, etc.................

 

[Mountain Man]

In that case....make it subject to an owners affidavit that they are aware of the personal safety hazard, due to the permanently installed security bars.

Bedroom one on the first level has limited egress in the event of an emergency, due to permanently installed security bars. Egress is only possible via the one route, from within the interior of the house. While this situation is not recommended, in the event a rapid escape is required to save life and limb, the market appears to readily accept the personal risk, to use this room as a bedroom. Therefore, no adjustment is required in the market grid.

 

[Farm Gal]

Uh...
If it is permenantly affixed security bars... in MOST jurisdictions that room cannot be legally used as a sleeping area, and in some jurisdicitions it cannot be used for other than storage. Illegal uses are not 'market' in most areas.

For iability reasons I would apprise the client of code requirements as regards this issue and state categorically that it may be a liability issue.

Cost to cure =
a ) removal or
b ) removal and replacemtn with bars with an egress mechinsim.