Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Woodbury, Minnesota Ranked

Egress windows are a critical safety feature for any home, especially in Woodbury where finished basements and bedrooms require a legal means of escape in an emergency. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are not just windows; they are a mandatory part of your home's safety system. This guide will help you understand the specific codes, permit process, and installation considerations for egress window replacement and installation in Woodbury, so you can confidently find qualified local professionals to ensure your project is safe and compliant.

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 Woodbury

In Woodbury, as throughout Minnesota, egress window installation is governed by the Minnesota State Building Code, which local building departments enforce ^{1 2}. These regulations are designed to provide a safe exit for occupants and an accessible entry for firefighters during an emergency. The rules are specific and non-negotiable, particularly concerning where these windows must be placed and their minimum size.

Where Are Egress Windows Required? The code is clear: every sleeping room and every habitable basement space requires at least one egress window or door ^{3 4}. A habitable space is any area used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. Therefore, if you are finishing a basement to include a bedroom, family room, or home office, you will need to install an egress window. This requirement applies to both new construction and renovations where new bedrooms are created ^{4 5}.

Detailed Code Specifications for Size and Operation

Meeting the code involves more than just cutting a hole and placing a window. The specifications ensure the opening is large enough for a fully equipped firefighter to enter and for occupants to exit quickly.

• Minimum Opening Area: The net clear opening (the space you can actually climb through) must be at least 5.7 square feet ^{1 6 7}. For ground-floor windows, the minimum is slightly less at 5.0 square feet ^{3 8}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no smaller than 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height ^{1 8 2}. These are clear measurements, meaning the space unobstructed by the window frame or sash.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor ^{1 4 6}. This ensures that children and smaller adults can reach and climb out.
• Operability: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It should operate with normal effort, ensuring a quick escape during a panic situation ^{3 7}.

The Crucial Role of Window Wells

Since most 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 that allows for escape and rescue.

• Well Size: The well must provide at least 36 inches of horizontal space (projection) from the window outward, allowing enough room for a person to climb out ^{6 5}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is vital to prevent water from pooling in the well and leaking into your basement. Wells should be installed with a drain connected to the foundation drain tile or another approved system ⁶.
• Ladders: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, the code requires a permanently attached ladder or steps for safe exit ^{1 8}. The ladder must not encroach more than 6 inches into the well's required dimensions.

Navigating the Woodbury Permit Process

Installing or replacing an egress window in Woodbury always requires a building permit ^{3 4}. Skipping this step can result in fines, forced removal of non-compliant work, and serious problems when you try to sell your home. The permit process ensures your project is reviewed and inspected for safety.

Application Steps:

1. Submit an Application: Either the homeowner or a licensed contractor can submit the permit application to the City of Woodbury Building Department ³.
2. Provide Detailed Plans: Your application should include plans showing the proposed window's location on the foundation wall, the exact size of the rough opening and clear opening, and details of the window well construction, including drainage ^{3 1}.
3. Schedule Inspections: After the permit is issued, the work will require inspections. A rough-in inspection is typically needed after the hole is cut and the well is formed but before the window is installed. A final inspection occurs after the window and well are complete to verify dimensions, operability, and overall compliance ^{3 1}.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

While a skilled homeowner might tackle an egress window project, the complexity often warrants hiring a professional. This work involves precise concrete cutting, structural considerations for your foundation, waterproofing, and intimate knowledge of local code amendments. A professional installer will handle the permit paperwork, ensure the excavation and well installation are done correctly, and guarantee the final product meets all safety standards, saving you time, potential headaches, and costly corrections.

Factors Influencing Installation Cost

The cost for egress window installation in Woodbury varies significantly based on the project's scope. You can expect a range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per window ^{9 10}.

• Window Type & Quality: The choice of window (casement, sliding, etc.) and its energy efficiency features impact price.
• Excavation & Labor: The most labor-intensive part is excavating the soil outside the foundation, cutting the concrete or block wall, and installing the window well. The depth and soil conditions affect this cost.
• Window Well Construction: A simple metal well costs less than a more durable concrete or stone well. Adding a cover and a required ladder also adds to the expense.
• Interior Finishing: After installation, the interior window trim and any repairs to interior walls or flooring are an additional consideration.
• Permit Fees: The City of Woodbury charges fees for the building permit and associated inspections, which are a necessary part of the project budget.

Choosing the Right Window and Well

Selecting products designed for egress is key. Look for windows marketed as "egress" models, as they are engineered to meet the clear opening requirements. For window wells, consider durability and drainage. Polymer wells are common and effective, but in areas with poor soil drainage, a deeper gravel base and reliable drain connection are critical. A professional can advise on the best products for Woodbury's climate and your specific home.

Maintaining Your Egress Window System

Once installed, proper maintenance ensures your egress window remains a reliable safety feature. Test the window's operation at least twice a year to ensure it opens smoothly. Keep the window well clear of leaves, debris, and snow. Check the well cover for cracks and ensure the drainage grate is not clogged. For wells with ladders, make sure the rungs are secure and free of rust or damage.

The Value Beyond Compliance

While code compliance is the primary driver, installing an egress window offers additional benefits. It transforms a dark basement into a bright, legally habitable living space, increasing your home's functional square footage and value. The natural light and potential for ventilation also improve the comfort and air quality of your lower level, making it a more enjoyable part of your home.

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