Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in St Paul, Minnesota Ranked

Adding an egress window to your St. Paul home is more than just an upgrade; it's a critical safety enhancement and a smart investment. These specially sized and designed emergency escape and rescue openings are required by code in basement bedrooms and habitable spaces, providing a vital second means of egress in case of fire. Beyond safety, a properly installed egress window brings natural light and ventilation into lower levels, transforming dark storage areas into comfortable living spaces. This guide will help you understand the specific requirements, process, and considerations for egress window installation and replacement in St. Paul, empowering you to plan your project with confidence and find qualified local professionals to ensure it's done right.

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 Code in St. Paul

In St. Paul, all egress window installations and replacements must comply with the Minnesota State Building Code, which is based on the International Residential Code (IRC). These regulations are not suggestions-they are legal requirements designed to save lives. The City of Saint Paul's Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) enforces these codes to ensure every installation provides a safe and usable escape path ^{1 2}.

The core purpose of an egress window is to allow occupants to exit and emergency responders to enter during a crisis. Therefore, the rules are very specific about size, accessibility, and location. Failing to meet any of these requirements can result in a failed inspection, costly rework, and, most importantly, a compromised safety feature for your household.

Key Size and Operational Requirements

Before you even look at window styles, you must understand the minimum dimensional standards. These are the non-negotiable starting points for any egress window project in St. Paul:

• Minimum Clear Opening: The net openable area of the window must be at least 5.7 square feet (5.0 sq. ft. for openings at grade level). This is measured with the window in the fully open position ^{1 3 4}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The clear opening must be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. These measurements are absolute minimums; many windows will be larger ^{1 4 5}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the window opening (the sill) cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor of the room. This ensures that children and adults can easily climb out ^{1 3 6}.
• Operability: 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 ^{1 7}.

Where Are Egress Windows Required?

Egress windows are mandated in two primary locations within a dwelling:

1. All Sleeping Rooms (Bedrooms): Every bedroom, whether on an upper level or in a finished basement, must have a secondary means of egress, which is typically an egress window if a door to the outside isn't present.
2. Habitable Basement Spaces: If you are finishing a basement to create a family room, home office, or any other livable area (even if it's not a bedroom), it must have an egress window. This requirement applies to new finishes and often to existing finished spaces that are being renovated ^{1 8}.

The Critical Role of Window Wells

Since basement windows are below ground level, a window well is an essential component of the egress system. The well creates the open space outside the window, allowing it to function as a true escape route. St. Paul code has specific rules for wells ^{1 2 9}:

• Minimum Clear Area: The well must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of clear, level area in front of the window. This typically translates to a well that projects at least 36 inches from the foundation and is 36 inches wide.
• Ladders and Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently affixed ladder or steps are required. These steps cannot encroach more than 6 inches into the required minimum dimensions of the well. This ensures anyone escaping can climb out of a deep well safely.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is non-optional. Wells must include a drain connected to the foundation drain tile system or another approved method to prevent water accumulation, which could block the exit or cause flooding.

The St. Paul Permit and Inspection Process

Installing an egress window is not a DIY project you can start without official approval. It involves structural modification to your home's foundation, which requires a building permit and inspections to ensure public safety and code compliance. Skipping this step can lead to fines, difficulties when selling your home, and an unsafe installation.

Step 1: Application and Plans

You must submit a detailed building permit application to St. Paul DSI. This can often be done online via the ePermit portal or in person. Your application must include scaled drawings (plans) that show ^{1 2 10}:

• The exact location of the proposed window on the foundation wall.
• The dimensions of the window's rough opening and clear opening.
• Details of the window well, including its size, depth, and construction material.
• The location of any required ladder or steps.
• The drainage plan for the well.

Step 2: Plan Review and Permit Issuance

A city plans examiner will review your submission for compliance with all building, zoning, and energy codes. If any details are missing or non-compliant, you will be asked to revise your plans. Once approved, you can pay the permit fee and receive your official permit to begin work.

Step 3: Required Inspections

Do not cover up any work until it has been inspected. The city will typically require two key inspections ^{1 8}:

1. Rough-In Inspection: This occurs after the foundation hole is cut and the structural header is installed, but before the window and well are permanently placed. The inspector checks the framing and well excavation.
2. Final Inspection: After the window and well are fully installed, the ladder/steps are in place, and drainage is complete, a final inspection is conducted. Passing this inspection provides official confirmation that your egress window system meets all code requirements.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects in St. Paul

The total cost of an egress window installation can vary widely based on the scope of work, materials chosen, and whether you are doing a simple replacement of an existing non-compliant window or a full cut-out of a new opening in a concrete foundation. Here's a breakdown of typical cost factors ^{1 3 4}:

• Window Unit: A code-compliant vinyl egress window (often a sliding or casement style) can range from $300 to $800 or more, depending on size, brand, and energy efficiency features.
• Window Well: A prefabricated vinyl or steel well costs between $200 and $500, plus installation. Custom-built masonry wells are significantly more expensive.
• Labor: This is the most variable cost. Professional installation, which includes cutting the foundation, structural support, waterproofing, installation, and backfilling, can range from $1,500 to $3,000+ for a standard installation. Complex situations with difficult access or soil conditions will cost more.
• Permit Fees: Building permit fees in St. Paul for this work typically fall in the range of $100 to $300, based on the project's valuation.
• Drainage and Backfill: Materials and labor for proper drainage and soil backfill can add another $100 to $400.

A typical full installation of a new egress window in a concrete basement wall in St. Paul often has a total project cost between $2,000 and $4,000. For a simpler replacement of an existing window in a pre-existing well, costs can be on the lower end of that spectrum.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Selecting the correct window type is crucial. Common choices include egress-specific casement windows (which crank open fully) and sliding windows. Consider energy efficiency ratings like U-factor and SHGC, especially for Minnesota's climate, to improve comfort and reduce utility bills.

Given the structural and safety implications, hiring a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor is essential. A qualified pro will:

• Understand local St. Paul code nuances.
• Handle the permit application process.
• Ensure proper structural support with a steel lintel or header.
• Implement expert waterproofing and flashing details.
• Coordinate and pass all required city inspections.

Always verify a contractor's license with the State of Minnesota and ask for references from past egress window projects. A reputable professional will be happy to provide this information and will pull the necessary permits themselves.

Key Takeaway: The official City of Saint Paul website (stpaul.gov) and its DSI department are your most reliable sources for the latest forms, fee schedules, and code interpretations. Always consult these resources before finalizing your project plans ¹.

Frequently asked questions

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