The Challenge:

Finished Egress

This was a 1960 home that was built well with foundations that were formed on both sides. The owner wanted to have his kids live in the basement but was worried about not having a way out in the event of an emergency. He also wanted the advantage of adding more natural light. The existing windows were placed very high, above the ceiling. Doing both windows at the same time saved our client $500.

The Idea:

Use the existing window width and extend down at the same width to achieve an egress qualified opening.

The Solution:

We found a way to use casement windows to extend low enough to meet all of the requirements and used 5′ deep metal surrounds to keep cost down as well as reflect light. Ladders were installed as part of the requirement.

The Details:

We found lots of clay to dig through. We waterproofed with a tar emulsion and used a sheet drain. The window was a tan vinyl double pane gridded low-e casement style with a double lock system and screens. The interior was left unfinished.

Investment Range $5,500

Time Frame 2 weeks

Casement Egress

The Challenge:

This home had a functional basement without an egress window. It smelled musty and we suspected moisture in the walls.

The Idea:

To remove the windows and upgrade to vinyl and add an egress window. The client wanted a paver window alcove. We started with one window to replace and added the two others with a Change Order

The Solution:

We removed the windows and the wall we found mold and had to clean it up. We also found that the old aluminum windows were installed from the inside, leaving an open pathway for water to enter the home. We insulated with foam rigid board and re-framed the wall to enclose her main water supply shut off.

The Details:

New trim and drywall, paver window surround, Amsco windows

Investment Range: $4,200

Time Frame: 2 weeks

The Challenge:

Completed Project

This was a 1937 non contributing home in Boise’s North End Historic District. It used to have a separate access from outside into a basement apartment. The new owners wanted to change the use and add safety as well as additional light.

The Idea:

Change the existing door into a large sliding Egress window with a concrete retaining wall.

The Solution:

We got permission from the neighbors to waive the 10 day appeal process

The Details:

We did not disturb any paint so lead testing was not necessary. Water proofed with a tar emulsion and used a sheet drain. The window was a vinyl double pane gridded low-e window. The interior was left unfinished.

Investment Range $3,200

Time Frame 2 weeks

Double casements

The Challenge:

Adding Egress windows is a favorite project of ours because it instantly increases the value of your home. It has the advantage of adding natural light and, heaven forbid if you do need to get out of your home in an emergency, it will make that task easier.

The Idea:

Add as much light as possible and fresh air by adding side by side egress windows in the same room.

The Solution:

We hand dig our window wells to avoid ruining any wiring and or piping near your home. Then we dig well below the area that will be cut into your concrete wall. We waterproof the wall and back fill the area with drain rock and take the excess dirt away. Exterior window wells come in all shapes and sizes it just comes down to a personal choice. Interior trim out of the window usually harmonizes with the existing trim in the home.

The Details:

A temporary wall was added and a new micro-lam beam was inserted with a center support engineered to withstand the load of an exterior wall. Two vinyl windows were added below grade so historical review was passed. One large tiered window well was added with specially reinforced mesh cloth to support the retaining wall. The concrete path had to be broken out and relocated.

Investment Range range $6,800

Time Frame 7 days