Basement Egress Window Requirements in the DMV

Basement Egress Window Requirements in the DMV

Koray Bozkurt, PE, PMP
Published on: 09/09/2026

Basement egress window requirements under IRC R310: a 5.7 sq ft opening, 24 in tall, 20 in wide, 44 in max sill. See the full DMV code and permit rules.

basement egress window requirementsegress windowemergency escape and rescue openingbasement bedroom codeIRC R310
Retaining Wall Permits in Virginia & the DMV (2026)

Retaining Wall Permits in Virginia & the DMV (2026)

Koray Bozkurt, PE, PMP
Published on: 26/08/2026

When do you need a retaining wall permit in Virginia and the DMV? Walls over 4 feet, or any wall with a surcharge, trigger a permit and an engineered design.

retaining wall permitretaining wall designstructural engineeringDMV building codeVirginia permits
What Is Underpinning? A DMV Basement Guide

What Is Underpinning? A DMV Basement Guide

Koray Bozkurt, PE, PMP
Published on: 21/08/2026

What is underpinning? Learn how DMV rowhouses lower a basement or stabilize a failing foundation, the main methods, permits, party-wall rules, and costs.

underpinningbasement underpinningfoundation repairstructural engineeringDC rowhouse
Second Story Addition Cost: Can Your House Take It?

Second Story Addition Cost: Can Your House Take It?

Koray Bozkurt, PE, PMP
Published on: 19/08/2026

What drives second story addition cost in the DMV? Before price, an engineer checks if your foundation, framing, and soil can carry the new load. Here's how.

second story additionhome additionsstructural engineeringfoundation capacityDMV homeowners
Bowing Basement Wall: Causes, Signs & Repair (2026)

Bowing Basement Wall: Causes, Signs & Repair (2026)

Koray Bozkurt, PE, PMP
Published on: 17/08/2026

A bowing basement wall means soil is pushing inward with force that can top 20,000 psf. Learn the causes, warning signs, repair options, and when to call a PE.

bowing basement wallfoundation repairstructural engineeringhydrostatic pressureDMV homeowners
Do You Need a Structural Inspection Before Buying a House?

Do You Need a Structural Inspection Before Buying a House?

Koray Bozkurt, PE, PMP
Published on: 20/07/2026

Do you need a structural inspection before buying a house? What the engineer checks, red flags to watch, typical costs, and how the report helps you negotiate.

structural inspectionhome buyingstructural engineering

BOZ Engineering Group

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