Is that bedroom in your basement really a bedroom?

Is that bedroom in your basement really a bedroom? 

And is it safe? 

 If it doesn't have a way to escape -- 

IT is NOT!!!!

Too many times people are trapped in a burning house and cannot escape. All sleeping rooms must have two means of egress(escape). Typically these include one door and one window. The following was taken from the Wisconsin Universal Dwelling Code & Commentary 2004; Comm 21.03 Exits doors, and hallways R310.1. Emergency escape and rescue are required.

• 6) WINDOWS USED FOR EXITING. 
•  Windows which are installed for exit purposes shall comply with the requirements of this subsection.
• (a) The window shall be openable from the inside without the use of tools or the removal of a sash. If equipped with a storm or screen, it shall be openable from the inside.
• (b) 1. The nominal size of the net clear window opening shall be at least 20 inches by 24 inches irrespective of the height or width. Nominal dimensions shall be determined by rounding up fractions of inches if they are _-inch or greater or rounding down fractions of inches if they are less than _-inch.
• 2. No portion of the window, including stops, stools, meeting rails and operator arms, shall infringe on the required opening. 
• (c) The area and dimension requirements of par. (b) may be infringed on by a storm window. 
• (d) 1. For any window used for exiting, the lowest point of clear opening shall be no more that 60 inches above the floor. 
• 2. If the lowest point of clear opening is more than 46 inches above the floor, a permanent platform or fixture shall be installed such that a flat surface at least 20 inches wide and 9 inches deep is located no more than 46 inches directly below the clear opening. 
• 3. The topmost surface of the platform of fixture shall be no more than 24 inches above the floor. 
• 4. The topmost surface of the platform or fixture shall support a live load of at least 200 pounds. 
• 5. A Step used for the sole purpose of reaching the top of the platform  or fixtur4e is exempt from the requirements of s. Comm 21.04 (stairways and elevated areas)
• (e) 1. An egress window with any point of clear opening below adjacent grade shall be provided with an areaway in accordance with this section. 
• 2. The width of the areaway shall be at least equal to the width of the window. 
• 3. The areaway shall be a minimum of 36 inches measured perpendicular from the outer surface of the below-grade wall. 
• 4. If the  bottom of the areaway is more than 46 inches below adjacent g4rade or th4e top of the provided with a ladder or at least  one additional step to aid egress. Steps used to comply with the section are exempt form the requirements of s. Comm 21.04
• International Residence code covers ladders, the Wisconsin UDC does not.
• 6.The areaway shall be constructed such that water entering the areaway does not enter the dwelling.

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Thank you for visiting our REMAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin website.
Please feel free to contact us for any of your residential or commerical real estate needs including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home if you are a buyer.

Our real estate focus in the  Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Lake Country, Jefferson County, Dane County, Dodge County and Washington County areas. Several agents in the office also their IRES designation (International Real Estate Specialist) so they can assist you with all your real estate needs in Wisconsin, the USA or anywhere in the WORLD!

When you are seriously looking or just browsing at real estate in Wisconsin, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, is the BEST resource to help you with all your needs and questions, whether a first time home buyer, relocating to or from the beautiful LAKE COUNTRY area, looking to invest or explore foreclosure opportunities or just thinking ahead to the future. 

Lisa Bear is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Realty Center, Real Estate in Wisconsin (262-893-5555) is an experienced real estate agent in Waukesha County and the entire Milwaukee Metro area. Lisa thinks "outside of the BOX" and encourages her agents to do so as well. If you want creative options and exceptional marketing and service - look no further! 

The RE/MAX Realty Center Office, has experienced agents with expertise in luxury home marketing, lake property experts, foreclosure and short sale specialists, investment and property management brokers and commercial brokers. 

Our agents areas of service include, but are not limited to:
The prospering communities of Waukesha County including Delafield, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Sussex, Wales, New Berlin, Dousman, North Prairie, Mukwonago, Chenequa, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Okauchee, Eagle, Muskego and Merton. 

Great municipalities in Milwaukee County including Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Hales Corners, Greenfield, Glendale, Franklin, Bayside, Brown Deer, Cudahy, Fox Point, Greendale, Shorewood, Oak Creek, St. Francis, West Allis and Whitefish Bay. 

The hometown favorites of Washington County, Jefferson County and Dodge County including Watertown, Hartford, West Bend, Germantown, Jackson, Richfield, Ashippun, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Slinger and Erin.

There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"

If lake living is what you desire then Lake Country is the place to be! If you are thinking about buying waterfront property in Wisconsin, a little time invested in learning about waterfront living will pay back sizeable dividends in matching your expectations to realities. 

 Lake Country Living on one of Waukesha Countys great lakes as a full timer or vacationer is a must and there are some great lakes to choose.  Nagawicka Lake, Pine Lake, Oconomowoc Lake, Beaver Lake, Okauchee Lake, Pewaukee Lake, Moose Lake, North Lake, Lake Keesus, Lac La Belle, Upper Nashotah, Lower Nashotah, Upper Genesee, Lowe Genesee, Middle Genesee, Upper Nemahbin, Lower Nemahbin, Fowler Lake, Golden Lake, Pretty Lake, Silver Lake, Waterville Lake, and Crooked Lake. Great lakes of the surrounding area also include Lake Michigan, Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lake, Little Cedar Lake, Pike Lake and Lake Ripley.

Your best source for Lake Country Living is RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, 262-567-2455 or 262-893-5555,  offer online markets, listing package and FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) options, MLS search access, buyer agency and marketing that will exceed your expectations, all with outstanding service!  

Your home purchase or sale is likely your largest investment, be sure you have an good agent you can trust! Real Estate in Wisconsin is an excellent investment, prices are superb, selection is great and rates are outstanding!!!

Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain!