Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Detroit, Michigan Ranked

Adding an egress window to your Detroit basement is more than just a home improvement project; it's a critical safety upgrade that can transform an unused space into a legal, livable bedroom. These specialized windows provide a secondary means of escape in an emergency and are required by building code for any basement room used for sleeping. This guide will help you understand Detroit's specific requirements, the installation process, and how to connect with qualified local professionals who can ensure your project meets all safety and legal standards.

Michigan Egress

27940 Groesbeck Hwy Suite 1A, Roseville, MI 48066

Michigan Egress is a Detroit, MI-based contractor specializing in egress window installations, replacements, maintenance, and custom exit openings. Established in 2006 as a division of Anto Glass Block, they focus on providing safe and compliant egress solutions primarily for residential basements. The family-owned business emphasizes quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

4.9

112 Reviews

Drainex Construction Services Inc.

8320 ON-3, Maidstone, ON N0R 1K0, Canada

Drainex Construction Services Inc. is a basement waterproofing and foundation repair contractor based in Detroit, MI. They provide services including egress window installation, sump pump installation, drainage solutions, and structural reinforcement to protect homes from water damage and foundation issues. The company serves residential clients in the Windsor-Essex area and offers 24/7 consultation for emergency flood extraction and waterproofing needs.

5.0

24 Reviews

Escape Window & Well Llc

28615 Beverly Rd, Romulus, MI 48174

Escape Window & Well Llc is a window repair and replacement company based in Detroit, MI, specializing in custom-made egress windows. They provide complete basement egress window packages designed for safety and compliance with emergency exit requirements, featuring fusion-welded corners for durability and easy swing-in cleaning functionality.

5.0

11 Reviews

Anto Glass Block Inc.

27940 Groesbeck Hwy, Roseville, MI 48066

Anto Glass Block Inc. is an egress window contractor based in Detroit, MI, specializing in glass block installations and egress window solutions. They serve both residential and commercial clients, offering custom glass block walls, showers, and egress wells using mortar and silicone techniques with high-quality materials. The company has been operating since 1993 and provides free consultations with professional designers.

4.5

38 Reviews

Bayshore Construction

20167 Wedgewood Dr, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

Bayshore Construction is a family-owned contractor based in Detroit, MI, specializing in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, custom concrete work, and egress window installation. They serve both residential and commercial customers, offering services such as interior and exterior waterproofing, foundation crack repair, and custom patios and driveways. Bayshore Construction provides a 12-year warranty on their waterproofing systems and is licensed, bonded, and insured.

5.0

4 Reviews

See more providers in Detroit, MI

Understanding Egress Windows and Detroit's Safety Code

An egress window is a large, easily operable window designed specifically for emergency escape from a basement or other below-grade living space. In Detroit, these windows are not optional for basement bedrooms; they are a mandatory life-safety feature mandated by the Michigan Residential Code, which is based on the International Residential Code (IRC) ^{1 2}. The primary purpose is to provide a clear, unobstructed exit for occupants and a clear entry point for firefighters during a rescue. Installing a compliant egress window not only enhances safety but also increases your home's value by legally adding habitable square footage.

Detroit's Specific Egress Window Requirements

To be legal and safe, your basement egress window installation must meet precise dimensional and operational standards. Detroit's Building & Safety Engineering Department enforces these codes strictly, and passing final inspection is crucial.

Minimum Size and Opening Specifications

The core requirement is the net clear opening-the space through which a person can actually climb. For Detroit:

• Minimum Area: The window must provide at least 5.7 square feet of clear opening area. For windows that are entirely below the surrounding ground level (requiring a well), the minimum is 5.0 square feet ^{3 4}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no less than 20 inches in width AND 24 inches in height ^{3 1}. These are absolute minimums; many standard egress window units are larger.
• Sill Height: The bottom of the opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished basement floor ^{3 4}. This ensures occupants, including children and elderly individuals, can climb out.

Operational and Security Features

How the window opens is as important as its size.

• Tool-Free Operation: The window must be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. Simple latches or cranks are standard ^{3 1}.
• Security Bars: If you wish to add security bars or grates, they must be equipped with a quick-release mechanism that operates from the inside without any tools ⁴.

Window Well Requirements (For Below-Grade Installations)

Most Detroit basement installations will require excavating a window well.

• Well Size: The well must have a minimum horizontal area (floor space) of 9 square feet, with a minimum projection and width of 36 inches from the window ^{3 4}. This provides enough room for a person to stand and climb out.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps are required. The ladder must not encroach more than 6 inches into the well's required dimensions ^{3 4}.

When is an Egress Window Legally Required in Detroit?

Understanding the trigger for this requirement can help you plan renovations correctly.

• Basement Bedrooms: Any room in a basement used or intended to be used as a sleeping room must have an egress window. This applies even if you are simply finishing a basement and designating a room as a potential bedroom ^{3 2}.
• Multiple Sleeping Rooms: Each separate sleeping area requires its own compliant means of egress. You cannot have two bedrooms sharing a single egress window ³.
• Best Practice: Even for recreational rooms, home offices, or gyms, installing an egress window is a wise safety investment and future-proofs your basement for any use.

The Step-by-Step Installation and Permitting Process in Detroit

Navigating the official process is key to a successful, code-compliant installation. Skipping permits can lead to fines, failed home inspections during a sale, and, most importantly, an unsafe installation.

1. Contact Detroit's Building & Safety Engineering Department: Your first step should always be to verify current local requirements and the application process. Rules can have local amendments.
2. Submit Plans and Apply for a Permit: You or your contractor will need to submit drawings showing the window's size, location, well dimensions, ladder details, and any structural framing changes. A building permit is mandatory for this work ^{3 5 6}.
3. Pay Permit Fees: In Detroit, permit fees for an egress window project typically range from $100 to over $300, depending on the project's valuation and complexity ^{3 5}.
4. Professional Installation: A qualified contractor will handle the complex tasks: cutting through the foundation wall, installing a proper window well drain, framing the rough opening with structural headers, and installing the window unit itself.
5. Schedule Required Inspections: The city will require at least two inspections: a rough framing inspection before the window is sealed in, and a final inspection after completion to ensure all code requirements are met ^{3 6}.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects

The total investment for an egress window in Detroit varies based on foundation material, window type, well complexity, and labor. It's important to budget for both the physical components and the soft costs.

• Permit Fees: As noted, budget approximately $100 to $500+ for the required building permits ^{3 5}.
• Window, Well, and Labor: This is the bulk of the cost. For a full professional installation including excavation, foundation work, window unit, well, ladder, and interior finishing, homeowners can expect a range of $1,500 to $4,000 or more ^{7 8 9}. Complex situations involving stone foundations, extensive landscaping, or drainage issues can drive costs higher.
• Investment Value: While a significant upfront cost, a compliant egress window installation adds a legal bedroom to your property, which can substantially increase resale value and appeal.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Not all windows qualify as egress windows. Common compliant styles include casement windows (which crank open fully) and certain double-hung or sliding windows that meet the size minimums. The choice depends on your home's style, your budget, and the below-grade depth.

Selecting an experienced professional is the most critical decision. Look for a licensed contractor with specific, verifiable experience in egress window installations and foundation work. They should be intimately familiar with Detroit's building codes, permit process, and inspection requirements. A reputable pro will handle the permit paperwork, ensure the structural integrity of your foundation is maintained, and guarantee the installation meets all life-safety standards ^{1 2 4}.

Final Inspection and Peace of Mind

The process concludes with the city's final inspection. The inspector will verify the net clear opening dimensions, sill height, operation of the window and any security devices, well size, and ladder installation. Passing this inspection provides official documentation that your new basement space is safe, legal, and adds value to your Detroit home. Remember, this is not just a window-it's a certified emergency exit that protects your family.

Frequently asked questions

Sources