Best Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Minnesota Ranked

An egress window is a critical safety feature for any basement bedroom or sleeping area, providing a legal means of escape and rescue in an emergency. In Minnesota, these installations are governed by specific building codes that dictate the window's size, operation, and the accompanying window well. Understanding these requirements is essential for homeowner safety and legal compliance. This guide details Minnesota's regulations, typical costs, and the installation process to help you connect with qualified local professionals who can ensure your project meets all necessary standards.

Egress Window Guy

8721 Bass Lake Rd, New Hope, MN 55428

Egress Window Guy is a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor specializing in egress window installation and repair in Minneapolis, MN. Serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, they offer services including new egress window installations, small window installations, and egress well replacements. The company has been operating since 2001 and has completed projects for over 7,000 customers since 2012, with a strong focus on enhancing home safety and compliance with building codes.

4.9

174 Reviews

The Egress Window Company

4707 Hwy 61 N #146, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

The Egress Window Company is a family-owned business based near Minneapolis, MN, specializing in the installation of egress windows to meet safety codes for basement bedrooms. They serve a wide area including the Twin Cities and much of Greater Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Their expertise includes installing code-compliant basement emergency exits that provide both safety and increased natural light. The company emphasizes compliance with local fire safety regulations and offers service across numerous counties in the region.

4.9

128 Reviews

All Good Egress

minneapolis

All Good Egress is an egress window contractor based in Minneapolis, MN. They specialize in installing egress windows to help transform basements into safe and secure living spaces. Their services focus on professional installation to ensure safety and compliance with building codes.

5.0

59 Reviews

Brenne Builders

st paul

Brenne Builders is an egress window contractor based in St Paul, MN. They specialize in remodeling projects that include installing egress windows, helping homeowners tailor their spaces to specific needs while enhancing home value. Known for creative and efficient solutions, Brenne Builders works with a variety of remodeling challenges to deliver practical results.

4.9

18 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Minnesota

Minnesota's building code, based on the International Residential Code (IRC), mandates egress windows for all sleeping rooms and basements used for habitable space. The primary goal is to provide a clear, unobstructed opening large enough for occupants to escape and for emergency responders to enter. The rules are precise and non-negotiable for passing inspection and ensuring safety.

Minimum Opening Size and Dimensions

The core requirement focuses on the "net clear opening" - the space available when the window is fully open. In Minnesota, this opening must meet two potential size standards^{1 2 3}:

• Minimum Area: 5.7 square feet. For ground-floor rooms, the minimum is 5.0 square feet.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height. These measurements must be achievable through the window's normal operation without the use of tools or special knowledge.

Maximum Sill Height

The bottom of the window opening (the sill) cannot be too high off the floor. The code states the sill must be no more than 44 inches above the finished floor^{1 4}. This ensures that children, older adults, or individuals in distress can reasonably reach and use the window to exit.

Window Well Specifications for Below-Grade Installations

Since most basement egress windows are below ground level, a window well is required. This well must provide adequate space for a person to climb out. Minnesota code specifies^{1 2 4}:

• Minimum Well Area: 9 square feet.
• Minimum Projection/Width: The well must extend at least 36 inches from the foundation wall and be at least 36 inches wide.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently affixed ladder or steps are required. These must be corrosion-resistant and provide a secure climbing surface.

Operational and Path of Egress Rules

The window itself must be operational from the inside without keys, tools, or special effort. Casement and sliding windows are common compliant choices. Furthermore, if the window is located under a deck or porch, there must be a minimum 36-inch-high clear path from the window well to the exterior yard^{5 6}.

The Importance of Permits and Professional Installation

Installing or replacing an egress window is not a typical DIY project. It involves cutting through a foundation wall, which is a structural component of your home.

Building Permit Requirement

A building permit is mandatory for egress window installation in Minnesota^{5 6}. The permitting process ensures your plans are reviewed for code compliance before work begins. A final inspection by a city or county official is required to approve the work. Skipping the permit can result in fines, forced removal of the work, and complications when selling your home.

Why Hire a Professional?

Professional installers understand the complexities of below-grade work, including:

• Structural Integrity: Properly reinforcing the foundation opening.
• Waterproofing and Drainage: Installing effective drainage systems in the well to prevent basement flooding.
• Code Mastery: Knowing local amendments to the state code, which can vary slightly by municipality.
• Excavation Safety: Safely digging near foundation footings and managing soil.

Cost Breakdown for Egress Window Projects in Minnesota

The total cost for an egress window is highly variable, depending on the window type, excavation difficulty, well materials, and finishing work. A complete professional installation typically includes excavation, concrete cutting, window unit, window well, drainage, and interior/exterior finishing.

Typical Price Range

For a full basement egress window installation in Minnesota, homeowners can expect a total cost ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 or more^{7 8}. This wide range accounts for different project scopes and site conditions.

Factors Influencing Cost

• Labor: Labor is a significant component. For complex basement excavations and concrete cutting, labor rates can range from $70 to $150 per hour. Simpler installations for bedroom windows on higher floors may have labor costs between $500 and $2,000^{7 8}.
• Excavation: The need for manual digging versus machine excavation, soil type, and proximity to utilities.
• Window Type: The style (e.g., casement vs. sliding) and material (vinyl, fiberglass, wood-clad) of the window unit.
• Window Well: Material choice (galvanized steel, polymer, masonry) and whether a custom size or cover is needed.
• Drainage: Installing a proper drain tile system at the base of the well is crucial and adds to the cost.
• Finishing Work: Repairing drywall, trim, and siding on the interior and exterior.

The Professional Installation Process

A reputable contractor will manage the project from start to finish. Here's what a typical process looks like:

1. Consultation and Planning: The contractor assesses the site, discusses code requirements, helps select a window, and handles the permit application.
2. Excavation: The area outside the foundation is carefully dug out to expose the wall where the window will be placed.
3. Concrete Cutting: Using specialized saws, a precise opening is cut into the foundation wall. Steel lintels are installed above the opening to support the structure.
4. Window and Well Installation: The window unit is sealed and installed into the new opening. The window well is then placed in the excavation and secured to the foundation.
5. Drainage and Backfill: A drainage system (like gravel and a drain pipe) is installed at the base of the well. The area is then backfilled with proper grading to direct water away.
6. Finishing: The interior window trim is installed, and any disrupted siding or landscaping on the exterior is restored.
7. Final Inspection: The contractor coordinates with the local building inspector for the final approval.

Choosing the Right Window and Well

Selecting products that are durable and code-compliant is key. Look for windows specifically rated for egress. For wells, polymer wells are popular for their durability and insulation properties, while galvanized steel is a cost-effective standard option. Always ensure the chosen products, when installed, will meet the minimum dimension requirements for your specific location.

Frequently asked questions

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