Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in West Bloomfield, Michigan Ranked

Installing or replacing an egress window is a critical home improvement project that transforms a basement into a safe, legal, and livable space. These specialized windows are not just a source of light; they are a legally required emergency exit for any basement bedroom, providing a vital escape route and allowing for rescue access. In West Bloomfield, this process involves navigating specific Michigan building codes and local township permit requirements. This guide will help you understand the key regulations, costs, and steps to find qualified local professionals for your egress window 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

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 installation is governed by the International Residential Code (IRC), which Michigan and West Bloomfield Township adopt. The primary purpose is life safety. If you are converting a basement room into a bedroom or ensuring an existing bedroom is up to code, an egress window is mandatory ¹. The rules are precise to ensure an occupant can exit and emergency personnel can enter during a fire or other disaster.

The requirements cover the window itself, its placement, and, if needed, the accompanying window well. It's crucial to understand that these are minimum standards; a professional installer will ensure your project meets or exceeds them for maximum safety and compliance.

Key Code Specifications for Window Openings

The dimensions and operation of the escape window are non-negotiable. Here's a breakdown of the critical IRC specifications enforced in West Bloomfield ^{2 3 4}:

• Minimum Opening Area: The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet. For windows at the ground floor level, the minimum is 5.0 square feet.
• Minimum Opening Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high. These are measured from the inside, with the window fully open.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor of the room. This ensures occupants, including children, can easily climb out.
• Operation: The window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It should open fully with a simple, single-action mechanism.

Requirements for Window Wells

If the window sill is below the outside grade (which is typical for basement installations), a window well is required. The well provides the necessary space outside the window for safe egress. Michigan code sets clear standards for these wells ^{2 4 5}:

• Minimum Well Size: The well must have a floor area of at least 9 square feet, with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps must be installed. The ladder must not obstruct the minimum required well dimensions.
• Drainage: Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is essential to prevent water accumulation and potential basement flooding. This often involves connecting to a drain tile or sump pump system.

The West Bloomfield Township Permit Process

One of the most important steps in your egress window project is obtaining the proper building permit from the West Bloomfield Township Building Department. Skipping this step can result in fines, forced removal of the work, and complications when selling your home. The permit process ensures the installation is inspected and meets all safety codes ^{6 7}.

1. Initial Contact: Your first step should be to contact the West Bloomfield Building Department. Confirm the specific local application forms, required documentation, and current fee schedule. They can clarify any nuances in local interpretation of the state code.
2. Prepare Submission Plans: You will need to submit detailed plans. These typically include a site plan showing the window's location on your home, construction drawings detailing the window and well dimensions, sill height, and ladder placement, and a clear description of the scope of work.
3. Structural Review: Because cutting an opening in your home's foundation is a structural modification, the township will likely require engineering documents or drawings stamped by a licensed professional engineer. This is especially true for poured concrete foundations.
4. Apply and Pay Fees: Submit your completed application, plans, and engineering documents. You will need to pay the permit fees at this time. These fees vary but cover the township's plan review and inspection services.
5. Schedule Inspections: Once the permit is issued, inspections will be required at critical stages, such as after the foundation is cut and framed, and a final inspection once the window, well, and drainage are complete ⁸.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects

The total cost of an egress window replacement or new installation in West Bloomfield can vary widely based on the specifics of your home, the materials chosen, and the complexity of the work. It's a significant investment that blends materials, skilled labor, and administrative costs. Here's a typical breakdown of cost components ^{6 7 2 3 4 8}:

• Township Permit Fees: These administrative costs typically range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the project's valuation.
• The Egress Window Unit: The window itself can cost between $300 and $1,000+. Factors include the material (vinyl, wood, composite), size, energy efficiency ratings, and operational style (casement or sliding are common).
• Window Well: A prefabricated metal or plastic well costs $200 to $800. Custom-built stone or masonry wells will be at the higher end of this range or exceed it.
• Professional Labor & Installation: This is often the largest cost, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000+. It encompasses the skilled work of cutting through the foundation, framing the new opening, installing proper headers, integrating waterproofing and drainage systems, and finishing the interior and exterior.
• Ladder or Steps: A permanent, code-compliant ladder for the well adds approximately $100 to $300.
• Engineering Services: If required for the permit, a structural engineer's report or drawings may cost $500 to $1,500.

Total Project Cost: Considering all these factors, a complete egress window installation in West Bloomfield can range from approximately $2,000 on the very low end for a straightforward replacement to $6,000 or more for a new installation requiring extensive foundation work, custom wells, and complex drainage solutions ^{6 7}.

Choosing the Right Materials and Professional

Selecting durable materials and an experienced contractor is key to a long-lasting, watertight installation. For the window, vinyl is a popular, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient choice. The window well material should be sturdy and corrosion-resistant; galvanized steel or heavy-duty polyethylene are common. Most importantly, the installation must include comprehensive waterproofing measures, such as proper flashing, drainage matting, and a connection to your home's drainage system.

When looking for a professional, prioritize those with specific experience in egress window installations and a thorough understanding of Michigan's IRC code and West Bloomfield's permit process. They should be willing to pull the necessary permits on your behalf and coordinate the required inspections.

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