Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Des Plaines, Illinois Ranked

Adding an egress window to your basement or bedroom is a significant home improvement that enhances safety, adds natural light, and can increase your home's livable space and value. These specially designed windows provide a critical secondary means of escape in case of an emergency, such as a fire, and are required by building code for any basement bedroom or habitable space. This guide will help you understand the specific requirements and process for egress window installation in Des Plaines, empowering you to make informed decisions when seeking qualified local professionals for your project.

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

An egress window is not just any basement window. It is a life-safety device mandated by the International Residential Code (IRC), which Illinois and the City of Des Plaines adopt with local amendments ^{1 2 3}. The primary purpose is to provide a clear, unobstructed opening large enough for occupants to escape and for emergency responders to enter. If you are converting a basement area into a bedroom, family room, or home office, installing a code-compliant egress window is not optional-it's a legal requirement for safety and occupancy.

The core requirements are designed around clear dimensions and accessibility. The opening must have a minimum net clear area of 5.7 square feet, with no dimension being less than 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{1 2 4}. This ensures a person can fit through. Furthermore, the bottom of the opening (the sill) cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the room, allowing for easy climbing out ^{1 5}. Finally, the window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge-a simple latch or crank is standard.

The Crucial Role of Window Wells

Since most basement windows are below ground level, a window well is an essential component of any below-grade egress system. The well creates the necessary exterior space for the window to fully open and for a person to exit. Code requirements for wells are just as important as the window itself.

For a standard egress installation, the well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of area (typically 36 inches in width and 36 inches of projection from the foundation) to allow for maneuvering ^{1 4 6}. Safety doesn't stop at size: if the well depth exceeds 44 inches, the code requires permanent steps or a ladder to be installed to facilitate escape ^{2 4 7}. These steps must be at least 12 inches wide and cannot obstruct the window's opening path. Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is also critical to prevent water accumulation and potential basement flooding.

Navigating the Des Plaines Permit Process

One of the most important steps in your egress window project happens before any digging begins: securing the proper permits from the City of Des Plaines. This process ensures your project meets all local safety and building standards. The required permit is typically a "Basement/Exterior Work" or similar building permit ^{8 9}.

The application process involves several key steps:

• Initial Consultation: It is highly recommended to contact the City of Des Plaines Development & Permit Services Department directly to confirm the current application procedures, required forms, and fee schedules ⁹.
• Plan Submission: You will need to submit detailed plans of the proposed work. Because cutting into a foundation wall is considered structural work, these plans often require a review by a licensed structural engineer to ensure the home's integrity is maintained ^{8 10 2}.
• Inspections: Once the permit is issued and work commences, the city will schedule mandatory inspections at critical phases, such as after the foundation is cut and before the well is backfilled, and a final inspection upon completion ^{8 4}.

Skipping the permit process can lead to costly fines, forced removal of non-compliant work, and complications when you try to sell your home. The permit fee itself can vary widely, often ranging from $50 to over $500 depending on the project's valuation and complexity ^{8 10}.

Professional Installation: What to Expect

Given the structural, safety, and regulatory complexities, hiring a professional specializing in egress window installations is strongly advised. A qualified pro will handle the entire process, from initial measurement and plan drafting to excavation, concrete cutting, installation, and final grading.

The project typically follows this sequence:

1. Assessment & Planning: The contractor assesses the basement layout, foundation type, and exterior conditions to determine the optimal location.
2. Engineering & Permitting: They often coordinate with a structural engineer to create the necessary plans and will usually manage the permit application process on your behalf.
3. Excavation: The area outside the foundation is carefully excavated to create space for the window well.
4. Foundation Cutting: Using specialized saws, a precise opening is cut into the concrete foundation wall. Shoring may be used to support the structure during this phase.
5. Window & Well Installation: The new egress window unit is installed and sealed. The metal or composite window well is placed in the excavation and secured to the foundation.
6. Drainage & Backfill: A drainage system (like gravel and a drain pipe) is installed at the bottom of the well, which is then carefully backfilled.
7. Finishing: The interior window trim is finished, and the exterior is graded to ensure proper water runoff away from the well.

Factors Influencing Project Cost

The total investment for an egress window installation in Des Plaines can vary significantly based on several factors. It's not just the price of the window. Key cost drivers include:

• Foundation Material: Cutting through poured concrete is standard, but block foundations or particularly thick walls can increase labor and time.
• Excavation Complexity: Easy, accessible dig sites cost less. Complications like rocky soil, buried utilities, or tight spaces that require manual digging will increase costs.
• Window & Well Specifications: The size, style (e.g., casement vs. sliding), and material (vinyl, fiberglass, wood-clad) of the window unit, as well as the size and material of the well (galvanized steel, polymer, stone), affect material costs.
• Professional Services: Separate fees for structural engineering plans (which can range from $100 to $200+ per hour for the engineer's time) and the city permit are part of the total project cost ^{8 10}.
• Labor: The expertise of the installation crew is a major component. While DIY is possible, the risks of improper installation-including structural damage, water intrusion, and code violations-make professional labor a valuable investment.

Given these variables, homeowners should expect a professional egress window installation to cost several thousand dollars. It is a project that pays off in safety, legal compliance, and enhanced home functionality.

Choosing the Right Local Professional

Selecting the right contractor is paramount. Look for a licensed, insured professional with specific, verifiable experience in egress window installations in the Des Plaines area. They should be intimately familiar with the local IRC amendments and the Des Plaines permit office. Ask for references and photos of past egress projects. A reputable pro will be able to clearly explain the entire process, provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down costs for materials, labor, engineering, and permits, and will never suggest skipping the permit process.

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