Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in West Des Moines, Iowa Ranked

Adding an egress window to your West Des Moines basement is a critical safety upgrade that transforms a standard storage area into a legal, livable bedroom or family space. These emergency escape and rescue openings are required by building code for any basement sleeping room, ensuring a safe exit in case of fire or other emergencies. This guide will help you understand the specific requirements, permit process, and installation considerations for egress windows in West Des Moines, so you can confidently plan your project and connect with qualified local professionals.

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

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in West Des Moines

An egress window is not just any basement window. It is a specially sized and designed emergency escape opening mandated by the International Residential Code (IRC), which is adopted locally. In West Des Moines, the Building Division enforces these standards to ensure life safety. The primary purpose is to provide a clear, unobstructed path for occupants to exit and for emergency responders to enter during a crisis ^{1 2}.

For a basement window to qualify as an egress window in West Des Moines, it must meet several strict dimensional and operational criteria:

• Minimum Opening Size: The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet (820 square inches). A slightly smaller minimum of 5.0 square feet is allowed if the window sill is within 44 inches of the finished grade outside ^{1 2}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. These are minimums; the opening must still achieve the required total square footage ^{1 3}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the window opening (the sill) cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the basement. This ensures it is low enough for occupants, including children and elderly individuals, to climb through easily ^{1 4}.
• Operability: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It cannot be blocked by furniture, window treatments, or other obstructions ^{2 5}.

The Crucial Role of Window Wells

Since most basement windows are below ground level, a window well is almost always necessary for an egress installation. The well itself has its own set of requirements to ensure it is a functional part of the escape path, not just a decorative feature.

• Minimum Well Size: The window well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of area (with a minimum of 36 inches of width and projection) to allow a person to stand or kneel clear of the window opening ^{2 4}.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps are required. These must be corrosion-resistant and capable of supporting a load of 1,000 pounds ^{1 2}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling in the well and leaking into your basement. This typically involves a gravel base and may require connection to a drain tile system.

Navigating the West Des Moines Permit Process

Installing an egress window is not a DIY project you can start without approval. It involves altering your home's foundation and structure, which requires a permit from the City of West Des Moines Development Services Department. Skipping this step can result in fines, forced removal of the work, and problems when you try to sell your home.

The permit process ensures your project meets all safety and zoning codes. Here's a general outline of what to expect:

1. Research and Preparation: Before contacting a contractor, visit the official West Des Moines city website. Look for the "Emergency Escape/Egress Window Requirements" handout and the permit application packets under the Building Inspection section ^{6 4}. Reviewing these documents will give you a clear understanding of the rules.
2. Submit Your Application: For a typical egress window installation, you will likely need the "Remodel/Basement Finish" permit packet. Complete the application thoroughly. In most cases, you can email the completed packet and supporting documents directly to the Building Inspection division at bi@wdm.iowa.gov ⁶.
3. Provide Required Documentation: Your application will need to include a site plan showing the location of the proposed window and details of the window and well specifications. If the project involves cutting the foundation, the city may require engineered drawings to verify the structural integrity of the modification ^{7 8}.
4. Pay Fees and Receive Permit: Permit fees in West Des Moines can vary based on the project's valuation and complexity, often ranging from approximately $50 to over $500 ^{7 8}. Once your application is approved and fees are paid, you will receive your permit to begin work.
5. Schedule Inspections: A final inspection by a city building official is mandatory once the installation is complete. This inspection verifies that the installed window and well meet all code requirements ⁷.

What to Expect During Installation

The physical installation of an egress window is a significant construction project. Understanding the steps involved can help you prepare your home and ask the right questions of potential installers.

• Excavation: The area outside the basement wall must be carefully excavated down to the footing level where the new window will be placed. This requires heavy machinery like a mini-excavator and skilled operation to avoid damaging utilities or the foundation.
• Cutting the Foundation: This is the most critical phase. A concrete saw or core drill is used to cut a precise opening in the foundation wall. For structural safety, this almost always requires temporary support (shoring) of the foundation above the cut and may necessitate an engineered plan, especially for larger openings or certain soil conditions ⁸.
• Instating the Window Buck: A waterproof, rot-resistant frame (often called a buck) is installed into the new opening. This frame provides a secure mounting point for the window itself and is crucial for preventing water infiltration.
• Window and Well Installation: The egress window (typically a casement or sliding style that opens fully) is installed into the buck. The window well is then placed in the excavation, connected to drainage, and backfilled properly.
• Finishing Work: Interior finishing involves framing around the new window, installing trim, and repairing drywall. Exterior work includes grading the soil away from the well and adding well covers (which must be easily openable from inside).

Cost Considerations for Your Project

The total cost of an egress window replacement and installation in West Des Moines is influenced by many factors. While prices can vary widely based on materials, labor, and site conditions, you should budget for the following components:

• Permit Fees: As noted, the city permit fee is a direct cost, typically ranging from $50 to $500+ depending on the project's scope ^{7 8}.
• Materials: This includes the egress window itself (which can be several hundred to over a thousand dollars), the window well (steel, polymer, or concrete), drainage materials, and interior finishing supplies.
• Labor: This is often the largest portion of the cost, covering excavation, concrete cutting, installation, and finishing. Complex sites with difficult access or poor soil conditions will increase labor time and cost.
• Engineering: If your foundation requires an engineered drawing for the cut, this can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars to your project budget ⁸.
• Unexpected Issues: Once excavation begins, contractors may discover issues like improper existing drainage, crumbling foundation, or utility conflicts that need to be addressed, potentially increasing the final cost.

Choosing a Qualified Installation Professional

Given the technical and regulatory complexity, hiring an experienced and licensed professional is non-negotiable. Look for a contractor who specializes in basement waterproofing, foundation work, or egress window installation specifically. They should be intimately familiar with the West Des Moines building codes and permit process. A reputable pro will handle the permit application on your behalf, provide a detailed written estimate, and carry proper insurance and warranties for their workmanship.

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