Basement Windows for Bedrooms and Accessory Dwelling Units

Many homes in Seattle have an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), often referred to as a mother-in-law apartment, in the basement. The ADUs in older homes are often illegal because they are not remodeled to current building code, or they have not received a proper ADU building permit, or both. The City of Seattle has largely turned a blind eye to this because they just don't have the man-power to enforce it, and the reality is that cheap urban housing is scarce and desperately needed.

But the building codes are there for a reason, and many of them are safety related. Windows and window well requirements are a good example. The city has some very specific size requirement for these to help provide adequate egress in case of fire. Almost all of the older homes in Seattle with basements were built with small inaccessible windows at the top of the foundation areas above ground. These were really designed more for ventilation and light, since the basements were unfinished and not meant for living spaces.

These should not be listed as bedrooms by agents in listing remarks, but some agents do it anyway. The main thing to remember is that these areas are not safe for emergency egress and there may also be inherent liability for the owner who unwittingly rents this out as living space and, God forbid, there is a fire or accident where someone can not get out. So I am always relieved to see a basement area that has been remodeled with proper windows and window wells. It makes me think this is an owner who cared enough to make sure it was down right.