Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Downers Grove, Illinois Ranked

Ensuring your home has proper egress windows is a critical safety upgrade, especially for basement bedrooms or living spaces. These specialized windows provide a secondary means of escape in an emergency and allow firefighters easier access. If you're considering adding or replacing an egress window in Downers Grove, this guide will help you understand the local requirements, the installation process, and how to connect with qualified professionals who can ensure your project meets all safety codes.

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 Downers Grove

An egress window is not just any basement window. It is a legally mandated emergency exit for any room classified as a bedroom or habitable space below grade. In Downers Grove, these installations are governed by the Illinois Residential Code (IRC), which sets strict standards for size, operation, and accessibility ^{1 2}.

The primary purpose is life safety: to provide occupants a clear path out and to give emergency personnel a way in. Every bedroom, whether on the main floor or in a finished basement, must have at least one compliant egress opening ^{3 4}. For homeowners converting a basement into a living area, adding a legal egress window is often the first and most important step.

Key Code Specifications for Illinois and Downers Grove

Before planning your project, familiarize yourself with the non-negotiable dimensions set by the code. Local inspectors will measure against these standards:

• Minimum Opening Size: The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet (5.0 square feet if the window is at grade level) ^{1 2 5}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no less than 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{6 7}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor of the room ^{1 8}.
• Operation: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. Simple latches or cranks are standard ³.

The Crucial Role of Window Wells

If your egress window is below ground level, a window well is required. This isn't just a decorative ring; it's a safety component with its own set of rules:

• Well Size: The well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of area, with a minimum width and projection of 36 inches ^{6 5}. This ensures a person can climb out.
• Ladder or Steps: If the well depth is greater than 44 inches, permanent steps or a ladder must be installed for easy exit ^{1 2}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is essential to prevent water from pooling and leaking into your basement.

Navigating Downers Grove Permits and Inspections

One of the most important steps in your egress window project happens before any concrete is cut. The Village of Downers Grove requires a building permit for this type of structural modification. Skipping this step can result in fines, failed home inspections when you sell, and, most critically, an unsafe installation.

The Permit Process

1. Contact the Building Department: Your first call should be to the Village of Downers Grove Building or Planning Department. They can provide the specific application forms, clarify any local amendments to the state code, and outline the exact fees ^{9 6}.
2. Submit Detailed Plans: Your application will need to include plans showing the window's size, location on the foundation wall, the design of the window well, and notes on any structural considerations. A professional installer can often handle this step for you.
3. Plan Review and Fee Payment: Village officials will review your submission for code compliance. Once approved, you'll pay the permit fee, which typically ranges from $50 to over $500, depending on the project's complexity (cutting the foundation usually incurs a higher fee) ^{9 10}.
4. Schedule Inspections: The permit will outline required inspections, which may include a check of the rough opening before the window is installed and a final inspection after completion ⁹.

What to Expect During Installation

Replacing or installing an egress window is a significant project that involves masonry work, potential reframing, and waterproofing. A typical professional installation follows these steps:

1. Site Preparation: The area inside and outside the home is cleared. Utilities are marked to avoid cutting into water, gas, or electrical lines.
2. Cutting the Foundation: Using a concrete saw, a precise opening is cut into the foundation wall. This is a dusty, noisy process that requires specialized equipment.
3. Creating the Rough Opening: The cut is cleaned up, and a new structural header is installed above the opening to support the weight of the house.
4. Installing the Window and Well: A high-quality, code-compliant window (often a casement or sliding style) is sealed and installed. The window well is then placed and secured outside.
5. Finishing and Waterproofing: The interior is framed and finished. Critically, the entire exterior interface between the foundation, window, and well is meticulously sealed and waterproofed to prevent future leaks.
6. Final Grade and Drainage: The area around the well is graded to slope away from the house, and a drainage system is often added to the well's base.

Factors Influencing Cost

The total cost for an egress window replacement or new installation in Downers Grove can vary widely. Key factors include:

• Permit Fees: As noted, the local permit cost.
• Foundation Work: Cutting through poured concrete is more labor-intensive than block.
• Window Type and Size: Larger, high-quality windows cost more.
• Window Well: Size, material (metal, polymer, stone), and the need for a cover or ladder add to the price.
• Interior Finishing: Repairing drywall, trim, and flooring inside the room.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Not all windows are suitable for egress, and not all contractors are experienced in the structural and code-specific demands of these projects. Look for a professional who:

• Is licensed and insured to work in Downers Grove.
• Has specific experience with egress window installations and is familiar with local code enforcement.
• Can handle the entire process, from permit drawings to final inspection.
• Provides a detailed written estimate that includes all aspects of the job: materials, labor, permit pulling, and cleanup.

Investing in a proper egress window installation does more than just check a box for your basement apartment. It provides peace of mind, knowing you've created a safer home for your family or tenants. It also adds value to your property by making lower-level spaces legally habitable and more appealing.

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