It’s the law that any basement in Virginia be fashioned with an emergency egress, especially in basement bedrooms. These windows, called window well systems or egress window well systems, are intended as quick exits for residents—and safe entrances for firefighters—and their specifications and construction are complicated. However, a qualified window well systems contractor will be able to determine what kind of window well will satisfy both safety requirements and homeowner expectations.
Windows for well systems come in as many styles as do regular windows, so it’s important to talk to your contractor to make sure that the proper style is chosen for your home. Is the basement not so spacious? Then a casement window, which doesn’t require as much space as other styles, is most likely the choice for you. Also, keep in mind that the window well itself comes in two flavors: pre-fabricated and custom made. Some well window contractors can custom build an egress window out of stone, wood, or other materials—the possibilities are only limited by your imagination and state regulations.