Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Parker, Colorado Ranked

An egress window is a critical safety feature for any basement or bedroom, providing a legal and lifesaving escape route in an emergency. In Parker, these installations are governed by specific building codes that dictate size, operation, and placement to ensure they function as intended. This guide explains the requirements, process, and considerations for egress window replacement and installation in Parker, helping you understand what's needed to make your home safer and more compliant.

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

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Parker

Egress windows are not just any basement window; they are specifically designed and installed to meet strict safety codes for emergency escape and rescue. In Parker, these regulations are based on the International Residential Code (IRC), which has been adopted by the state of Colorado and enforced locally ^{1 2}. The primary purpose is to provide a clear, unobstructed opening that allows occupants to exit and first responders to enter during a fire or other crisis.

For a window to qualify as an egress in Parker, it must satisfy several key dimensional and operational criteria:

• Minimum Opening Size: The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet ^{3 4 5}. This is the open space when the window is fully opened.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no smaller than 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height ^{3 4 6}. Both measurements must be met simultaneously.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the window opening (the sill) cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor ^{3 5 7}. This ensures it can be reached and used by people of varying heights.
• Easy Operation: The window must open from the inside without the use of tools, keys, or special knowledge ^{3 4}. It should be readily operable by all potential occupants.

These rules apply to all habitable spaces below grade, such as basement bedrooms, offices, or family rooms ^{3 8}. If you are converting a basement area into a legal bedroom, adding an egress window is a mandatory step.

The Role of Window Wells

When an egress window is installed below ground level, a window well is required. This structure keeps the soil back and creates the open area outside the window. Parker's code has specific rules for these wells to ensure they are safe and functional:

• Minimum Well Size: The well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of horizontal projection (e.g., 36 inches by 36 inches) to allow space for escape ^{1 5 6}.
• Ladder Requirements: If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, the code requires the installation of permanent ladder rungs or steps to enable anyone to climb out ^{4 5 7}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling in the well and leaking into the basement. Many installations will include a drain connected to the home's foundation drainage system or a sump pump.

The Permit Process for Parker Homeowners

Installing or replacing an egress window is not a DIY project you can start without approval. The Town of Parker requires permits and inspections to verify the work meets all safety codes ^{3 9}. Skipping this step can result in fines, forced removal of the work, and problems when you sell your home.

The general process involves:

1. Pre-Application Check: Contact the Parker Planning or Building Department to confirm the current adopted code version and gather the specific application requirements for your project ^{3 2}.
2. Gather Documentation: You will typically need to provide details about the window (make, model, U-factor for energy compliance), installation method, a site plan, and elevation drawings showing dimensions and sill height ^{3 9}.
3. Submit for Permit: Apply for a building permit with the required documents and pay any associated fees.
4. Rough Inspection: After the window opening is framed and the unit is installed, but before the interior is finished, a town inspector will visit to check the framing, window installation, and verify it meets the egress size and sill height requirements ³.
5. Final Inspection: Once the project is fully complete, including any well, ladder, and drainage work, a final inspection is conducted to close out the permit ³.

It is highly recommended to work with a licensed contractor familiar with Parker's specific permit process and building codes.

Cost Considerations for Egress Installations

The total investment for an egress window project in Parker varies based on the scope. For a standard single egress window with a well, homeowners can expect a range of $3,500 to $5,500 or more ¹⁰. Factors that influence cost include:

• Excavation: Digging out the side of the home, especially in rocky soil or around complex landscaping.
• Concrete Cutting: Professionally cutting through the foundation wall to create the new opening.
• Window & Well Materials: The cost of the egress-rated window unit itself and the metal or composite well structure.
• Drainage Work: Tying a new well drain into an existing system or adding a sump pump can add $600 to $1,200+ to the project ¹⁰.
• Interior Finishing: Repairing and finishing the interior wall around the new window.

For larger rooms requiring a double egress setup, costs can range from $6,500 to $9,000+ ¹⁰. While this is a significant investment, it directly increases home safety, can make a basement bedroom legally permissible, and often adds to the home's value.

Replacement vs. New Installation

It's important to distinguish between replacing an existing egress window and creating a new one.

• Egress Window Replacement: If you are replacing an existing window that is already legally sized as an egress, the new window must maintain or improve the original clear opening size ^{3 11}. You cannot install a smaller window. The process still typically requires a permit to ensure the new installation is correct.
• New Egress Window Installation: This involves creating a brand-new opening in a foundation wall where one did not exist before. This is a more involved construction project but is essential for finishing a basement or legalizing a basement bedroom ^{8 12}.

In both cases, using a window with a good U-factor (a measure of insulation, such as 0.30 or better) is advised to meet energy efficiency standards in Parker's climate ³.

Choosing the Right Professional

Given the technical and legal complexities, selecting an experienced professional is key. Look for a licensed contractor who:

• Is familiar with the Town of Parker's Building Department and its specific permit requirements.
• Can provide clear explanations of the code rules for sill height, opening size, and well specifications.
• Offers a detailed written estimate that includes all aspects of the job: excavation, concrete work, window, well, drainage, permits, and interior finish.
• Can provide references from similar egress projects in the area.

Always verify that the contractor will pull the necessary permits and coordinate the required inspections. This protects you as the homeowner and ensures the work is done to code.

Frequently asked questions

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