Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Farmington Hills, Michigan Ranked

Adding an egress window or replacing an existing one is a critical home improvement project that transforms your basement into a safe, legal, and livable space. These specialized windows serve as a vital emergency escape and rescue opening, making them a non-negotiable requirement for any basement bedroom. This guide will help you understand the local code requirements, permit process, and key considerations for a successful egress window installation or replacement project in Farmington Hills.

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

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

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Michigan

An egress window is much more than just a basement window. It is a life-safety device designed to provide a clear, unobstructed exit in an emergency. In Farmington Hills, these installations are governed by specific building codes that align with Michigan's residential construction standards. The primary purpose is to ensure that any room used for sleeping in a basement has a secondary means of escape that is large enough for a firefighter wearing full gear to enter and for occupants to exit safely.

The core requirements for a compliant egress opening are precise. The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet (or 820 square inches) ^{1 2 3}. While the minimum dimensions are 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height, a window of just those measurements would not meet the area requirement; you need a larger unit. The bottom of the opening, or sill height, cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor ^{1 4 5}. This ensures it is low enough for someone to climb out. Operability is also key: the window must open fully from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. If security bars are installed over the window, they too must be operable without tools ^{2 6}.

When is an Egress Window Required?

Knowing when you need to install an egress window is the first step. The most common scenario is when you are finishing your basement to include a bedroom. Each basement sleeping room is required by code to have its own compliant egress opening ^{5 7}. This applies even if the basement already has a traditional window; it must be evaluated against the specific egress criteria.

You may also need to consider egress window replacement if you are updating an older, non-compliant basement window or if the existing window has failed and needs a full-frame replacement. Upgrading to a modern, code-compliant egress window not only enhances safety but can also improve natural light, ventilation, and the overall value of your home ^{3 8}.

The Farmington Hills Permit Process

Virtually all work involving egress window installation or replacement in Farmington Hills requires a building permit. This includes not just the window itself, but also any associated structural changes, excavation for a window well, and finishing work ^{9 10}. The permit process ensures the project is reviewed for safety and compliance with local and state building codes.

The process is managed by the City of Farmington Hills Planning & Community Development Department (often referred to as the Building Department). Here is a typical sequence:

1. Confirm Need & Prepare Plans: Determine the scope of your project. For an egress window, you or your contractor will need detailed plans showing the window's specifications, its location on the foundation wall, and details of any required window well.
2. Submit Application: You or your licensed contractor will submit a permit application along with the plans and any required documentation to the city ^{9 4}.
3. Plan Review & Approval: City officials will review the submitted plans to verify they meet all egress, structural, and zoning requirements ¹⁰.
4. Inspections: Once the permit is issued and work begins, the city will schedule mandatory inspections at critical stages, such as after the rough opening is framed and after the final installation is complete ⁹.

Navigating this process correctly from the start is crucial to avoid delays, fines, or having to redo non-compliant work.

Key Components: Window Wells and Accessibility

If your basement window is below ground level-which is almost always the case-a window well is an essential part of the egress system. The well creates the open space outside the window that allows it to function as an escape route.

Michigan code sets clear standards for these wells. The well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of floor area, with minimum dimensions of 36 inches wide and 36 inches long, projecting from the foundation ^{1 2 11}. This space must allow the egress window to open fully to its required position. Furthermore, if the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, the code requires the installation of permanent, corrosion-resistant ladders or steps to allow someone to climb out ^{1 3 4}. These ladders must be securely attached and cannot be obstructed by the window when it is open.

Cost Considerations for Your Project

The total investment for an egress window project in Farmington Hills can vary widely based on several factors. It's not just the cost of the window unit itself. A complete installation typically involves cutting through the foundation, excavating for the well, installing drainage, constructing the well with durable materials (like metal or composite), adding a ladder if needed, and repairing the interior and exterior finishes.

Permit fees are one component, which can range from approximately $50 for a straightforward replacement to several hundred dollars or more if the project is part of a larger basement finishing job that involves electrical or plumbing work ^{9 12 13}. The larger cost driver is the project scope. A simple replacement of an existing window with a compliant egress model will be on the lower end. A full installation from scratch, involving concrete cutting, excavation, and a complex well, will be more significant. For a complete, professionally installed egress window system in Farmington Hills, homeowners can expect a total project cost ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the specific conditions of their home and the materials chosen ^{1 13 8}.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Selecting the correct window style is important for both compliance and functionality. Casement and awning windows are popular choices for egress installations because their design allows the entire sash to open, often providing the largest clear opening relative to their frame size. Sliding windows can also work if they are large enough to meet the minimum opening requirements when half of the sash is open.

Given the structural, safety, and regulatory complexities, this is not a typical DIY project. Hiring a professional contractor experienced in egress window installations in Farmington Hills is highly recommended. A qualified pro will understand the local code nuances, can handle the permit application process, has the proper tools for foundation work, and will ensure the final installation is watertight, structurally sound, and fully compliant. They can also advise on the best window type and well system for your specific basement layout.

Frequently asked questions

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