“Dear PoPville,
I’m trying to bring my basement condo up to code to pass DCRA inspection for renting it out. The DCRA checklist says “Do all sleeping rooms have adequate emergency escape and rescue openings? (IPMC §702.4)” I currently have fixed bars on both bedroom windows and understand I need to upgrade one of them in order to have an emergency egress.
Any recommendations for local companies that will retrofit bars to be opened from inside in case of emergency? What are my design options? I’ve seen some that offer a kick plate inside that will pop the exterior bars open. Anything else I should consider? Also curious as to why I see fixed bars on almost every basement unit in my neighborhood. Are people just not following code? Not renting legally? Am I understanding the code incorrectly?”