Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Berwyn, Illinois Ranked

Adding an egress window is one of the most significant safety upgrades you can make to your Berwyn home, especially if you're finishing a basement or converting an attic into a legal bedroom. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are not just windows; they are a critical life-safety feature required by the Illinois Residential Code (IRC). This guide explains the specific requirements for egress window installation in Berwyn, outlines the permitting process, and provides the information you need to connect with qualified local professionals who can ensure your project meets all safety and legal standards.

Porcayo's Custom Window Well Covers

chicago

Porcayo's Custom Window Well Covers in Chicago, IL specializes in custom-built window well covers, egress window installations, and window repairs. They offer durable, weather-resistant covers tailored to fit any window well size, including custom metal grates and clear polycarbonate options. Their services include permit handling, installation, maintenance, and replacement of basement windows and window wells, serving residential customers across Chicagoland and nearby areas.

5.0

74 Reviews

Legacy Glass Block & Window Co.

chicago

Legacy Glass Block & Window Co. is a window replacement and glass block company based in Chicago, IL. They specialize in customized window installations, including egress and basement windows, using advanced construction techniques. The company serves clients seeking both window replacements and exterior glass block solutions.

5.0

63 Reviews

Gilkey Replacement Window Company - Chicago

10160 Virginia Ave, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415

Gilkey Replacement Window Company - Chicago is a window replacement and door installation provider based in Chicago, IL. They specialize in U.S.-made windows designed for energy efficiency, security, and durability, including casement, double-hung, and picture windows. Their services also include sliding patio doors and customizable entry doors, serving residential properties throughout the greater Chicago area.

4.8

301 Reviews

U.S. Waterproofing

81 Remington Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

U.S. Waterproofing is a family-operated egress window contractor based in Chicago, IL, specializing in basement waterproofing and foundation repair. They provide comprehensive solutions including window wells with custom covers and drainage systems designed for Midwest soil and weather conditions. Serving residential properties throughout the greater Midwest area, they bring over 65 years of experience to protect homes from water damage and foundation issues.

4.6

1.4k Reviews

Continental Window & Glass

4311 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Continental Window & Glass is a family-owned window replacement and sliding glass door company located in Chicago, IL. Established in 1989, they manufacture high-quality vinyl windows and patio doors using advanced German and Italian machinery. Their product range includes double-hung, sliding, awning, bay, casement, custom-shaped, and glass block windows, as well as patio doors. They specialize in energy-efficient Eco-Thermal vinyl windows with weather-tight seals and options like Low-E glass with Argon gas to improve insulation.

4.2

107 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Berwyn

An egress window is a designated emergency exit that provides a safe, unobstructed path out of a sleeping area in the event of a fire or other disaster. In Berwyn, as in all of Illinois, these requirements are strictly enforced to protect occupants. Any room used for sleeping-including a finished basement bedroom-must have at least one compliant egress opening ^{1 2}.

The core purpose is twofold: to allow occupants to escape and to enable emergency responders to enter. Therefore, the specifications are precise. The opening must be a minimum of 5.7 square feet (5.0 square feet if it is at grade level) ^{3 4}. In practical terms, the clear opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{5 6}. The bottom of the opening (the sill) cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor, ensuring it is low enough for someone to climb out ^{1 7}.

Crucially, the window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It must open fully to meet the minimum size requirements. This means the locking mechanism should be a simple latch or crank that anyone, including a child, can operate under duress ^{3 6}.

The Critical Role of Window Wells

For basement bedrooms where the window is below ground level, a window well is an essential component of the egress system. The well creates the open space outside the window that allows for escape. Berwyn follows IRC standards for wells: they must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of area with a minimum projection (distance from the foundation) and width of 36 inches ^{4 7}.

If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps are mandatory to allow anyone to climb out ^{1 6}. Furthermore, proper drainage at the bottom of the well is vital to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to leaks and foundation damage. A well-designed egress window system includes a gravel base and often a drain connected to your home's perimeter drainage system.

The Berwyn Permit Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing or replacing an egress window in Berwyn is not a DIY project to undertake without official approval. A building permit is always required for this work, whether you are creating a new opening, enlarging an existing one, or replacing a non-compliant window with a compliant unit ^{8 9}. The process ensures the structural integrity of your home is maintained and that the installation meets all life-safety codes.

1. Contact the Berwyn Building Department: Your first step should be to verify local requirements and obtain the necessary permit applications. You can visit the Building Department in person or check their resources online ¹⁰.
2. Prepare Your Documents: You will typically need to submit a site plan, detailed drawings of the proposed work, and a scope of work description. If you are hiring a contractor, a signed contract may also be required ^{8 1}.
3. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your permit application with all supporting documents. There will be associated permit fees, which can range from approximately $50 to over $500 depending on the project's complexity and valuation ^{8 11}.
4. Schedule Inspections: Once the permit is issued, inspections are mandatory. You will likely need a framing/rough-in inspection after the hole is cut and the window is set but before it is sealed, and a final inspection once everything is complete ^{8 1}. Passing these inspections is the only way to receive final approval and ensure your new bedroom is considered legal.

What to Expect: Costs and Considerations

The total investment for an egress window installation in Berwyn varies based on several factors. For a typical basement retrofit, homeowners can expect a total cost range of $2,500 to $5,300 or more ^{11 12}. This estimate generally includes:

• Permit Fees: The cost for the required city permits.
• Window & Materials: The price of the egress window itself (styles like casement or single-hung are common), the window well (metal or composite), a cover or grate, and any necessary drainage materials.
• Labor & Installation: This is the most significant portion, covering the skilled work of cutting through the foundation wall (which may involve sawing through concrete or block), excavating the well area, installing the window and well with proper flashing and sealing, and finishing the interior and exterior surfaces.

More complex jobs, such as those involving difficult soil conditions, complicated drainage solutions, or extensive interior finishing work, will be at the higher end of the scale or exceed it.

Choosing a Qualified Professional in Berwyn

Given the structural and safety implications, hiring a licensed and bonded contractor is highly recommended. In Berwyn, contractors performing this work should be properly licensed. If you, as the homeowner, pull an "owner-builder" permit, you assume full liability and must be present for all inspections ⁹.

A reputable egress window specialist will:

• Be familiar with the specific IRC codes and Berwyn's local amendments.
• Handle the entire process, including permit drawings and applications.
• Use proper techniques for foundation cutting and waterproofing.
• Ensure the finished installation is both code-compliant and aesthetically integrated into your home.

Common Questions About Window Wells and Security

Homeowners often have concerns about security and maintenance after installation. Code-compliant window well covers or grates are allowed and are a good idea for safety and to keep debris out. However, they must meet the same operability requirements as the window itself ^{6 7}. This means any cover must open or be removable from the inside without tools or special knowledge. Look for covers specifically rated for egress compliance.

Proper maintenance involves keeping the well clear of leaves and debris, ensuring the drain is not clogged, and checking that the window opens smoothly. A well-installed system will provide peace of mind, safety, and potentially increase your home's value by adding legal living space.

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