Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in St Clair Shores, Michigan Ranked

Adding an egress window to your St. Clair Shores home is a critical safety upgrade that transforms a basement into a legal, livable bedroom or family space. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are required by building code and provide peace of mind by creating a safe exit path in case of fire. This guide will help you understand the specific requirements, process, and costs for egress window installation in St. Clair Shores, empowering you to find qualified local professionals for your 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 Michigan

An egress window is not just a larger basement window; it's a precisely defined emergency exit governed by the International Residential Code (IRC), which Michigan and St. Clair Shores adopt. The primary purpose is to allow occupants to escape and emergency responders to enter during a crisis. If you are finishing your basement to include a bedroom or any habitable living space, an egress window is a legal requirement for that room ^{1 2}.

The core specifications are non-negotiable for code compliance:

• Minimum Opening Size: The window must provide a clear, unobstructed opening of at least 5.7 square feet (5.0 sq. ft. if the sill is at ground level) ^{3 4}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{3 5}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the room ^{3 4}.
• Ease of Operation: The window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge-no stuck windows or complicated latches allowed ^{5 6}.

The Critical Role of Window Wells

Since most basement windows in St. Clair Shores are below ground level, a window well is an essential component of the egress system. The well creates the external space that allows the window to fully open and provides a path to the yard. Code has specific rules for wells, too ^{4 5}:

• Well Size: The well must have a minimum horizontal area of 9 square feet, with a minimum dimension of 36 inches in both width and projection from the foundation wall.
• Ladder Requirement: If the well depth exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps are mandatory. The ladder must not obstruct the window's minimum opening.
• Clearance Under Decks: If the egress window is installed under a deck or porch, there must be a minimum of 48 inches of vertical clearance between the top of the well and the bottom of the deck joists to ensure a viable escape path ^{1 7}.

The St. Clair Shores Permit Process

Installing an egress window is a structural modification to your home's foundation and safety system, so a building permit from the City of St. Clair Shores Building Department is required. Skipping this step can result in fines, forced removal, and problems when you sell your home. The process typically follows these steps ^{8 1 9}:

1. Application & Plans: You or your contractor will submit a permit application along with detailed plans. These should show the proposed window's size, the well design and dimensions, and its location on the foundation wall.
2. Plan Review: City officials will review the submission to ensure it meets all Michigan and local egress code requirements.
3. Permit Issuance & Fees: Once approved, the permit is issued. Fees in St. Clair Shores and surrounding areas can range from $50 to over $500, depending on the project's scope and valuation ^{8 10}.
4. Installation: The physical work begins, involving cutting the foundation, installing the window and well, and any necessary drainage and backfilling.
5. Required Inspections: The city will conduct inspections at critical stages, usually including the rough opening, the window and well installation, and a final inspection to approve the completed work ^{9 6}.

What to Expect: Project Costs and Considerations

The total cost for a fully installed egress window system in St. Clair Shores is influenced by the window type, well material, excavation difficulty, and labor. It's a significant investment in your home's safety and value.

• Materials: The egress window unit itself (often a casement or sliding style) and a durable window well (with a liner for drainage) typically range from $500 to $2,000+ ^{10 11}.
• Labor & Excavation: This is the most variable cost, covering the skilled labor to cut the foundation, excavate the well area, install the components, and properly manage drainage and backfill. Labor costs often fall between $1,000 and $2,000+ ^{10 11}.
• Total Project Cost: For a standard basement egress window installation, homeowners can expect a total installed cost in the range of $1,500 to $4,000 or more. Complex situations, like difficult soil, drainage solutions, or installations under decks, will increase the price ^{8 10}.

Choosing the Right Components and Professional

Selecting the right window and well is crucial for long-term performance. Look for high-quality, insulated egress window units designed for below-grade installation. For the well, galvanized steel or polymer liners are common choices for their durability and drainage capabilities.

Given the technical and regulatory complexity, hiring an experienced professional is highly recommended. A qualified installer will not only handle the heavy construction work but will also navigate the permit process, ensure code compliance, and address critical issues like waterproofing and proper drainage away from your foundation. They understand the local soil conditions in St. Clair Shores and Macomb County, which is essential for a successful, leak-free installation.

Final Steps Before You Begin

Before any work starts, your first call should be to the St. Clair Shores Building Department. They can provide you with the exact permit application, fee schedule, and answer any specific local questions about your property. Having this information upfront will make conversations with potential installers more productive and ensure your project starts on the right foot.

Frequently asked questions

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