Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Littleton, Colorado Ranked

Adding an egress window to your basement is one of the most impactful home improvement projects you can undertake in Littleton. It transforms a dark, unfinished space into a safe, legal, and valuable living area, such as a bedroom, home office, or family room. This guide will help you understand the specific requirements, process, and costs for egress window installation and replacement in Littleton, empowering you to connect with qualified local professionals who can ensure your project meets all safety codes and adds lasting value to your home.

HomeStrong

6398 Franklin St, Denver, CO 80216

HomeStrong is a family-owned foundation repair and basement waterproofing contractor based in Denver, CO. They provide comprehensive services including foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, concrete repair, and egress window installation. Their expertise includes proven waterproofing techniques and concrete crack repair to protect and enhance residential properties.

5.0

302 Reviews

Top Star Egress & Services

denver

Top Star Egress & Services is a Denver, CO-based company specializing in egress window installation and window replacement. They provide code-compliant, safe, and stylish solutions including window well replacement, concrete cutting, core drilling, and excavation services. With over 10 years of experience and full licensing and insurance, they serve homeowners throughout Denver and surrounding areas.

5.0

180 Reviews

ItIsWell Egress

denver

ItIsWell Egress is a window repair and replacement company based in Denver, CO, specializing in egress basement windows and window well installations. They provide services including window well replacement, basement window replacement, and window well covers, serving the Denver Metro area. The company emphasizes quality workmanship and customer satisfaction through clear communication and professional service.

5.0

162 Reviews

Liftech Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair

12870 W Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228

Liftech Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair is a Denver, CO-based contractor specializing in foundation repair, concrete leveling, waterproofing, and egress window installation. They handle residential and commercial projects, offering comprehensive solutions including concrete lifting and basement waterproofing. Liftech is known for using high-quality repair methods and ensuring compliance with local building codes for egress windows.

4.9

1.1k Reviews

Egress, Inc.

2963 W 91st Pl, Denver, CO 80260

Egress, Inc. is a family-owned window replacement and egress window contractor based in Denver, CO. They specialize in egress window and window well installations, water mitigation, and replacement windows, serving homeowners and businesses throughout Colorado. With over 25 years of experience, the company uses a skilled in-house team to ensure quality workmanship and offers a 5-year written warranty on all work.

4.9

119 Reviews

See more providers in Littleton, CO

Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Littleton

An egress window is not just any basement window; it is a specially sized and designed emergency escape and rescue opening. In Littleton, these installations are governed by the International Residential Code (IRC), which is adopted by the state of Colorado and enforced locally. The primary purpose is to provide a safe exit for occupants and easy access for firefighters during an emergency. If you're finishing your basement to include a bedroom, a compliant egress window is not optional-it's a legal requirement ^{1 2}.

Key Code Specifications for Littleton Homes

Meeting code is non-negotiable for safety and legality. Here are the critical dimensions and operational rules for any new egress window installation or replacement in Littleton:

• Minimum Clear Opening: The net clear opening of the window must be at least 5.7 square feet ^{3 4 5}. This is the space a person must be able to climb through after the window is open.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{3 6}. These are minimums; many windows are larger to meet the 5.7 sq ft area more comfortably.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor (or the adjacent ground outside) ^{1 7 8}. This ensures occupants, including children and elderly individuals, can reach and use the window in an emergency.
• Easy Operation: The window must open from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It should not require excessive force to operate ^{9 10}.

The Critical Role of Window Wells

If your basement window's sill is below the outside ground level (which is almost always the case), a window well is required. The well isn't just a hole in the ground; it's a crucial safety component with its own set of rules:

• Minimum Well Size: The well must provide at least 9 square feet of horizontal area (typically a minimum of 36 inches of clear projection from the window) ^{3 1}.
• Ladder or Steps: If the well depth exceeds 44 inches, permanent steps or a ladder must be installed to facilitate escape ^{3 4}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is essential to prevent water from pooling and leaking into your basement. This often involves a gravel base and a drain connected to a sump pump or the foundation drain tile.

Navigating Littleton's Permit Process

Skipping the permit for an egress window project is a serious mistake that can lead to fines, problems during a future home sale, and, most importantly, an unsafe installation. The City of Littleton has a clear process managed through its online portal.

First, confirm your jurisdiction. Use the city's online tool to ensure your property is within Littleton city limits and not in an unincorporated part of Arapahoe County, which may have different rules ³.

The permit application is submitted electronically via the city's eTRAKiT portal ^{3 11}. You or your contractor will need to provide:

• A site plan showing the property and the proposed window location.
• Detailed construction plans illustrating the window's dimensions, the well design, and any structural modifications to the foundation.
• For projects involving cutting into the foundation wall, structural calculations from a licensed engineer may be required ^{12 11}.

Expect permit fees to range from approximately $50 to $500 or more, depending on the project's complexity and whether engineering review is needed ^{3 12}. After installation, a final inspection by a city official is mandatory to receive approval and close out the permit ⁴.

Cost Breakdown for Egress Window Projects

The total investment for an egress window in Littleton varies widely based on the window type, foundation material, well complexity, and labor. Here's a typical breakdown:

• Permit & Engineering: $100 - $500+ ^{12 4}.
• Egress Window Unit: A quality, code-compliant window (like a casement or sliding style) typically costs $500 - $2,000 ^{10 13}.
• Window Well & Excavation: This includes digging, installing a metal or composite well liner, and adding drainage. Budget $500 - $2,000+ ^{1 13}.
• Professional Labor (Contractor): This is the most significant variable, covering cutting the foundation, installation, waterproofing, and finishing. Labor often ranges from $1,000 - $3,000+ ^{12 13}.

A full, new installation from start to finish commonly falls within a total range of $2,000 to $7,000+ ^{12 10 13}. Replacing an existing non-compliant window with a proper egress window can sometimes be less expensive, as the opening may already exist, but it must still be brought fully up to current code standards ⁶.

Choosing the Right Egress Window Style

Not all windows work well for egress. The most common and effective styles are:

• Casement Windows: These are a top choice because they crank open fully, often providing 100% of the glass area as clear opening, making it easy to meet the 5.7 sq ft requirement.
• Sliding Windows: A popular and often more affordable option. Ensure you calculate the clear opening based on one sliding panel being fully open; you may need a larger overall window size.
• Double-Hung Windows: These are generally not suitable for egress because the opening is only half the total window height, requiring a very large window to achieve the necessary clear area.

Replacement vs. New Installation

Replacing an Existing Basement Window: If you have an old, small basement window, you may be able to enlarge the existing opening. The process still requires a permit and must meet all current code for clear opening, sill height, and well requirements. The advantage is that some structural work may already be done, potentially lowering costs ⁶.

New Installation in a Solid Wall: This involves cutting a new opening in your concrete or concrete block foundation wall. It is more invasive, often requires engineering approval, and is generally more expensive, but it allows you to place the window in the optimal location for your new basement layout.

Why Professional Installation is Crucial

An egress window is a structural and waterproofing project. Mistakes can lead to:

• Code Violations: Failing inspection and creating an unsafe space.
• Water Infiltration: Improper sealing or drainage is the leading cause of basement moisture problems.
• Structural Weakness: Incorrectly cutting a foundation wall can compromise your home's integrity.
• Increased Cost: Fixing errors is almost always more expensive than doing it right the first time.

A qualified local contractor will understand Littleton's specific codes, navigate the permit process efficiently, and have the experience to handle the excavation, concrete work, waterproofing, and installation seamlessly.

Frequently asked questions

Sources