Let there be light!

Recently I went on an inspection of a new homes construction with my husband. My husband, Tom, is a Building Official & Inspector for Residential & Commercial construction.  Usually Building Codes are a boring subject for me.

This trip though had me excited to see a new building code requirement that is soo awesome. As I walked down into the newly constructed basement I was first surprised by the amount of natural light that was pouring into what should have been a dark basement. This great new invention was done mainly for safety reasons. The result though is so much more than just a “point of egress”.

My “creative wheels” started spinning. WOW…no longer will basements of the future be dark holes in the ground. These “Window wells” are huge and completely change ones perspective of basements.

They can de decorated as long as the point of egress is not hindered. The possibilities are endless.

Due to the danger that a Bedroom in a basement can bring, these new codes were inacted. Smart move. If your only way out is the stairs then another way out in case of an emergency is paramount. Many who are Remodeling their basements need to be aware of these code changes. As soon as a new room is created in a basement that has a closet, the building Codes will recognize it as a Bedroom and Window wells MUST be used. Don’t cry the blues though as these new windows add so much more to the space besides a safety factor.

Redi-Exit has a wonderful site.

I was practically jumping for joy at the unexpected reaction I was having. My husband thought I would hate their utilitarian look. Heck we can tweak the utilitarian look, I LOVE all the natural light!

Do be cautious though. We can ‘decorate” them as long as the point of egress is not hindered. One gentleman added a water feature.

I can’t wait to see all of the possibilities! Pure joy!

DesAnn Collins

DSA Staging Director & Trainer