Egress Window Requirements for Basement Bedrooms

Thinking About a Basement Bedroom? You’ll Need an Egress Window

Turning your basement into a finished living space can add value and comfort to your home. But if you're planning to use that space as a bedroom, there's one requirement you can't skip: a proper egress window. Building codes across Iowa require any basement bedroom to have a way for occupants to escape during an emergency and for first responders to get in.

Without a compliant egress window, your basement bedroom isn’t just unsafe; it may be considered illegal by local building standards. Whether you're starting a remodel or trying to bring an older home up to code, Anchored Walls can help you make sure your basement is both livable and secure.

Why Egress Windows Matter

In any emergency, especially a fire or gas leak, every second counts. If your basement bedroom only has a narrow window or no exit at all, it becomes a trap. A properly installed egress window gives anyone sleeping or living downstairs a safe way out and gives firefighters a way in if someone is in danger.

Beyond safety, egress windows also let in more natural light and fresh air. That makes the basement feel more like a true part of the home, not just a space that’s been converted. In Iowa, where many basements are older or partially finished, adding an egress window is often the final step toward making the space fully livable.

Without it, a basement bedroom isn’t just out of code; it can be uncomfortable, dark, and dangerous.

What Makes a Window Egress-Compliant

Not every basement window counts as an egress window. To meet building codes in Iowa, the window must be large enough for an adult to exit through and low enough for someone to reach easily from inside the room.

A proper egress window must meet these basic requirements:

• The opening must be at least 5.7 square feet
  
• The window well must allow enough space to step out and climb up
  
• The bottom of the opening must be no more than 44 inches from the floor
  
• The window must be easy to open without tools or keys
  

Older homes often have basement windows that look large enough but fall short of code; they may be too narrow, placed too high, or difficult to open. If someone can’t reach it or fit through it during an emergency, it doesn’t meet the standard. And in a real crisis, that difference can be life-changing.

How Anchored Walls Can Help

Whether you're remodeling your basement or making an existing space safer, Anchored Walls can install a fully code-compliant egress window that fits your home and meets all Iowa building requirements. We’ll evaluate your existing window opening, assess the surrounding foundation, and determine the best location and window well design for safe, legal access.

Our team has over 40 years of experience working with Iowa homes. We understand how older basements are built and how to retrofit them with egress systems that blend safety with lasting performance. From excavation and window well installation to drainage and code compliance, we handle every step of the process.

If your basement already has a window that’s too small or doesn’t meet current standards, we can replace it with one that does, ensuring your basement bedroom is both safe to use and approved by local inspectors.

Schedule a Free Egress Window Estimate

If you’re planning to turn your basement into a bedroom, now is the time to make sure it meets code. Anchored Walls can inspect your existing window setup and recommend the right solution to bring your space up to safety standards.

With over 40 years of experience serving Iowa homeowners, we know what it takes to make your basement both livable and secure. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn more about installing a proper egress window for your home.