Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Eden Prairie, Minnesota Ranked

Adding an egress window to your Eden Prairie home is a significant upgrade that enhances safety, increases natural light, and can transform a basement into a legal, livable space. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are required by code for any basement bedroom or habitable room, ensuring a safe exit in case of fire or other emergencies. Understanding the specific requirements and process for egress window installation in Eden Prairie is crucial for a successful project that meets local building codes and provides peace of mind.

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

See more providers in Eden Prairie, MN

Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Minnesota

Egress windows are not just any basement window. They are a critical life-safety feature mandated by the Minnesota State Building Code (MSBC) and enforced locally by the City of Eden Prairie's Building Department. The primary purpose of an emergency egress window is to provide a clear, unobstructed escape route for occupants and an access point for firefighters. In Eden Prairie, these rules apply to all newly created sleeping rooms and habitable spaces in basements, as well as when replacing existing basement windows in such areas ^{1 2}.

The code specifies precise dimensions for the operable opening:

• Minimum Clear Opening: 5.7 square feet (5.0 square feet if the window is at grade level).
• Minimum Dimensions: At least 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor.
• Operability: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of tools, keys, or special knowledge. Most homeowners opt for casement or sliding windows to meet this requirement easily ^{1 3 4}.

The Eden Prairie Permit Process for Egress Openings

Before any digging or installation begins, you must secure a permit from the City of Eden Prairie. This process ensures your project plan complies with all state and local safety codes. Working without a permit can result in fines, forced removal of work, and complications when selling your home.

The typical permit process involves:

1. Pre-Application: Contact the Eden Prairie Building Department or visit their website to understand specific local forms and submission processes, which are often available online.
2. Application Submission: Submit detailed plans that show the proposed window's size, exact location on the foundation wall, the design of the window well, and the placement of any required ladder or steps.
3. Permit Issuance & Fees: Once approved, you'll pay the permit fee. For egress window projects in Eden Prairie, permit fees can range from $50 to over $500, with higher costs typically associated with projects involving significant structural foundation work ^{5 6}.
4. Inspections: The city will require at least two inspections:
   • Rough-In Inspection: This occurs after the excavation for the window well is complete and the structural framing (like a new header) is in place, but before the window is installed and the area is backfilled.
   • Final Inspection: After the egress window is fully installed, the well is finished, and any drainage is complete. Passing this inspection provides official approval that your installation is code-compliant ^{1 2}.

Critical Components: Window Wells and Drainage

For windows installed below ground level, a window well is a mandatory part of the system. The well creates the accessible space outside the window required for safe escape. Eden Prairie follows state code for well specifications:

• Minimum Size: The well must have a minimum horizontal area of 9 square feet, with a minimum projection and width of 36 inches.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, permanent ladder rungs or steps must be provided to assist in escape. These must be corrosion-resistant and extend to within 18 inches of the well's top ^{7 8 9}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling in the well and leaking into your basement. Wells should have a drain connected to the foundation's perimeter drain system or another approved method. Inadequate drainage is a leading cause of failed inspections and future water damage.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Installation

The total investment for an egress window project in Eden Prairie varies based on the window type, excavation complexity, and materials. It's helpful to budget for the following components:

• Window & Materials: The egress window unit itself can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on whether you choose vinyl, wood, or fiberglass, and the specific style (like casement or slider).
• Labor & Excavation: This is often the most variable cost, typically between $1,000 and $4,000. It covers cutting through the foundation wall (which may require steel lintels or headers), excavating the well, installing drainage, and the physical window installation.
• Permits & Professional Fees: As noted, the city permit fee is an additional cost. If your project requires an architect or engineer's stamp on the plans, factor in those professional fees as well.

A typical professional installation for a standard vinyl egress window system, including a metal well cover, often starts around $2,895 ¹⁰. For full basement remodels that include finishing the interior, total project costs can reach $6,000 or higher ^{3 11}.

Choosing the Right Egress Window Style

While the code dictates the size of the opening, you have flexibility in choosing the window style that best fits your home's aesthetics and functional needs.

• Casement Windows: These are a popular choice as they hinge outward like a door and can provide a full, unobstructed clear opening that easily meets size requirements.
• Sliding Windows: Also a common option, sliding windows operate smoothly and can be designed to meet egress dimensions. Ensure the sliding panel is wide enough to satisfy the 20-inch minimum clear opening.
• Double-Hung Windows: It is generally more challenging for double-hung windows to meet the 5.7 sq. ft. clear opening requirement because the sash divides the opening. Special, larger "egress-sized" double-hung models are available but may be less common.

Benefits Beyond Code Compliance

While safety is the paramount reason for installing an egress window, the benefits extend much further:

• Increased Natural Light: A properly sized egress window dramatically brightens a basement, making it feel more like an above-ground living space.
• Improved Ventilation: Operable egress windows allow fresh air to circulate, reducing mustiness and improving air quality in your lower level.
• Added Living Space: Installing an egress window is the key step in legally converting a basement area into a bedroom, guest suite, or home office, thereby increasing your home's functional square footage and potential value.
• Enhanced Emergency Access: It provides firefighters a direct entry point to the basement level, which can be critical during rescue operations.

Planning Your Project: Key Questions to Address

A successful installation starts with thorough planning. Before you begin, consider:

• Utility Lines: Have you called Gopher State One Call (811) to have all underground utility lines marked? This free service is essential before any excavation.
• Interior Finishes: How will the new window integrate with your interior basement wall? Plan for trim, insulation, and potential adjustments to drywall or framing.
• Exterior Landscaping: The window well will impact your yard. Consider its placement relative to patios, walkways, and drainage patterns. Well covers are recommended for safety and to keep debris out.
• Professional Help: Given the structural, excavation, and code-compliance aspects, most homeowners benefit from hiring a professional contractor experienced with egress window installations in the Twin Cities metro area.

Frequently asked questions

Sources