Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Edina, Minnesota Ranked

Adding an egress window to your basement or bedroom is more than just a home improvement project; it's a critical safety upgrade that can transform a non-conforming space into a legal, livable bedroom while providing a vital emergency escape route. In Edina, this process is governed by specific building codes designed to ensure life safety. This guide will help you understand the requirements, process, and considerations for installing an emergency egress window in your home, so you can confidently navigate the project from planning to final inspection.

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 Edina

The primary purpose of an egress window is to provide a safe exit in case of fire or other emergencies. Because of this, the City of Edina enforces strict building codes, which are based on the Minnesota State Building Code and the International Residential Code (IRC)^{1 2}. These regulations are non-negotiable for creating a legal sleeping room. The rules cover the window itself, its placement, and the accompanying window well if it's below ground.

Failing to meet these codes not only creates a safety hazard but can also lead to problems when you try to sell your home, as non-compliant basement bedrooms will not be counted in the official square footage or bedroom count. Understanding these requirements before you start is the first step to a successful and code-compliant installation.

Detailed Egress Window Requirements

Let's break down the specific dimensions and operational rules your new emergency escape window must meet in Edina.

Minimum Size and Clear Opening

The most critical measurement is the clear opening. This is the unobstructed space a person must be able to climb through.

• Minimum Area: The window must provide a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet^{1 3}. For windows at ground level, this requirement is slightly reduced to 5.0 square feet¹.
• Minimum Dimensions: The clear opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high^{1 4}. It's important to note that a window that is exactly 20" x 24" only provides 3.33 square feet of area, so you will need a larger window to meet the 5.7 sq. ft. requirement¹.

Sill Height and Operation

• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening (the sill) must be no more than 44 inches above the finished floor^{1 5}. This ensures that children and adults can easily reach and climb out.
• Easy Operation: The window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge^{1 4}. It should open fully and easily to allow for a quick escape.

Location and Accessibility

The egress window or door must open directly to a public street, alley, yard, or court. It must be located in the room intended for sleeping. A door leading directly outside can sometimes serve as the egress point, but if you're finishing a basement, a window is typically the only option¹.

Window Well Specifications for Basement Egress

Since most egress windows in Edina are installed in below-grade basements, a window well is almost always required. This structure has its own set of requirements to ensure it is a safe and functional escape path, not just a hole in the ground.

• Minimum Well Size: The window well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of horizontal area (e.g., 36 inches wide by 36 inches out from the foundation)^{1 3}. This gives a person enough space to stand and climb out.
• Ladder or Steps Required: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps must be installed to assist in escape^{1 4}.
• Proper Drainage: The well must be designed to drain water away from the window and foundation to prevent flooding and ice buildup. This often involves a gravel base and may require connection to a drain tile system⁶.

The Permitting and Inspection Process in Edina

Installing an egress window is not a DIY-friendly project you can start without official approval. It involves structural changes to your home's foundation and is subject to a formal permitting process to ensure everything is done safely and to code.

Step 1: Contact the City and Apply for Permits Your first stop should be the City of Edina's Building Inspections division. You will need to apply for a building permit^{1 7}. If the project involves excavating for a window well, an excavation permit may also be required⁷. The permit fees can vary widely based on the project's estimated cost and complexity, ranging from $50 to over $500^{8 7}.

Step 2: Submit Detailed Plans As part of your permit application, you'll need to submit plans that detail the proposed window's size, location, the specifications for the window well, and the drainage plan^{1 6}. The city reviewers will check these plans for code compliance before issuing the permit.

Step 3: Pre-Construction Utility Locate Before any digging begins, you must call Gopher State One Call at 811. This free service will have all public utility lines (gas, water, electric, cable) marked on your property to prevent dangerous and costly strikes^{1 6}.

Step 4: Installation and Required Inspections Once permits are in hand and utilities are marked, installation can begin. This involves cutting an opening in the foundation (which may be load-bearing), installing the window well with proper drainage, and setting the window unit. After installation, the city inspector will visit your property to verify that the work matches the approved plans and meets all safety codes^{1 7}. Do not cover up any work before it has been inspected.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Installation

The total cost of an egress window project in Edina can vary significantly based on factors like your home's foundation type (poured concrete vs. block), the depth of excavation, the quality of the window and well, and whether any landscaping needs to be repaired.

• Professional Installation: This is a major project. A complete professional installation-including cutting the foundation, excavation, installing the well and drainage, the window itself, and interior finishing-typically costs several thousand dollars⁷. Some Minnesota providers advertise complete standard installations starting around $2,895⁹.
• Permit Fees: As noted, budget for permit fees, which are a separate cost from the installation itself^{8 7}.
• DIY Approach: While doing it yourself may seem to save on labor costs, it involves significant risk. Mistakes in cutting a load-bearing wall, improper well drainage, or failure to meet exact code dimensions can lead to structural damage, water intrusion, and a failed inspection, ultimately costing more to fix⁷.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Given the complexity, most homeowners benefit from hiring a professional contractor who specializes in egress window installations. Look for a licensed, insured professional with specific experience in cutting foundation walls and navigating Edina's local permit process. They should be able to provide a detailed plan, pull the necessary permits, and guarantee their work will pass the final city inspection.

When selecting the window itself, consider energy-efficient models with low-E glass and good insulation values, as this is a permanent installation. Casement or slider windows are popular choices as they often provide the largest clear opening to meet code requirements efficiently.

Frequently asked questions

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