Home Improvement Blog

5 Benefits of installing an egress window/Orange County, NY

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Dec 10, 2022 @ 07:34 AM

Fire is one of natures most destructive forces all around the world causing billions of dollars a year in damages and thousands of unnecessary deaths per year in the United States. Interesting fact, earth is the only known planet where fire can burn. Fire is the rapid oxidation of material in the exothermic process of releasing light, heat and many different reacting products. There is a certain point in the combustion reaction process in what is call the ignition point which and when reached flames ignite. This becomes potentially dangerous and potentially deadly if caught off guard and/or properly prepared.

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7 facts about fire:

  • Fire is a chemical reaction that releases heat and light
  • Fire requires heat, oxygen and fuel to burn
  • Fire is an occurrence or event, not a thing...
  • Assuming stable heat, fuel and oxygen levels, a typical house fire will become twice the size with every passing minute
  • Earth is the only known planet with enough oxygen to sustain fire
  • Spontaneous combustion is real. Some sources can generate their own heat  like rotting wood for instance. Even old newspapers and magazines along with compost piles and gas cans
  • Fires like forest fires move uphill faster than downhill and same with a home  fire that started In the basement will quickly move to your roof consuming the entire home at a rapid rate.

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3 different ways fire can be stopped:

  • Removing the fuel source by exhausting or taking it away
  • Remove oxygen by exhausting or taking it away
  • Removing heat by saturating it with water

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Beneficial tips in case of a basement fire in case of emergency:

  • Identify sources of egress also known as escape routes
  • Installing fire rated doors on utility rooms
  • Do not block any sources of egress at at time
  • Always have a mounted fire extinguisher ready
  • Do not store any highly combustible items in basement or any items near a heat source even outlets especially overloaded outlets

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National building codes across the country require installation of egress windows in any finished basement with a bedroom. In my opinion any basement should have an egress window installed due to the fact that at any given moment you can be trapped in your basement with no forms of escape. Having an egress window could mean life or death for you and your loved ones which in the same aspect why fire escapes are installed on high rise buildings. 

Building code requirements for a legal egress window:

  • Window must be minimum 5.7 sq. ft.
  • Window must have minimum 20" net clear when open
  • Exterior window well must be 9 sq. ft.
  • Inside of exterior window well depth not to exceed 44" without installation of a ladder
  • Inside of interior, window well not to exceed 44" sill height from basement floor

Benefits of installing an egress window:

  • Peace in mind you and your loved ones will be safe in time of emergency 
  • Added light
  • Better ventilation
  • Humidity and moisture control
  • Added value to your home

Like noted before, fire is an unpredictable force of nature that is extremely dangerous and potentially deadly. With the proper steps, installations and educated decisions you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from harms way. An egress window installation takes about 2-3 days and comes with a lifetime of protection. WMB CONSTRUCTION has been performing egress window installations all around Orange County, NY and Sullivan County, NY for many years along with all your home improvement needs. 

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Topics: orange county ny, basements, construction-general--monroe, footing drain, excavating, improvements, drainage, egress windows, finished basement, excavation, backhoe, excavator, fire escape, foundation

Benefits of an egress window/Orange County, NY

Posted by Bill Bateman on Thu, Aug 10, 2017 @ 08:05 AM

 

                         William M. Bateman

                               845-590-5336

 

Its becoming more common around the country for customers to be installing egress windows in their basements. National code has been in effect for years requiring an egress window for safety measures for you and your family. Most recently in the past few years we have noticed a rise in egress window installations due to the fact that local building departments have been forcing them more and violations are being issued to customers that dont have one. These violations mostly come up when buying/selling a home, finishing basement or refinancing forcing the customer to install one in a timely matter before you can sell or do any other work to your basement.

 

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Why you might need an egress window installed:

  • Buying/selling your home
  • Finishing your basement 
  • Need more light and ventilation in your basement
  • Safety reasons to protect you and your family
  • Peace in mind

Most of customers we experience wait until they are selling their home to install an egress window which holds up the closing process on both ends of the buyer/seller. Once installed every customer realizes the benefits and wishes they had installed one sooner. Its usually a 2-5 installation process that is done 90% from the exterior of your home limiting any distraction to your life and home.

 

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Benefits of adding an egress window:

  • Added safety as a fire escape in the time of need
  • Better ventilation for your basement
  • More added light
  • Better access for larger items to enter your basement from outside
  • Helps with mold and mildew issues every basement experiences

 

When buying/selling your home like mentioned before, brings up last minute violations that brings nothing but last minute aggravation. Pre planning your egress window project will eliminate this and save you money without paying for extra violation costs that you local building department may require.

 

 

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What to expect when installing a window in violation:

  • Closing process held up
  • Have to issue a building permit
  • Some building departments require engineered plans drawn up for basement floor plan
  • Extra permit fees
  • Electrical inspection
  • Proof of insurance from your contractor
  • Approval from the board for work to comence in some condo complexes

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Egress windows have national code requirements that must be met before and during the installation. Choosing a good contractor that is familiar with these codes is key for an easy and painless installation process. The right equipment is necessary to do the project with the proper machines that will not ruin your property during the process.

 

What are the national codes for egress windows?

  • Window must be minimum of 5.7 square feet
  • Window sill height must not exceed 44" max
  • Window well must be 9 square feet inside dimensions
  • Window well must not exceed 44" without adding a ladder
  • Window must have 22" net clearing

 

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WMB Construction has been performing egress window installations for years in the Hudson Valley NY region.  Contact today to set up your free estimate and we will come out and evaluate and price your project.

 

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Check out our videos on some of out finished products

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topics: General Contractor, remodel, construction-general, Construction, outdoors, excavating, contractor, improvements, drainage, egress windows, finished basement, window

Is your roof in need of replacement?

Posted by william bateman on Wed, Nov 26, 2014 @ 03:20 PM

Here in the northeast we can experience some pretty brutal winters that can leave our homes at high risk if you don't have a good roof. The strongest part of your home may be the foundation but without a adequate roof, your home is worthless! Crippling snowstorms are very common in our area and the weight load of snow on our roofs can result in collaspe of your roof, as we have just seen in Buffalo, NY

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Click here and fill out our contact page for a free estimate!

 

 

Another common problem is ice damming. Ice damming occurs when heat loss from your home due to inadequate insulation melts snow and it freezes when it reaches the soffit of your home. As ice forms water backs up under the shingles causing major water damage to the interior of your home.

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A poor roof can leave a home with very little value due to the damage it can do. Sometimes the damage can go unnoticed for years until it is too late! Rot and mildew can run rampant if issues aren't corrected quickly and efficiently!

 

What are the risks of a poor roof?:

  • Interior water damage

  • Rotten wood

  • Dry rot

  • Mold/mildew

  • Health problems

  • Allergies

  • Termites

  • Carpenter ants

  • Roof collapse

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    With a new roof replacement you want to do it right. New architectural shingles on the market are rated for 30 yrs. Thats a long time but if not installed correctly, roof will fail!!! 

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    Call today for a free roof estimate

    845-590-5336

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Topics: Monroe NY, orange county ny, construction-general, Construction, construction-general--monroe, Roofing Monroe NY, Roofing, Architectural shingles, improvements, windows, insulation, certainteed, anderson, egress windows, additions

Wood vs. Steel vs. Fiberglass Doors. Whats the best choice?

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Dec 08, 2012 @ 02:58 PM

Wood Doors vs. Steel Doors vs. Fiberglass Doors

Even after 25 years, fiberglass remains the most advanced material for entryways — able to satisfy both today’s and tomorrow’s homeowners by giving them the look of wood doors and the strength of steel doors, without the compromises of either. In fact, fiberglass doors offer just what homeowners want* — the optimum combination of security, energy efficiency, performance and aesthetics. Therma-Tru not only pioneered the fiberglass door category but we continue to lead the industry.

 

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Benefits of wood doors:

  • Beautiful wood grain

  • High end look

  • Warm feel and touch

  • Scratches easily fixed

 

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Benefits of steel doors:

  • Lower maintenance

  • No cracking or bowing

  • Less exspensive

  • Energy efficient

  • Good insulating value

  • Secure

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Benefits of fiberglass doors:

  • Lowest maintenace

  • Resists cracking and denting

  • Offers smooth or wood grain finishes

  • Won't rot, deteriorate or rust

  • Can be painted or stained

  • Energy efficient

  • Won't warp, bow or twist

  • Five times the insulating value of wood

  • Secure

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Therma-Tru offers decorative glass options:

  • Increase curb appeal and the perceived value of your home

  • Allow more light into your home

  • Reflect your personal style

  • Are offered in impact rated glass options to increase security and protection from severe weather

 

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 After looking at all three door choices, fiberglass seems to be the best choice all around. Wood still has the best appearance and steel is right in the middle with economy and insulating values. When remodeling  your home with a new door upgrade the options can be endless. Therma-Tru has thousands of different choices and configurations to choose from. Call WMB Construction today for your next door installation!

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, remodeling, remodel, Construction, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe, Roofing Monroe NY, Roofing, improvements, windows, insulation, siding

Why use TimberTech decking?

Posted by william bateman on Mon, Oct 15, 2012 @ 10:24 AM

   

 

Why use TimberTech decking?

TimberTech composite decking and railing products add beauty to homes, businesses and resorts. What's more, TimberTech is low maintenance, safe, durable, and can even increase the value of your home.

Low Maintenance
TimberTech maintains its color and beauty for years without the work of painting, staining or sealing. And, because it resists mildew, warping and insects, there’s no need to replace rotting, uneven or termite-damaged boards. This saves time and money over the life of your deck and fence. Caring for TimberTech is easier than wood and will allow you to focus on maximum enjoyment instead of maximum maintenance.


Warranty
TimberTech’s warranty offers 25-years of coverage. And our warranty can be transferred to a second homeowner – a great selling feature when you’re ready to relocate. So the first, and second, TimberTech product owners can have peace of mind that their outdoor oasis will look beautiful year after year. In addition to the already great warranty coverage, the Earthwood Evolutions product line is covered by a 25-year fade and stain warranty. For commercial applications, TimberTech offers a 10-year limited warranty for worry-free beauty in high traffic situations. And in the unlikely event that you’ll have to contact us for warranty assistance, we separate ourselves from the competition by placing high priority on top-notch customer care after the sale.

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WMB Construction recently built this deck in beautiful Orange County, NY. The flooring used was TimberTech with hidden fasteners. The wonderful benefit in using hidden fasteners is an extremely clean look with no exposed screws. The color of the decking is pacific walnut.

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING
TimberTech composite lumber products help create a more sustainable
world – one piece at a time.

 

Vision: TimberTech will be a leader in the decking and railing industry while integrating sustainable practices into three key components of our business:

  • Clean Manufacturing:
    • Waste Management: Minimize waste in all facets of our business.
    • Energy Efficiency: Minimize energy consumption while striving to convert energy used to renewable sources.
    • Water Efficiency: Reduce our impact on local water supplies through responsible use and disposal.
  • Product Development: Incorporate as many sustainable materials and processes into the product we manufacture without sacrificing quality.
  • Community Involvement: Be a leader in the local community on sustainable practices and charitable contributions and involvement.

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Increases the Value of Your HomeTimberTech not only adds value to your life, it adds value to your home. When you add a TimberTech deck – or use TimberTech to replank a wood deck – you'll recoup much of your investment when you sell your home. Remodeling Magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report estimates a national average of 71% return on investment for composite deck additions*. This is a similar or better return on investment than projects such as bathroom addition, bathroom remodel and major kitchen remodel. To maximize your return, Realty Times suggests using a non-rectangle design, and making your deck an extension of your living space.

*Based on a 16′ x 20′ deck set in simple linear pattern; using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers; built-in bench and planter of the same decking material; stairs, assuming three steps to grade; complete railing using a matching system made of the same composite as the decking material.

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Replanking
Replace Your Existing Wood Planks and
Upgrade to Low Maintenance Outdoor Living
Is your deck ready for a makeover? Are you ready to step up to all the benefits of a beautiful, low-maintenance TimberTech deck without starting from scratch? If so, then we have a solution for you.

Taking advantage of a sound, existing wood substructure offers a simple, and many times, more affordable solution compared to building a new deck from the ground up.
• Faster installation
• Cost effective
• No more painting, staining or sealing
• Adds value to your home

 

 

 

 

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william bateman composite decking

 

Topics: orange county ny, construction-general, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe, outdoors, improvements

Check out our latest bathroom remodel

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Jun 30, 2012 @ 09:34 AM

 

A bathroom remodel is always exciting and something to look forward to. Removing all of that mold and mildew to start with! WMB Construction has been tranforming customers bathroom dreams into reality for years in beautiful Orange County, NY.

 

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After

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Most bathroom remodels are performed within two weeks from start to finish. We try to minimize any inconvenience to your regular schedule while construction is performed.

What to expect during your bathroom remodel:

  • First day all contents are removed from bathroom down to original studs.

  • Second day all plumbing and electrical is performed. New tub installed.

  • Third day all sheetrock and cement board installed.

  • By the fourth day we are usually ready to start installing your ceramic tiles on walls and floor. Tile installation can take 1-4 days depending on amount of tile and precision cuts to be made.

  • After tile has been installed and glued has dried we apply latex fortified grout to all seams of tile.

  • Paint all walls and ceiling.

  • Install all new plumbing and electrical fixtures.

  • Drop clothes are layed down everyday and removed at the end of everyday.

  • At the end of project all tools, material and garbage is removed off premises.


 

How we enhanced and protected this bathroom:

  • First we removed all over the toxic mold and mildew from bathroom.

  • Installed a new high quality  "Americast" tub in place of the old tub.

  • Replaced all corroded supply valves and tub plumbing.

  • Installed waterproof cement board on walls of tub area and on floors for superior protection.

  • Removed old exhaust fan and installed a new high powered and quiet one. Old fan was vented into attic creating mold and mildew to grow. We vented exhaust through the roof.

  • Constructed in walls shelf.

  • Installed all new high end coppertone fixtures.

  • Caulked all seams and corners in tub area for superior water protection

  • Installed new fiberglass insulation in walls and ceiling to gain more R-value.

  • Removed double hung window in tub area and added an awning window.

  • Removed soffit over tub area for more light and ventilation.


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WMB CONSTRUCTION has years of experience in the field to install the bathroom of your dreams with peace in mind that everything was installed correctly and finished in a timely matter so you and your family can get back to schedule. Leave the hard work to the professionals.


 

 

 

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, bathrooms, construction-general--monroe, improvements, drainage

Start planning your outdoor project now!

Posted by william bateman on Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 09:47 AM

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Dreaded winter has arrived bringing in the cold and windy weather that we experience every year here in the northeast. Bathing suits and barbeques have been put away and for most of us our outdoor activities have been moved indoors. But rest assure, summer is not too far away!

Now is the time to start planning for your homes outside oasis!

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Besides the occassional vacation here and there, your home is the area where you live and create the most memories in. From everyday life to the family parties to the last minute BBQ,s with a few friends. Creating a peaceful and tranquil outdoor enviroment to your home will not only greatly increase the value of your home but also offer that vacation feeling without the hassles.

Three recommended outdoor enhancements: 

1) Deck

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  • Added entertaining area

  • Can be constructed around pools

  • Screen in areas can be created

  • Elevated decks can be built for second story applications

  • Added value to your home

  • Options of treat/cedar lumber or mantainance free composite

2) Pool House/Purgula

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  • Added outdoor kitchen areas can be added to your entertaining area

  • Hidden pool equipment and protected inside from mother nature

  • Purgulas add a unique look to any project and help filter sun

  • Create outdoor shower and changing area

3) Concrete patio

 

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  • Offers added entertaining area at ground level

  • Great base for fire pits

  • Variety of colors

 

Now is the time to start planning for your outdoor projects!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, bathrooms, outdoors, Roofing Monroe NY, kitchens, excavating, general, contractor, home, improvements