Can we put a bedroom in the basement without any windows?

No, you cannot legally put a bedroom in a basement without windows in Ontario. The Ontario Building Code requires all bedrooms to have an operable window or door that opens directly to the exterior for emergency egress.

Egress Window Requirements

Under the Ontario Building Code, basement bedrooms must have a window with a minimum opening area of 0.35 square meters (3.8 square feet) and minimum dimensions of 380mm (15 inches) in height and width. The window sill cannot be more than 1.5 meters (5 feet) above the floor. This isn't just about natural light - it's a critical safety requirement that allows occupants to escape during emergencies like fires or allows firefighters to enter for rescue.

In Ottawa's clay soil conditions, installing an egress window typically involves excavating a window well, waterproofing, and ensuring proper drainage. The process requires a building permit through the City of Ottawa, and the work must be inspected to ensure it meets code requirements. Egress window installation in Ottawa typically costs $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the depth of excavation, waterproofing needs, and window well size.

Alternative Options

If installing an egress window isn't feasible due to structural limitations or property constraints, you have several alternatives. You could create a den, office, or recreation room in that space - these don't require egress windows. You could also consider relocating the bedroom to a different area of the basement where an egress window can be installed, or explore converting the space into a secondary dwelling unit where the bedroom would be positioned in an area that can accommodate proper egress.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Using a basement room as a bedroom without proper egress creates serious safety risks and legal issues. Insurance companies may deny claims for incidents involving non-compliant bedrooms, and you could face liability issues if someone is injured. Additionally, if you're planning to rent the space, non-compliant bedrooms violate rental regulations and could result in fines.

For a free consultation about egress window installation or basement bedroom options that meet Ontario Building Code requirements, contact Ottawa Basements. We can assess your specific situation and provide solutions that keep your family safe while maximizing your basement's potential.