Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Bolingbrook, Illinois Ranked

Adding or replacing an egress window in your Bolingbrook home is a significant project that enhances safety, increases natural light, and can add valuable living space to a basement. These specialized windows are not just any opening; they are a legally required secondary escape route in sleeping rooms and basements, designed to provide a safe exit during an emergency. Understanding the local building codes, permit process, and installation requirements is crucial for a successful project. This guide will help you navigate the specifics for Bolingbrook, from legal requirements to finding qualified local professionals for your egress window installation or replacement.

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 Illinois

Egress windows, often called emergency escape and rescue openings, are mandated by the International Residential Code (IRC), which Illinois and Bolingbrook follow. The primary purpose is fire safety, providing occupants with a second way out and giving firefighters a way in. For any room classified as a sleeping area or a habitable basement, a compliant egress is non-negotiable. The rules are precise to ensure the opening is large enough for a person and a firefighter with equipment to pass through.

Bolingbrook's Specific Code Dimensions

The Village of Bolingbrook enforces the IRC with local amendments. For your basement or bedroom egress window project, you must meet these minimum standards ^{1 2 3 4 5}:

• Minimum Opening Size: The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet. An exception reduces this to 5.0 square feet if the sill is at ground level (grade).
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no smaller than 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the room.
• Operability: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of tools, keys, or special knowledge. Most hinged or sliding egress window models meet this requirement.

Window Well Specifications

Since most basement egress windows are below ground level, a window well is required. This isn't just a hole in the dirt; it's a constructed area that must also meet code to be a safe, usable space ^{1 2 4 6}:

• Well Size: The well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of horizontal area (typically 36" x 36").
• Projection: The well must extend at least 36 inches from the foundation wall.
• Egress from the Well: If the window well depth is greater than 44 inches, the code requires a permanent ladder or steps for safe exit. The ladder must be corrosion-resistant and cannot project more than 6 inches into the well.

The Bolingbrook Permit Process for Egress Windows

Installing an egress window involves cutting into your home's foundation, which is a structural modification. Therefore, a building permit from the Bolingbrook Building Department is mandatory. Skipping this step can result in fines, forced removal of the work, and problems when you sell your home. The process is designed to ensure the work is done safely and to code ^{1 7 8}.

Step-by-Step Permit Application

1. Initial Research: Review the Village's "Basement Remodeling/Finishing Permit Tips" document, which outlines requirements for egress work ¹.
2. Prepare Construction Drawings: You will need detailed plans. These must show the proposed window's location, exact dimensions, structural details of the new opening (like lintel or header specifications), and the window well design.
3. Secure a Structural Engineer's Stamp: This is a critical step in Bolingbrook. Because you are altering the foundation, a licensed structural engineer must review and stamp your construction drawings, certifying that the proposed design will maintain your home's structural integrity ^{7 8 2}.
4. Create a Site Plan: A simple drawing showing your property lines, the house footprint, and the location of the new egress window.
5. Submit Application: Compile the completed permit application, stamped drawings, site plan, and any other required documents. Submit them to the Building Department for review.
6. Pay Fees: Permit fees are due upon application. The cost varies based on the project's valuation and complexity.
7. Schedule Inspections: Once the permit is issued, inspections will be required. Typical checkpoints include the rough opening before the window is installed and a final inspection after completion.

Cost Factors for Egress Window Projects

The total investment for an egress window installation in Bolingbrook can vary widely. It's not just the cost of the window itself; several factors contribute to the final price ^{9 10 11}.

• Engineering Fees: The required structural engineer's stamp is a separate cost, often ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the engineer and project complexity.
• Permit Fees: Bolingbrook's permit fees can range from approximately $50 to $500 or more, calculated based on the project's estimated value ^{7 8}.
• Window and Well Materials: A basic vinyl egress window kit starts around $500, while higher-end fiberglass or custom sizes can cost $1,500-$2,000+. The window well (metal, polymer, or concrete) adds another $200-$800.
• Labor and Complexity: This is the most variable cost. A simple replacement of an existing, non-compliant window will be less expensive. A new installation requiring concrete cutting, excavation, and well construction is labor-intensive. Labor costs can easily range from $1,500 to $3,000+ for the full installation.
• Total Project Range: Considering all components-engineering, permits, materials, and labor-a straightforward basement egress window installation in Bolingbrook often falls in the $3,000 to $5,000+ range. More complex situations with difficult access, rocky soil, or drainage issues will be higher.

Choosing the Right Egress Window and Professional

Not all windows are suitable for egress. Common styles include casement (which crank open), double-hung (with both sashes meeting height requirements), and sliding windows. The choice depends on your space, well design, and personal preference. More important than the window style is the quality of the installation.

When looking for a contractor for your emergency escape window installation, ensure they are licensed, insured, and have specific experience with below-grade egress work in the Chicago area. They should be intimately familiar with Bolingbrook's permit process and the need for engineered plans. A reputable pro will handle the permit pull and coordinate the required inspections, providing you with peace of mind that the job is legal and safe.

Maintaining Your Egress Window

Once installed, proper maintenance ensures your egress remains functional and safe. Keep the window well clear of leaves, snow, and debris. Test the window's operation regularly to ensure it opens smoothly. Ensure the well drain (if installed) is not clogged to prevent water accumulation. A well-maintained egress window not only provides safety but can also help prevent basement moisture issues.

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