Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Burnsville, Minnesota Ranked

An egress window is more than just a source of light for your basement; it's a legally required emergency escape and rescue opening that can save lives. In Burnsville, installing or replacing an egress window is a regulated home improvement project that involves specific building codes, permit processes, and construction expertise. This guide explains the critical requirements, local procedures, and what to expect when adding this vital safety feature to your home, helping you connect with qualified local professionals who understand Burnsville's regulations.

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 Codes in Burnsville

Egress windows, also known as emergency escape and rescue openings, are mandated by the International Residential Code (IRC), which is adopted by Minnesota and enforced locally by the City of Burnsville ^{1 2}. These codes are not suggestions-they are legal requirements designed to provide a safe exit in case of fire or other emergencies, particularly for basement bedrooms and living spaces.

The primary purpose is to allow occupants to escape and to enable firefighters to enter. Therefore, every habitable room in a basement and all sleeping rooms on any level must have at least one operational egress opening ^{1 3}. If you're finishing your basement to add a bedroom, family room, or home office, installing a compliant egress window is a non-negotiable step in the process.

Detailed Size and Operational Requirements

Getting the dimensions and mechanics right is crucial for passing inspection. The requirements are precise:

• Minimum Clear Opening: The net clear opening (the space you can actually climb through) must be at least 5.7 square feet ^{4 1 5}. An exception exists for openings at grade level (ground floor), which can be a minimum of 5.0 square feet ^{4 6}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no less than 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height ^{4 1 7}. These are absolute minimums; many windows are larger to meet the square footage requirement more comfortably.
• Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor ^{1 5 8}. This ensures that even children or individuals with limited mobility can reach and use the window in an emergency.
• Operability: The window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge ^{1 2}. It should open fully and easily. Most egress windows are casement or sliding styles that meet this requirement.

The Burnsville Permit Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing an egress window in Burnsville is considered a residential remodel project that always requires a building permit ⁹. Skipping this step can result in fines, failed home inspections during a sale, and potentially unsafe conditions.

1. Application: You must submit a Residential Building Permit application through the City of Burnsville's official website ⁹. This is typically handled by your contractor.
2. Plan Review: The application should include plans that detail the window's location, size, framing construction, and how it meets code. For egress windows, details about the accompanying window well, drainage, and ladder (if needed) are also required ^{4 10}.
3. Fees and Approval: Permit fees in Burnsville are based on a flat fee schedule. For egress window projects, the permit fee starts at approximately $110 for one or two windows, plus any applicable state surcharges ¹¹. Once reviewed and approved, the permit is issued.
4. Inspections: The city will require inspections at critical stages, such as after the foundation is cut and framed (rough framing inspection) and after the window and well are fully installed (final inspection) ⁴. Your contractor schedules these.

Associated Costs: Permits and Professional Installation

The total investment for an egress window includes both city fees and construction costs.

• Permit Fees: As noted, budget at least $110 for the city permit for a standard one- or two-window project ¹¹.
• Installation Costs: Professional installation costs vary significantly based on factors like your home's foundation type (poured concrete vs. block), landscaping, drainage needs, and the window model chosen. You can expect a range of several hundred to over a thousand dollars per window. This comprehensive cost typically covers excavation, cutting the foundation, installing the window well and drainage system, the window unit itself, interior finishing, and the contractor's coordination of permits and inspections ^{4 12}.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper egress window installation is a multi-step construction project. Here's what a qualified professional will manage:

1. Utility Locate (Call 811): Before any digging, your contractor will call 811 to have underground utility lines marked. This is a critical safety and legal step ¹³.
2. Excavation: A hole is dug for the window well. The well must be large enough to provide the required clear opening-typically extending at least 36 inches from the foundation-and include a gravel base and drain tile connected to your foundation drainage system to prevent water accumulation ^{4 1}.
3. Foundation Work: The concrete or block foundation wall is carefully cut to create the new opening. A structural frame (buck) is installed, and the area is meticulously waterproofed and sealed to prevent future leaks ¹³.
4. Window and Well Installation: The egress window unit is installed into the new opening. The metal or composite window well is placed in the excavation. If the well is deeper than 44 inches, permanent ladder rungs or steps must be installed inside the well to facilitate escape ^{1 6}.
5. Final Compliance: The contractor ensures the window operates smoothly, the well is secure and drains properly, and the interior trim is finished. They will then schedule the final city inspection to confirm the project meets all Burnsville codes ⁴.

Choosing the Right Egress Window and Well

While code dictates the minimum size, you have options for style and functionality. Common window types include casement windows (which crank open) and slider windows. The well can be a standard corrugated metal well, a more decorative composite well, or even a curved well that provides more interior space. Your choice of professional can advise on the best products for your home's style, soil conditions, and budget while guaranteeing compliance.

Why Compliance Matters Beyond Safety

Aside from the obvious life-saving benefit, a code-compliant egress window installation protects your financial investment. An unpermitted or non-compliant window can become a major issue during a home appraisal or inspection when you sell your house. It may force you to redo the work at your expense or lead to a lowered sale price. Doing it right the first time with a licensed, insured professional who handles the Burnsville permit process ensures your basement renovation adds both safety and value to your property.

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