Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Boise, Idaho Ranked

Adding an egress window or replacing an existing one is a critical home improvement project that transforms your basement into a safe, legal, and more valuable living space. These emergency escape and rescue openings are not just about light and ventilation; they are a fundamental safety requirement for any basement bedroom. This guide will help you understand the specific codes, process, and considerations for egress window installation in Boise, empowering you to make informed decisions when connecting with qualified local specialists.

Victory Window & Remodeling

boise

Victory Window & Remodeling is a Boise, Idaho-based company specializing in residential window replacement, egress window installation, and sliding glass door upgrades. Serving Boise and surrounding areas, they focus on energy-efficient, code-compliant window solutions that enhance home safety, comfort, and design. With over 25 years of experience, Victory Window & Remodeling offers tailored services including excavation and finishing for egress windows, as well as installation of various window styles and sliding doors. Their local expertise ensures projects meet regional building codes and climate needs.

4.9

15 Reviews

MLSK Windows & Doors Windows- Installation, Windows, Patio Doors, Storm Doors, Egress Windows, Entry Door

boise

MLSK Windows & Doors provides window and door installation services in Boise, ID. They specialize in window replacement, patio and storm doors, entry doors, and egress windows that enhance home safety and livability by converting basements into usable rooms. With over 30 years of experience, MLSK offers local expertise and access to top manufacturers, focusing on energy efficiency, comfort, and home value improvements.

4.7

7 Reviews

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Understanding Boise's Egress Window Codes

Compliance with local building codes is non-negotiable for egress window installations. In Boise, these regulations are based on the International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments, designed to ensure a safe escape route in an emergency ^{1 2}. The rules are precise, and getting them right is the first step in any project.

Key Requirements for a Legal Egress Opening:

• Minimum Opening Size: The net clear opening-the actual space a person can pass through when the window is open-must be at least 5.7 square feet ^{1 3 4}. This is measured on the openable part of the window, not the frame.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide ^{1 4 5}. A window that is 24" x 34" meets the 5.7 sq. ft. requirement.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor ^{1 3 6}. This ensures occupants, including children, can easily reach and exit through the window.
• Operation: The emergency exit window must open from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. Simple operation is crucial during a panic situation ^{1 2}.

The Bedroom Rule and Why It Matters

A common point of confusion is when an egress window is required. In Boise, as per code, any basement room that includes a closet is considered a bedroom and must have a compliant egress opening ^{1 7}. This "bedroom rule" is strictly enforced. Even if you call it a guest room, office, or den, the presence of a closet triggers the requirement for a proper emergency escape window. Installing one not only makes the space legal and safer but also significantly increases your home's functional square footage and resale value.

Requirements for Below-Grade Installations: Window Wells

Since most basement windows are below ground level, a window well is almost always part of the installation. The well itself has specific code requirements to ensure it facilitates rescue, not just escape.

Window Well Specifications:

• Minimum Size: The well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of floor area (e.g., 36 inches by 36 inches) ^{1 4 2}.
• Minimum Projection: The well must extend at least 36 inches from the foundation wall to provide adequate space ¹.
• Ladder Requirement: If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently affixed ladder or steps are required. The ladder must not encroach more than 6 inches into the required well dimensions ^{1 3 2}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is essential to prevent water accumulation and potential flooding into your basement. Professionals typically install a drain connected to a sump pump or the foundation drain tile.

Navigating the Boise Permit Process

A building permit is mandatory for installing a new egress window or altering an existing opening in Boise ^{1 8 9}. An excavation permit may also be required for the window well work. While this may seem daunting, a reputable installation professional will typically manage the permit process for you. Here's what it generally involves:

1. Contact the City: Reach out to the Boise City Building Department to confirm current requirements and obtain application forms ^{1 8}.
2. Prepare Drawings: You'll need to submit scaled floor plans (usually 1/4" or 1/2" per foot) of your basement, clearly showing the layout and the location and dimensions of the proposed emergency escape window ^{1 9 10}.
3. Submit Application: File for the Building Permit (and Excavation Permit if needed), including your drawings and any required fees ^{8 6}.
4. Schedule Inspections: The city will require inspections at key stages, such as after the rough opening is created and after the final installation is complete ¹⁰.

Egress Window Replacement vs. New Installation

If you have an existing basement window that you want to upgrade to a code-compliant egress window, the process is termed a "replacement." There is an important exception in the code for replacement windows in existing homes: they may be exempt from the maximum 44-inch sill height requirement, provided they meet all other criteria for minimum opening size, dimensions, and operation, and do not reduce the size of the existing opening ¹. This can be a significant advantage in older homes where the original window sills are higher.

However, simply swapping the window sash is rarely enough. True egress window replacement often involves enlarging the existing rough opening in the foundation wall, which is a major structural undertaking requiring professional expertise.

Professional Installation: What to Expect

Given the structural, excavation, and code-compliance complexities, hiring a professional is highly recommended. A qualified installer will handle the multi-step process:

• Assessment & Planning: Evaluating your basement layout, foundation type, and exterior conditions to determine the best location.
• Permit Procurement: Managing the drawing preparation and city permit applications.
• Excavation: Carefully digging out the exterior to expose the foundation wall for the new opening.
• Core Drilling or Sawing: Using specialized equipment to cut a clean, precise opening in the concrete foundation.
• Structural Support: Installing a new steel or wood lintel header to properly support the weight of the house above the new opening.
• Window & Well Installation: Sealing and flashing the new egress window unit, installing the window well with proper drainage, and backfilling.
• Finishing Work: Repairing interior drywall and exterior siding as needed.
• Final Inspection: Ensuring the work passes the city's final inspection.

Factors Influencing Your Project

Several variables will affect the scope and nature of your egress window project in Boise:

• Foundation Type: Is it poured concrete, concrete block, or stone? Poured concrete is most common and requires diamond-blade sawing.
• Exterior Obstacles: Are there decks, patios, sprinkler systems, or utility lines in the way of the excavation?
• Interior Finishes: Is the basement currently unfinished, or will the installation involve cutting into and repairing finished walls?
• Window Type: Casement windows are a popular choice for egress because their full, outward-swinging sash often provides the largest clear opening relative to their frame size.

For the most detailed, up-to-date information, always check the official City of Boise website or contact their Building Department directly, as codes can be updated ^{1 8}.

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