I am in the process of finishing my basement and by code need to add an egress to the basement. For clarification, the International Code now states that an external egress for each bedroom, and one egress if there is no bedroom.
My wife and I have debated on the direction to take. At first, the window well seems less intrusive with less potentional for water issues. As we started looking for contractors to do the work, it is evident that not may have done window wells and have been steering us to the bilco doors.
We do not know if they are suggesting the doors because they are more familiar with them or if their knowledge suggests that more water issues are likely with the window.
In either case, the window well quotes have been between $2800. to $3800. The bilco door quotes have been between $4500. and $5000.
If the bilco doors are a better option with less water potential, would you pay the extra $2000.? Does anyone have any knowledge about which is the better option?