Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Troy, Michigan Ranked

Adding an egress window to your basement is one of the most significant safety upgrades you can make to your Troy home. These specially sized emergency escape and rescue openings are legally required for any basement space used as a bedroom, and they are a wise addition to any finished living area. This guide explains the critical code requirements, the local permitting process in Troy, and what to expect when planning your project, helping you connect with qualified local specialists who understand Michigan's specific regulations.

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 any basement window. It is a life-saving feature designed to provide a clear, unobstructed exit in an emergency and to allow firefighters easy entry. In Michigan, these installations are governed by the International Residential Code (IRC), which local municipalities like Troy adopt and enforce ^{1 2}. The rules are strict for a reason: a properly installed egress window can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy.

The core requirements focus on the window's dimensions and operability. The opening must be a minimum of 20 inches wide and 24 inches high. The net clear opening-the space you can actually crawl through-must be at least 5.7 square feet. For windows at or below ground level, this minimum is slightly reduced to 5.0 square feet ^{1 3 4}. The bottom of the window opening (the sill) cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor, ensuring it's low enough for occupants, including children, to climb out ^{2 5}. Critically, the window must open from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge, and it must remain unblocked by furniture or storage ^{6 7}.

The Crucial Role of the Window Well

Since basement windows are often below ground, a window well is an essential companion to any below-grade egress installation. The well creates the exterior space that allows the window to function as a true exit. Troy's building code specifies that this well must have a minimum horizontal area of 9 square feet (typically 36 inches by 36 inches) to provide enough room for a person to stand and climb out ^{3 4 8}.

If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, a permanent ladder or steps must be installed inside it. These steps must be at least 12 inches wide and cannot be obstructed ^{1 4}. Proper drainage is another non-negotiable component; a well without adequate drainage can fill with water, becoming a hazard rather than a safety feature. The well must also be designed to allow the egress window to open fully to its required position ^{5 7}.

Navigating the Troy Permit Process

Installing an egress window in Troy is not a DIY project you can start without official approval. Because the work involves altering your home's foundation and its emergency egress profile, a building permit is mandatory ^{1 9}. Skipping this step can result in fines, forced removal of the work, and serious complications when you try to sell your home.

The process typically begins with contacting the Troy Building Department to confirm the current code version and any local amendments. You or your contractor will then need to apply for a permit by submitting detailed plans. These plans should show the proposed window's location on the foundation, its exact dimensions, the design of the window well, and details about the ladder and drainage system ^{9 3 10}. Once the permit is issued, the project will require inspections at key stages-usually after the rough opening is cut and again after the final window and well are installed-to ensure everything meets code ^{4 8}.

Project Scope and Cost Considerations

The total scope of an egress window project in Troy often involves more than just placing a new window in an existing hole. It typically includes cutting a new, larger opening in your home's concrete foundation, which is a skilled job requiring specific tools. Then, the window unit itself must be installed, followed by the excavation and installation of the window well with proper drainage aggregate and a well cover. Finally, both the interior and exterior finishes need to be repaired and sealed.

Given this complexity, costs can vary significantly. Permit fees alone can range from around $50 to over $500, depending on the project's valuation and complexity ^{1 9}. The total project cost, encompassing the window, well materials, excavation, labor, and finishing work, often ranges from several hundred to a few thousand dollars ^{11 12 13}. The final price is influenced by factors like the type of window (e.g., casement vs. sliding), the material of the window well (plastic, galvanized steel, or stone), the depth of excavation required, and the labor rates of the contractor you select.

Choosing the Right Professional for the Job

Given the safety-critical nature and code complexity of egress window work, selecting an experienced professional is paramount. Look for a contractor who is not only licensed and insured but also demonstrates specific knowledge of Michigan's IRC egress codes and Troy's local permit procedures. They should be able to walk you through the permit application, handle the inspections, and guarantee that the finished installation will pass the city's final review.

A reputable specialist will conduct a thorough assessment of your basement, discuss your goals for the space, and provide a clear, detailed estimate that breaks down all costs, including the permit. They should explain the different window and well options available and why certain choices may be better for your specific home's layout and soil conditions. Their expertise ensures the project enhances both the safety and the value of your property.

Beyond Safety: Additional Benefits

While emergency escape is the primary function, a properly installed egress window system offers other valuable benefits for your Troy home. It can transform a dark, enclosed basement into a bright, inviting living space by allowing generous amounts of natural light to flood in ⁵. This can make a basement bedroom, home office, or family room feel more comfortable and spacious.

The addition also significantly increases the legal and functional living space of your home, which can boost property value. A finished basement with a legal bedroom (made possible by the egress window) is far more attractive to potential buyers than a non-conforming space. Furthermore, the window and well provide improved ventilation, helping to reduce musty odors and control humidity levels in your lower level.

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