Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Southfield, Michigan Ranked

Adding an egress window is one of the most significant safety and value upgrades you can make to your Southfield home. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are legally required for any basement bedroom and are a smart investment for creating safe, legal, and livable space below grade. This guide explains the specific codes, permit process, and costs for egress window installation in Southfield, helping you understand what's involved in finding a qualified professional to complete this critical home improvement project.

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 Southfield

An egress window is not just any basement window. It is a designated emergency exit that must meet strict size and operational criteria set by the International Residential Code (IRC), which Michigan and the City of Southfield adopt. The primary purpose is to provide a safe, unobstructed escape route for occupants and allow easy access for firefighters in an emergency ¹.

For a basement window to qualify as a legal egress opening in Southfield, it must satisfy several key dimensions ^{2 3 4}:

• Minimum Opening Size: The window must provide a clear opening of at least 5.7 square feet. For windows installed at or below ground level (requiring a window well), the minimum is 5.0 square feet.
• Minimum Dimensions: The clear opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening (the sill) cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished basement floor.
• Easy Operation: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. Locks, bars, or grates that impede quick escape are prohibited ⁵.

If you are converting a basement area into a bedroom or living space, each sleeping room is required to have its own compliant egress opening^{6 2}. Retrofitting an egress window into an existing foundation is a common but complex project that always requires a permit.

The Crucial Role of Window Wells

Since egress windows in basements are typically below ground level, a window well is necessary to create the required clear space outside the window. Southfield's code has specific rules for these wells to ensure they function properly for escape and rescue ^{1 3}.

• Minimum Size: The window well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of horizontal projection area, with a minimum dimension of 36 inches in both width and depth from the window.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps must be installed to allow easy exit. The ladder cannot project more than 6 inches into the well's required dimensions.
• Drainage: Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is essential to prevent water accumulation that could leak into your basement. This often involves adding gravel and a drain tile connected to your foundation drainage system.

Navigating the Southfield Permit Process

Installing an egress window involves cutting into your home's foundation, which is considered structural work. Therefore, a permit from the City of Southfield Building Department is mandatory^{6 7 8}. Skipping this step can result in fines, unsafe conditions, and problems when you sell your home.

The permitting process generally involves these steps ^{6 7 9 8}:

1. Contact the Building Department: Before starting, confirm the specific requirements and obtain the necessary application forms from the City of Southfield.
2. Submit Detailed Plans: You or your contractor will need to provide drawings showing the proposed window's location, dimensions, structural details of the foundation cut, and the specifications for the window well and drainage.
3. Pay Permit Fees: Fees vary based on the project's estimated value and complexity. Because cutting the foundation is involved, egress window permits are typically more expensive than standard window permits, often ranging from $100 to over $500^{6 7 9}.
4. Schedule Inspections: The city will require inspections at critical stages, such as after the foundation is cut and framed (rough-in) and after the final installation is complete. These inspections are crucial for verifying code compliance and your safety.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects

The total cost of an egress window installation in Southfield can vary widely based on factors like your home's foundation type (poured concrete vs. block), the depth of excavation, the quality of the window and well materials, and local labor rates. It's important to budget for all components ^{6 10}.

• Permit Fees: As noted, budget approximately $100 to $500+ for the required building permits ^{6 7 9}.
• Window and Well Materials: A quality egress window kit (often a casement or sliding style) and a durable window well (steel or polymer) can range from $500 to $2,000 or more.
• Labor and Excavation: This is the most significant cost variable. It includes cutting the foundation, excavating, installing the window and well, addressing drainage, and repairing interior and exterior finishes.
• Total Project Cost: For a full professional installation that includes permits, materials, labor, and final inspections, homeowners in Southfield can expect a total cost typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000+^{6 10}. Complex installations with deeper excavation or challenging soil conditions can exceed this range.

Always obtain detailed, written quotes from several licensed and insured contractors who have specific experience with egress window installations and who will handle the permit process on your behalf.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Not all windows are suitable for egress. Casement and sliding windows are popular choices because they can provide the large, clear opening required. When selecting a professional, verify their license and insurance, ask for references from similar projects, and ensure they are familiar with the City of Southfield's specific building codes and permit procedures. A reputable installer will not suggest bypassing the permit process, as it is a critical component of a legal and safe installation ¹¹.

A properly installed egress window does more than meet code-it brings natural light into your basement, improves ventilation, and can significantly increase the usable square footage and value of your home, all while providing peace of mind that your basement is a safe environment for family and guests.

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