Basement bedrooms and egress windows in Appleton
Wisconsin writes its own rules for basement bedrooms, and they don't match the national code word for word. Here's what the Uniform Dwelling Code asks for.
To add a bedroom in an Appleton-area basement, Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code requires a second way out of the basement, and the usual answer is an egress window in each bedroom, with an areaway (window well) outside. This page covers the window size, sill height, well and alarm rules so you can plan the room correctly. Call (920) 804-2800 to be connected with a contractor who does basement bedrooms and egress windows in the Fox Cities.
Two exits for a basement used for sleeping
Under SPS 321.03(5), every basement needs at least one exit, a door to the outside or a stairway to the floor above. A basement used for sleeping needs two, placed as far apart as practical and not reached from the same stair. The second exit can be another door or stairway, a stair to a garage that has its own exit door, or an egress window that meets the code in each bedroom.
Egress window size and sill height
- Opening: a net clear opening of at least 20 inches by 24 inches, in either direction (SPS 321.03(6))
- Operation: opens from inside without tools or removing a sash
- Sill: the lowest point of the clear opening no more than 60 inches above the floor
- Platform: if that point is more than 46 inches up, a permanent platform at least 20 inches wide and 9 inches deep, no more than 24 inches high
Those rules differ from the International Residential Code used in Minnesota and many other states, so a window sized for another state's rules may not be the right answer here, or vice versa.
The areaway (window well)
If any part of the opening is below grade, the code requires an areaway at least as wide as the window and at least 36 inches out from the wall. One deeper than 46 inches needs a ladder or steps, which may intrude up to 6 inches into the space. The areaway also has to keep water from getting into the house, which matters during spring melt.
Alarms
The UDC calls for a smoke alarm inside each sleeping room and one outside sleeping areas, and carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances. Wisconsin law also requires a smoke detector in the basement and on each floor level. Your inspector will check these at the final.
What affects the cost
Foundation type, how deep the window sits, cutting and a header, the window, the areaway and ladder, drainage and inside trim. We don't quote prices.
Fox Cities communities
Common questions
What size egress window does Wisconsin require?
The UDC requires a net clear opening of at least 20 by 24 inches, with the bottom of the opening no more than 60 inches above the floor and a platform if it's over 46 inches.
Does every basement bedroom need its own egress window?
If the egress window is serving as the basement's second exit, the code calls for one in each bedroom.
Can a walkout door count as the second exit?
Yes. A door to the exterior is one of the allowed exit types under the UDC.
Related services
Code numbers, alarms and permits: read the Appleton basement finishing guide.
Thinking about the basement this winter?
Long Wisconsin winters are when a finished lower level earns its keep. Call to talk it through with a local contractor.