Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Longmont, Colorado Ranked

Adding a safe, code-compliant egress window is one of the most important upgrades you can make to your Longmont home, especially when finishing a basement. These specialized windows provide a critical emergency escape route and can transform a dark basement into a legal, livable bedroom. This guide explains the local requirements, process, and what to consider when planning your egress window project, helping you connect with qualified local professionals.

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

Basement Windows Of Denver

denver

Basement Windows Of Denver is a window replacement and egress window contractor based in Denver, CO. They specialize in installing code-compliant basement and egress windows with stamped engineering approval. The company offers custom window designs with a focus on safety, aesthetics, and quality craftsmanship.

5.0

73 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

Baumann Windows

denver

Baumann Windows is a window replacement company based in Denver, CO, specializing in residential window and door replacement. They offer services including egress window installation and sliding glass door installation, focusing on enhancing home comfort and safety. Serving the Denver metropolitan area, Baumann Windows has been providing quality window solutions since 1992.

5.0

7 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Longmont

An egress window is not just any basement window. It is a designated emergency exit that must meet specific size and accessibility standards set by the International Residential Code (IRC) and adopted by the City of Longmont. The primary purpose is to allow occupants to escape and emergency responders to enter during a fire or other crisis.

For a basement room to be legally classified as a bedroom in Longmont, it must have an egress window that satisfies these key dimensions ^{1 2}:

• Minimum Opening Area: 5.7 square feet for new construction or major remodels. Existing older homes may reference a 5.0 square foot minimum, but 5.7 sq ft is the current standard for creating a new legal bedroom ^{3 4}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{1 5}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor ^{1 4}.

These size requirements ensure that people of all ages and abilities can use the window to get out safely.

The Complete Egress Window System: More Than Just a Window

Installing an egress window involves creating an entire system. The window itself is just one component. A fully compliant installation in Longmont includes:

The Window Well: If the window is below grade, a window well is required. Wells deeper than 44 inches must have a permanently affixed ladder or steps for escape. These steps must project at least 3 inches from the well wall and be at least 12 inches wide ^{5 6}.

The Well Cover: A cover is essential for keeping out debris, water, and pests. Critically, the cover must be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. This allows someone trapped inside to push it open to escape ^{7 6}.

Proper Drainage: To prevent your new egress from becoming a swimming pool, proper drainage is mandatory. This typically involves a gravel base and a drain pipe that connects to your home's foundation drainage system or a sump pump. Ensuring water flows away from the foundation is a key part of the inspection process ^{3 8}.

The Longmont Permit and Inspection Process

Virtually all egress window installations in Longmont require a building permit, especially if the project involves cutting a new opening or enlarging an existing one in your concrete foundation. Working without a permit can lead to fines, problems during a future home sale, and potentially unsafe conditions.

The typical process involves:

1. Pre-Application: Contact the Longmont Building Department to discuss your project, verify current code interpretations, and understand the specific requirements for your property ³.
2. Plan Submission: For a new opening, you will likely need to submit a site plan and possibly structural details showing how the new opening will be framed and supported. Professional installers usually handle this step.
3. Permit Issuance: Once plans are approved, the city issues a building permit.
4. Rough Inspections: After the hole is cut, the structural framing is installed, and the drainage is put in place, a city inspector will visit to approve these "rough" elements before the window is installed and the well is backfilled ^{8 7}.
5. Final Inspection: After the window, well, cover, and final grading are complete, a final inspection ensures everything meets code and is safe for occupancy.

Egress Window Installation vs. Simple Replacement

The scope and cost of your project depend entirely on your starting point:

• Simple Egress Window Replacement: If you already have a code-sized window and well that just needs updating, the job is more straightforward. A professional can remove the old unit and install a new, energy-efficient egress window. This is typically the most affordable path.
• New Egress Window Installation: This is a major construction project. It involves excavating outside the foundation, using a concrete saw or hammer to cut a new opening, installing a steel or wood lintel for support, placing the window and well, and ensuring proper drainage and backfill. This is a job for experienced contractors with the right tools and knowledge of structural integrity.

Cost Considerations for Your Project

Costs can vary widely based on the complexity of the installation, soil conditions, and the materials you choose. Here's a general breakdown:

• Replacing an Existing Egress Window: If the opening and well are already to code, you are primarily paying for the new window unit and labor. This can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more for high-end models ^{3 9}.
• Installing a Brand New Egress System: Creating a new opening from scratch is a significant investment. This includes excavation, concrete cutting, structural work, the window, a well, drainage, and all labor. In the Longmont area, you can expect this type of full installation to range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more ^{3 9}. Complex situations, like difficult soil or landscaping, can push costs higher.

While price is a factor, the quality of the installation is paramount. A poorly installed egress window can lead to water intrusion, structural issues, and-most importantly-may not function as a lifesaving exit in an emergency.

Choosing the Right Professional in Longmont

Given the technical and safety-critical nature of this work, selecting the right contractor is crucial. Look for professionals who:

• Are licensed and insured to work in Longmont.
• Have specific, verifiable experience with egress window installations and foundation work.
• Understand the local Longmont building codes and permit process intimately.
• Can provide references from past egress window projects.
• Offer a detailed written estimate that breaks down costs for materials, labor, permits, and potential contingencies.

A reputable installer will view the project as a safety system, not just a construction task, and will ensure every component from the window to the drain is installed correctly for long-term performance and peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

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