Building regulations for windows in bedrooms

Building regulations may seem inconvenient when constructing or renovating your home, however they are in place for a very important reason. The safety of you and your family is worth any extra work you need to put in to keep your property secure. Following building regulations for windows in your bedroom will give you a vital route of escape in an emergency.

Whether you are a landlord hoping to rent a room without windows, you are unsure about building regulations for bedroom windows, or you are looking for fire safety tips, this guide will answer all your questions.

What are building regulations for windows in bedrooms

When altering or improving your home, it’s important to check you are complying with building regulations. For bedroom windows, there are a few different requirements that must be achieved.

Unsure about building regulations for windows in bedrooms? Then, follow these points:

• Always ensure the person installing new bedroom windows is properly registered and compliant with regulations.
• Your new windows will need to be energy efficient.
• There must always be suitable ventilation in any room. Some rooms like bathrooms and kitchens will need extra ventilation but bedrooms should be fine with just a window.
• The window should be large enough with a suitably wide opening for you to use as a means of escape, particularly in case of a fire.

For further reading, please visit the planning portal website.

Fire safety regulations for bedroom windows

One of the most important reasons to stick to building regulations is to help you stay safe if a fire breaks out in your home.

When it comes to fire safety regulations for bedroom windows, the most crucial requirement is that you have a means of escape. Provided your home’s first floor is less than 4.5m above the ground, you will need to ensure you have installed an egress window (one that is big enough for you to climb through).

Smoke alarms are also a legal requirement and should be fitted on each floor of your home.

FAQs

Does a bedroom legally have to have a window?

If you have expanded your home or split it into smaller bedrooms, you may end up with a room that has no window.

Some people choose to let out a spare room to a lodger for an extra income, and you may be wondering does a bedroom legally have to have a window? In short yes, you cannot legally let or stay in a room that has no window.

Do bedroom windows have to open?

Bedroom windows are great for infusing light into the space, helping you wake up in the morning and providing beautiful views, but do bedroom windows have to open?

As a bedroom must legally have a means of escape, plus adequate ventilation, your bedroom windows should be openable to comply with building regulations.

How much do windows cost to be installed by a professional?

If you’re looking to replace or add new windows to your home, we have a range of different resources that may come in handy. First things first, you will need a reliable, registered window installer. Using our search feature can help you find approved professionals in your area.

It may be helpful to know a few average prices for window installation before making any decisions. The following list covers average costs, as well as links to our handy window guides:

• Double glazing cost: £500 per uPVC window
• Aluminium window cost: £475 per window
• Window glass replacement cost: £120 for double glazed supply and installation
• Bay window cost: £2,000 per window
• Sash window replacement cost: From £1,300 per window