Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Novi, Michigan Ranked

Adding an egress window to your basement or replacing an existing one is one of the most impactful home improvement projects you can undertake in Novi. It transforms a dark, non-conforming space into a safe, legal, and valuable living area, such as a bedroom, home office, or family room. This guide will help you understand the critical code requirements, the local permit process, and what to expect from professional installation, empowering you to make informed decisions for your home.

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

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Why Egress Windows Are Essential in Novi Homes

An egress window is not just a larger basement window; it is a legally mandated emergency escape and rescue opening. In the event of a fire or other emergency, it provides a secondary exit from a bedroom or other habitable space below ground level. Beyond safety, these installations bring in natural light, improve ventilation, and significantly increase your home's usable square footage and market value. For many Novi homeowners, finishing the basement is a top priority, and a properly installed egress window is the foundational step that makes it all possible, ensuring the new space is both legal and safe for your family.

Understanding Michigan and Novi Egress Window Codes

Compliance with the Michigan Residential Code (IRC) and local Novi ordinances is non-negotiable. These regulations are designed for life safety, and failing to meet them can result in failed inspections, fines, and an unsafe living environment. The rules are specific and must be followed precisely.

Key Size and Operation Requirements:

• Minimum Clear Opening: The net clear opening of the window must be at least 5.7 square feet (5.0 sq. ft. for ground-floor bedrooms) ^{1 2 3}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no smaller than 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height ^{1 2 3}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the window opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the room ^{1 2 3}.
• Easy Operation: The window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It should open fully and easily to allow for escape ^{1 2 3}.

The Critical Role of Window Wells

Since most basement egress windows are below ground level, a window well is required. This structure holds back the soil and creates an accessible area outside the window. Code has specific requirements for wells, too ^{4 5}.

• Well Size: The well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of floor area (e.g., 36 inches by 36 inches) to allow space for a person to climb out ^{1 2 3}.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps are mandatory to facilitate escape. The ladder must not encroach more than 6 inches into the well's required dimensions ^{1 2 3}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling in the well and leaking into your basement. Most installations include a gravel base and may connect to a drain tile system.

Navigating the Novi Permit Process

Installing or replacing an egress window in Novi always requires a building permit from the City of Novi Building Department. This process ensures the work is done safely and to code, protecting your investment and your family ^{1 2 6}.

Steps to Secure Your Permit:

1. Application: Submit a completed building permit application to the Novi Building Department. You or your contractor will need to provide details about the project.
2. Plan Submission: You must provide detailed drawings or plans. These should show the proposed window's exact size and location on the foundation wall, the dimensions of the window well, and details of the ladder or steps if required ^{1 2}.
3. Plan Review: City officials will review your plans for compliance with all applicable codes.
4. Inspections: Once the permit is issued and work begins, you must schedule and pass required inspections. Typical inspections include:
   • Foundation/Excavation: To verify the location and size of the hole before the window is set.
   • Framing: To check the structural framing around the new window opening.
   • Final Inspection: To ensure the completed installation, including the window, well, ladder, and drainage, meets all code requirements ^{1 2}.

Skipping the permit process can lead to serious issues when you try to sell your home, as unpermitted work may need to be uncovered and brought to code at your expense.

What to Expect from Professional Installation

A professional egress window installation is a complex construction project that involves excavation, concrete cutting, structural work, and waterproofing. Here's a breakdown of the typical process a qualified contractor will follow:

1. Site Assessment & Planning: A pro will assess your basement layout, foundation type, and exterior conditions to determine the best location that meets code and minimizes structural impact.
2. Excavation: The area outside the foundation is dug out to accommodate the new window well.
3. Cutting the Foundation: Using specialized saws, a precise opening is cut into the concrete foundation wall. This is a dusty, noisy, but critical step that requires skill to maintain structural integrity.
4. Installing the Window Buck: A waterproof, structural frame (often made of treated lumber or composite) is installed in the new opening.
5. Setting the Window: The egress window unit-typically a casement or awning style that opens fully-is installed into the buck, sealed, and insulated.
6. Building the Well: A metal or composite window well is placed in the excavation, connected to the foundation, and secured. Drainage gravel is added to the bottom.
7. Adding Safety Features: If the well is deep enough, a ladder or steps are permanently installed.
8. Final Grading and Cleanup: The area around the well is graded to slope away from the house, and the site is cleaned up.

Investment and Cost Considerations

The total cost for an egress window replacement or installation in Novi can vary widely based on factors like foundation material (poured concrete vs. block), depth of excavation, window style, well material, and drainage needs. Generally, homeowners can expect the project to be a significant investment in their home's safety and value.

Costs typically include the building permit fee (which can be a few hundred dollars), the price of the window and well materials (which can range from $300 to over $1,000), and the labor for excavation, cutting, and installation. A full professional installation often falls in the range of $1,000 to $3,000 or more for a standard job, with complex situations costing considerably more ^{1 7 8 9}. It's important to view this not just as an expense, but as an essential upgrade that makes your basement legally habitable and safer.

Choosing the Right Window and Well

When selecting products, prioritize function and durability. The window should be an energy-efficient model designed for below-grade installation, with reliable hardware that allows for easy, tool-free operation. For the well, galvanized steel is common and cost-effective, while polymer wells offer excellent durability and are often easier to install. Some homeowners opt for decorative stone or brick wells for a more finished aesthetic. Your contractor can help you navigate these choices based on your budget and goals.

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