Window of egress or bilco doors

[mreynolds]

I am looking at my foundation plans and they have a window of egress. I have been debating whether or not to do that or put a Bilco door in. My only concern is that if I put the Bilco door in I am opening myself up to extra water leaks in my foundation. We have a basic foot print of 34x32, and we have very hydric soils (heavy clays). Is this a reasonable concern?

[Rich]

It is a concern but can be handled by depressing the bottom of the window well about 6" and put a drain in there. And just pay attention to the flashing details around the door. Should be fine.