Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Livonia, Michigan Ranked

An egress window is a critical safety feature for any basement living space, providing a legal and lifesaving exit in case of an emergency. In Livonia, installing or replacing these windows involves navigating specific local building codes and permit requirements to ensure they meet size, operation, and well specifications. This guide will help you understand the requirements, process, and considerations for finding qualified professionals to handle your basement egress window project safely and compliantly.

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

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Livonia

An egress window is not just any basement window. It is a specially sized and designed emergency escape and rescue opening. In Livonia, these installations are governed by the Michigan Residential Code (IRC), which the city's Building Department enforces ¹. The primary purpose is to provide a safe exit for occupants and easy access for firefighters during a basement emergency, such as a fire. Whether you're finishing your basement to create a bedroom, family room, or rental unit, understanding these rules is the first step.

The term "egress" simply means "a way out," and these windows serve that exact function. They are a non-negotiable component for any basement space defined as "habitable." If you plan to have sleeping quarters or a living area downstairs, a compliant emergency egress opening is mandatory. This makes selecting the right window and installation method crucial for both safety and legal occupancy.

Detailed Livonia Code Specifications

Livonia's building codes provide clear, measurable standards for emergency egress windows. Adhering to these specifications is essential for passing the required city inspections.

Minimum Opening Size:

• The clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet (820 square inches) ^{1 2}.
• For windows at grade level (where the bottom of the well is at ground level), the minimum is slightly less at 5.0 square feet ³.

Minimum Dimensions:

• The opening must be at least 20 inches wide ^{1 3}.
• The opening must be at least 24 inches high ^{1 3}.
• These are minimums; the opening must also achieve the total 5.7 sq. ft. area.

Maximum Sill Height:

• The bottom of the window opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished basement floor ^{1 2}. This ensures occupants, including children and elderly individuals, can climb out easily.

Operation:

• The window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge ^{1 4}. Most qualifying windows are casement or sliding styles that open fully.

Requirements for Window Wells

If your basement window is below ground level, a window well is required. The well itself has strict code requirements to ensure it is a viable escape path.

Well Size:

• The well must have a minimum 9 square foot horizontal area (e.g., 3 ft. x 3 ft.) ¹.
• It must project at least 36 inches from the exterior wall ^{1 3}. This provides enough space for a person to climb out.

Ladders or Steps:

• If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps are required ^{1 3}. The ladder must be corrosion-resistant and must not encroach more than 6 inches into the required well dimensions.

Special Situations:

• For windows installed under decks or porches, a minimum 36-inch clear path to the yard is required, with at least 48 inches of clearance from the bottom of the deck joists to the ground ⁵.

The Permit and Inspection Process in Livonia

Installing an egress window is considered a structural alteration, and a building permit from the City of Livonia is mandatory ^{1 6}. Skipping this step can result in fines, failed home inspections during a sale, and, most importantly, an unsafe installation.

1. Application: You or your contractor must apply for a Building Permit with the Livonia Building Department. It's highly recommended to contact them early for specific application forms and fee schedules ^{1 6}.

2. Plan Submission: Detailed plans must be submitted showing the proposed window's size, the well dimensions, the location of any ladder, and details of the structural opening in the foundation wall. The city reviews these plans for code compliance before issuing a permit ^{1 6}.

3. Inspections: Once work begins, the city will require inspections at critical stages. A typical sequence includes a framing inspection after the foundation opening is cut and reinforced, and a final inspection once the window, well, and ladder are fully installed ⁶. Passing final inspection is your proof of a code-compliant job.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects

The total cost for an egress window installation in Livonia can vary widely based on the complexity of the job. It's a combination of materials, labor, and administrative fees.

Permit Fees: The cost for the required building permit typically ranges from $50 to over $500, depending on the project's valuation and complexity ^{4 7}.

Installation Costs: The total project cost is influenced by several factors:

• Simple Replacement: Replacing an existing, non-compliant basement window with a compliant egress unit in an existing opening may start around $1,000 ⁸.
• Full New Installation: Creating a new opening in a concrete foundation wall, which involves cutting, structural reinforcement, installing the window unit, and building a new well with a ladder, can easily range from $2,500 to $4,000 or more ^{4 8}.
• Key cost drivers include the type of window (vinyl, fiberglass), well material (galvanized steel, polymer, masonry), the depth requiring a ladder, and any landscaping or drainage work needed afterward.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Not all windows qualify as egress. Common compliant styles include egress casement windows that crank open fully and certain large sliding windows. Bay or bow windows may qualify if their individual openings meet the size rules. A knowledgeable professional can help you select the right product for your home's style and your budget.

Given the structural and safety implications, hiring an experienced contractor is crucial. Look for a professional who:

• Is licensed and insured to work in Livonia.
• Has specific experience with basement egress window installations and understands local code.
• Is willing to pull the necessary permits and schedule inspections.
• Can provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down material, labor, and permit costs.

A proper installation not only ensures safety but also can bring natural light into your basement, improve ventilation, and increase the value and legality of your finished space ⁴.

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