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ARE WINDOWS REQUIRED IN A BASEMENT BEDROOM?

Posted on: September 4th, 2019 by Chris Scott

ARE WINDOWS REQUIRED IN A BASEMENT BEDROOM?

Ottawa is a great place to purchase investment properties. Our vacancy rates are low. As real estate prices in Ottawa continue to increase, some buyers are looking at ways to supplement their mortgage payments.

Owner-occupied main levels, with tenants renting out the basement, is a common cost-efficient approach to maximizing your profit margins.

Two common beliefs are that a basement bedroom becomes legal if there are

1) a closet in the room, and

2) a window in the room big enough and accessible to be used as a means of exit in case of emergency

In reality, this is not exactly correct. A window in the room is required but its dimensions are more to ensure that natural light covers at least 5% of the total floor area. It is also important to note that, while no height restrictions are included in the code, it is recommended that homeowners use furniture or other means to increase accessibility to windows that are higher off the ground, should there be a need to use them as an exit. There are also stipulations regarding minimum square footage required, with and without built-in closet space.

The most important thing to remember is that there must be a viable means of egress available on the same level as the bedroom, either by window or door (other than those that lead upstairs). If you choose to have a bar installed in front of the window, it must have one of two options. The keys must be within arms reach or the ability to be unlocked and opened without tools. This is to increase the likelihood of a safe exit in times of emergency.

Ensure you are comfortable with leaving a loved one in any circumstance created by your renovations. Keep abreast of any Building and Fire Code changes that occur. Ensure everyone in your home is aware of all possible means of exit, just in case. For more information, contact the City of Ottawa, or be in touch with us anytime and we can help!

This information is accurate but not guaranteed*

More info at:

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r07213

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I was a co-Executrix of an estate, and we had a condo that we had to sell for the estate. In order to get the property ready for sale, we had to have the over 5,000 square foot condo painted and the carpets replaced. Since the property was empty, Chris recommended a home stager that he uses on properties that require these services, and she did a fantastic job of staging the condo. It took the condo to the next level. The condo sold for a phenomenal price, and we were very happy with Chris Scott and his abilities. He always gives over 100 percent to get the job done! I recommend him to anyone that requires the services of a great real estate agent.

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Nathalie Groupe Godin

Great service. Very knowledgeable. Super helpful. I’d use this team again.

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I recently used Chris' team to purchase a new house and I have to say that it was a pleasure to work with them.

Megan Bixby

My husband and I purchased a house in the surrounding Ottawa area with the assistance of Colin from this group of individuals. We unfortunately were left with no choice but to purchase a home sight unseen due to our work circumstances. We originally considered not purchasing because of this. We deliberated and chose to purchase a home after participating in FaceTime showings and we could not have been more satisfied. Colin was objective, professional, calm, informative, and realistic. He listened to our needs and helped us choose our home. The fact that we were pleasantly surprised, and a year later remain pleased as punch, says everything about how talented this company is. Will, without a doubt, use this company when we leave Ottawa.

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