Egress basement window - Maryland

[Tom Harkins]

Has anyone installed an egress window in Montgomery County, MD and could share their experience? I am looking to create a legal bedroom in the basement of a SFH. It will involve opening up the foundation (currently a smaller window installed) and enlarging the window well.

I spoke to a knowledgeable rep at DPS (permitting), but I cannot find the specific requirements stated clearly or concisely on their website. The rep did mention it would be difficult to find that. I will be hiring an engineer to design it (getting their assessment on some additional foundation work as well).

If anyone has had success with this and is willing to share their associated costs privately, that would also be helpful as a baseline. But mainly I am looking for guidance on the design, installation, and inspection process.

[Kenneth Garrett]

@Tom Harkins

The International Residential Code outlines the code requirements for a basement egress.  The window well is required to be 3 x 3.  If the depth of the well from grade is greater than 44 inches it requires a permanent ladder.  The egress of the window is required to be 5.7 square feet in the open position.  In addition the minimum width is 20 inches wide and 24 inches in height.  The sill height can not exceed 44 inches above the finished floor.