Brighten Your Basement with the Right New Windows for Your Minnesota Home

If you’re looking to make the most out of your existing home, a basement remodel is one of the best ways to do so. Converting this area of your home into a finished basement is a convenient and popular way to add living space for a host of handy purposes—from an added bedroom for children or aging parents to a fun area for movie viewing, gaming, and hanging with guests.

To make your space as comfortable, appealing and safe as possible, you’ll want plenty of light and ventilation, as well as a secure way to exit the room in case of an emergency. Fortunately, there are many window options that fit these needs and meet current building codes, giving you a gorgeous basement remodel you’ll love.

Here are some tips from the team at Iron River Construction for making this choice to get you the best results for your Minnesota home.

Choose Windows that Are Safe as Well as Brightening 

Depending on the age of your home, you may have existing basement windows that are smaller and harder to access than current building codes permit. Today, homes are required to have egress windows in basements—which provide enough room for adults to crawl through in case of a fire or similar emergency that has other exits blocked.

As you invest in new windows, your installation team will likely discuss this with you, since it may affect how your basement remodel is done. To ensure they can be used easily as emergency exits, your basement egress windows will need to:

• Open to at least 5.7 square feet so that they can be easily used for emergency exits
• Be no more than 42-44 inches above the floor 
• Have a window well included outside with a ladder or stairs if needed to enable you to climb to safety
• Easily and quickly be operated without tools or keys

The good news is, such windows are larger and offer more glass space than older-style basement windows, so they are great at bringing in more lighting as well as providing better safety.

Ideal Window Styles for Your Basement 

So, what types of windows meet the requirements to work as basement egress windows that will bring in plenty of natural lighting? Here are the most popular styles you’ll choose from.

Awning Window

These windows come with a single pane of glass, which is hinged at the top and opens outward at the bottom. They also feature a windowpane that extends outward at the top, which keeps out rain so you can still enjoy ventilation in any weather. 

Hopper Window 

If your basement is partly or completely aboveground, hopper windows are an appealing option. They are hinged at the bottom, and they can either be pushed outward or pulled inward with a lever, making them simple to operate.

Casement Window

If energy efficiency is a high priority for you, a casement window is an excellent choice. They close tightly in place and provide great insulation value. They also make your home more secure due to their multipoint locking mechanism that foils thieves. 

Sliding Window

Simple to operate and offering plenty of glass that brings in bright light, these horizontal windows have a pane that slides back and forth to open and close. They come in numerous sizes, allowing you to customize your look to fit your specific basement needs.

Double Hung Window

One of the most popular windows on the market for any home remodel, the double-hung design has two panes of glass, both of which open and close. This makes them convenient to clean, as well as providing plenty of bright sunlight and fresh air. 

These windows can work well in any area of a home, including your basement—which is perfect if you are replacing all your home windows and want them to match in style.

Other Ways to Boost Lighting in Your Basement

In addition to installing egress windows, there are additional techniques you can use to ensure your basement living space is bright and airy.

Add a Light Well or Solar Tube

These vertical features direct natural light from an unroofed space such as an exterior garden into the basement.

Keep the Area Spacious

An open floor plan with the right furnishings in the right places can help you avoid feeling as though the basement is crowded and shadowy.

Paint Walls a Light Color

If ever there is a time to use white or off-white for a room, this is it. Painting basement walls a very light, reflective shade will maximize the available lighting and create a bright overall feel.

Decorate with Mirrors

Using décor such as mirrors and chrome throughout the room will cause light to reflect into spaces that might otherwise be dark, and it’s an effective way to tie the room’s look together as well. 

Get the Perfect New Windows Installed by Our Trusted Team

When you’re ready to upgrade your basement into a friendlier, more livable space, or if you’re in need of replacement windows, turn to the team you can rely on to do the job right—Iron River Construction.

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners achieve gorgeous, long-lasting property improvements that provide you with an enjoyable home lifestyle. Discover more about our window replacement installations—and how the results can benefit you year-round.