Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Des Moines, Iowa 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 Des Moines, installing or replacing an egress window is a regulated process that involves specific building codes, permits, and construction details to ensure safety and compliance. This guide explains the local requirements, process, and considerations for homeowners looking to add or upgrade an emergency egress opening, helping you understand what's involved in finding qualified local professionals for the job.

BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines

5327 NW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313

BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is an egress window contractor based in Des Moines, IA. They specialize in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, egress window installation, crawl space encapsulation, sump pump installation, and concrete leveling. The company uses a unique patented system for basement waterproofing and offers a lifetime warranty that is transferable to new property owners. BAM serves multiple cities in Central Iowa, including Des Moines and surrounding areas. They provide 24/7 emergency chat line availability to support urgent needs.

5.0

251 Reviews

Direct Egress & Construction

1930 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320

Direct Egress & Construction is a family-owned business serving Des Moines, IA, and nearby areas such as Indianola and Adel. With over 30 years of experience, they specialize in residential and commercial construction, remodeling, and egress window installation. Their services include handling all permits and ensuring compliance with local building codes. They focus on quality craftsmanship and provide manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Their expertise in egress window installation includes precise excavation and custom fitting to enhance safety and natural light while preventing issues like water leakage. The company also offers deck design and installation, as well as comprehensive home remodeling services. They manage projects from start to finish, ensuring tailored solutions that meet client needs and local regulations. Direct Egress & Construction provides discounts for seniors and veterans and emphasizes cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

4.7

56 Reviews

Basement Rehab

2785 NE 46th Ave #400, Des Moines, IA 50317

Basement Rehab is an egress window contractor based in Des Moines, IA. They specialize in basement projects including waterproofing, sump pump installation, foundation and footing work, and egress window installation. Their services aim to improve safety, prevent water damage, and enhance the value of homes. Basement Rehab offers free estimates and serves the local Des Moines area.

4.9

17 Reviews

DBI Foundation Repair

des moines

DBI Foundation Repair is a contractor based in Des Moines, IA, specializing in egress window installation along with foundation repair, waterproofing, and basement solutions. They serve the entire state of Iowa, offering services such as foundation replacement, bracing, sump pump installation, and epoxy flooring. DBI Foundation Repair provides durable and attractive egress windows that enhance safety by providing emergency escape routes, increase natural light and airflow, and add value to homes. The company also addresses major structural issues by repairing or replacing foundations and offers permanent waterproofing solutions to keep basements dry year-round.

4.4

59 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Des Moines

Egress windows are not just ordinary basement windows. They are specially designed emergency escape and rescue openings mandated by the International Residential Code (IRC), which Iowa and the City of Des Moines adopt ^{1 2}. The primary purpose is to provide a safe exit for occupants and allow easy entry for firefighters during a house fire or other emergency. For a window to qualify as a legal egress, it must meet strict dimensional and operational standards.

The core requirements for the window unit itself are non-negotiable ^{1 3 4}:

• Minimum Opening Area: The clear, unobstructed opening must be at least 5.7 square feet. A slightly smaller minimum of 5.0 square feet is allowed if the window is at "grade level," meaning the finished ground outside is no more than 44 inches below the window sill ^{3 5}.
• Minimum Height and Width: The opening must be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the window opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the room. This ensures occupants, including children and elderly individuals, can easily climb out.
• Operability: The window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It should open fully with a simple, single-action mechanism.

When is an Egress Opening Required in Des Moines Homes?

Knowing when you are legally required to have an egress window is the first step for many homeowners. The requirements are tied to how you use your space ^{3 6 7}.

• For Bedrooms: Any room legally defined as a bedroom, including those in a finished basement, must have a compliant egress window. This is a universal building code standard for life safety. If you are converting a basement space into a legal bedroom, adding an egress window is mandatory ^{7 8}.
• For Finished Basements: If you are finishing your basement to create any habitable space (e.g., a family room, home office, or recreational room), the International Residential Code requires at least one egress opening. This could be an egress window or an exterior door. The City of Des Moines has specific policies regarding basement finishing and egress, so verifying local interpretations is crucial ^{6 2}.
• For Existing Non-Conforming Rooms: Many older homes have basement rooms used as bedrooms that do not have code-compliant egress. While they may be "grandfathered in," upgrading to a compliant egress window is essential for safety and is often required if you undertake significant renovations or seek to legalize the bedroom's status.

The Critical Role of the Window Well

Installing an egress window in a below-grade basement requires excavating a window well. This well is not just a hole in the ground; it is a structural component with its own set of code requirements to ensure it functions as a safe escape path ^{1 9 10}.

• Minimum Size: The well must provide at least 9 square feet of horizontal area (e.g., 3 feet by 3 feet), with a minimum clear projection of 36 inches from the exterior wall. This gives a person enough space to climb out or for a rescuer to enter.
• Ladders or Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, the code requires permanently attached ladders or steps. These cannot obstruct the window opening and must be strong enough to support an adult's weight ^{11 10}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is imperative to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to leaks and flooding into your basement. This often involves adding gravel and connecting to a drain tile system.
• Materials: Wells can be constructed from corrugated metal, plastic, or concrete. The choice affects durability, cost, and aesthetics.

Navigating Des Moines Permits and Inspections

Egress window installation is not a DIY project to start without approval. It almost always requires a building permit from the City of Des Moines, as it involves structural alteration to your home's foundation ^{1 6 12}.

1. Contact the Permit Office: Your first step should be to contact the Des Moines Building and Development Services Department. They can provide the most current application forms, fee schedules, and answer specific questions about your property.
2. Prepare Detailed Plans: You or your contractor will need to submit detailed plans. These should include floor plans showing the room's dimensions and the proposed window location, cross-section drawings illustrating the window's size, sill height, and well details (depth, width, ladder), and any structural details if foundation beams or headers are being modified.
3. Submit Application: Submit the completed application, plans, and fees. The review process ensures your project meets all life-safety and zoning codes before any work begins.
4. Schedule Inspections: Once the permit is issued, inspections will be required at critical stages. Typical inspections include the rough opening/framing inspection before the window is installed and a final inspection to verify the completed installation meets all code specifications ¹².

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects

The total investment for an egress window replacement or new installation in Des Moines varies widely based on the complexity of the job, materials chosen, and labor costs. It's helpful to understand the cost breakdown ^{13 14}.

• Window Unit: A code-compliant vinyl, double-pane egress window typically ranges from $300 to over $1,000, with features like Low-E glass affecting the price.
• Window Well: The well itself, including materials (plastic, metal, concrete), can cost between $200 and $500 or more.
• Labor and Excavation: This is often the most significant cost, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000+. It covers cutting through the foundation wall (which may involve sawing through concrete or concrete block), excavation for the well, installation of the window and well, ensuring proper sealing and waterproofing, and addressing drainage.
• Professional Fees: Don't forget to factor in the cost of the building permit and potential fees for professional plan drawing if required.
• Total Project Cost: For a full professional installation of a new egress window and well, homeowners in the Des Moines area can expect a total project cost generally between $1,500 and $5,000. More complex jobs involving difficult access, rocky soil, or extensive drainage work will be on the higher end.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Selecting the correct window style is important. Common choices for egress include casement windows (which crank open and often provide the largest clear opening) and sliding windows. A professional can help you select a model that meets code while suiting your aesthetic preferences.

Given the technical, structural, and legal complexities, hiring an experienced, licensed, and insured contractor specializing in egress work is highly recommended. A qualified pro will:

• Understand local Des Moines and Iowa code amendments.
• Handle the permit application and inspection process.
• Properly address structural integrity and waterproofing.
• Ensure the finished project is safe, legal, and adds value to your home.

Frequently asked questions

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