What's the purpose of adding Egress windows to your basement.

Main purposes:

• Emergency escape: They provide a way for people inside—especially in basements or bedrooms—to get out quickly if doors or hallways are blocked.

• Firefighter access: They allow emergency responders to enter the home from outside if needed.

• Legal safety requirement: Building codes in places like Ontario require egress windows in certain rooms (like basement bedrooms) to make those spaces legally livable.

Where you usually see them:

• Basement bedrooms

• Finished basements

• Any sleeping area without direct door access to the outside

Key features:

• Large enough opening for a person to climb through

• Easy to open without tools or keys

• Often paired with a window well (for below-ground basements)

Why they matter:

Without an egress window, a basement bedroom can become a trap in a fire or emergency, which is why they’re strictly regulated.

If you want, I can tell you the exact size requirements for Ontario or help you figure out if your window qualifies.