Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Cherry Hill, New Jersey Ranked

Adding an egress window to your basement or converting an existing window to meet egress standards is one of the most significant safety and value-adding home improvements you can make in Cherry Hill. These specialized windows provide a legal, accessible escape route in an emergency and can transform a dark basement into a bright, legally habitable living space, such as a bedroom, home office, or family room. This guide will walk you through the specific codes, permit process, and installation considerations for Cherry Hill, helping you understand what's involved in finding a qualified professional for your project.

Jamison Basement Waterproofing

1429 Ulmer Ave b, Oreland, PA 19075

Jamison Basement Waterproofing is a Philadelphia, PA-based contractor specializing in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and egress window installation. Serving the Greater Philadelphia area and tri-state region, they provide moisture control, sump pump installation, crawl space encapsulation, and masonry services. With over 35 years of experience, they focus on creating dry, healthy, and energy-efficient basements and crawl spaces for homeowners.

5.0

1.5k Reviews

Basement Gurus

431 Rhawn St, Philadelphia, PA 19111

Basement Gurus is a basement waterproofing contractor based in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in waterproofing, mold remediation, and basement finishing. They provide solutions such as sump pumps, French drains, and crawl space encapsulation to keep basements dry and safe. Their services cater primarily to homeowners looking to protect and improve their residential properties.

4.8

366 Reviews

Worthington Foundation Authority

601 Gawain Rd, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Worthington Foundation Authority is a Philadelphia, PA-based contractor specializing in foundation repair, basement egress installation, and waterproofing. They provide comprehensive solutions including large, high-velocity drainage systems and sump pumps designed to keep basements dry and foundations secure. With over 65 years of experience serving the Delaware Valley, they focus on creating healthy, dry environments for homeowners.

4.9

73 Reviews

MAC Waterproofing

1421 Green Valley Rd #3562, Norristown, PA 19401

MAC Waterproofing is a Philadelphia, PA-based contractor specializing in egress window installation and comprehensive basement waterproofing services. They offer custom egress window design and installation, including window wells and permit assistance, ensuring code compliance and enhanced basement safety. Their services also include foundation repair, drainage solutions, and concrete restoration, serving residential properties across Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

4.9

38 Reviews

Basements Love Us

3653 Salmon St, Philadelphia, PA 19134

Basements Love Us is a family-owned and operated contractor based in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in basement waterproofing, mold remediation, structural repairs, and egress window installation. They serve residential clients across New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware, offering comprehensive solutions including sump pump and French drain installation, foundation repair, and crawl space encapsulation. The company is fully licensed and insured, with over 20 years of combined experience and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

4.0

8 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in New Jersey

An egress window is not just a larger window; it is a carefully engineered emergency exit designed to allow occupants to escape and first responders to enter during a fire or other crisis. In New Jersey, and specifically in Cherry Hill, these installations are governed by strict building codes based on the International Residential Code (IRC), which local municipalities enforce.

The primary purpose is life safety. If you plan to use a basement room as a bedroom, a legal egress opening is not just recommended-it is mandatory by law ¹. Even for other living spaces, installing a code-compliant emergency egress provides peace of mind and significantly increases your home's functionality and resale value.

Cherry Hill's Specific Egress Code Specifications

Before contacting contractors, familiarize yourself with the exact dimensional requirements. Cherry Hill follows New Jersey's adoption of the IRC, so these are the standards your project must meet ^{2 3 4}.

The Window Opening Itself

• Minimum Clear Opening: The net operable area of the window must be at least 5.7 square feet. There is a slight exception for windows at ground level, which can have a minimum of 5.0 square feet ^{2 4}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no less than 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{5 6}. These are absolute minimums; many windows are larger.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor of the room ^{3 5}. This ensures occupants, including children, can climb out easily.
• Operation: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. Most egress windows are casement or sliding styles that meet this requirement.

The Window Well

If the window is below grade (which is typical for basements), a window well is required to create the exit path.

• Well Area: The well must provide a minimum horizontal area of 9 square feet ^{2 5}.
• Well Projection: The well must extend at least 36 inches outward from the foundation wall ^{3 5}.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps are required for safe exit ^{2 3}.

The Cherry Hill Permit Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing an egress window is not a DIY project you can start without approval. It involves structural changes to your home's foundation and must be inspected. The Township of Cherry Hill Building Department (sometimes listed under Code Enforcement) oversees this process ^{2 7}.

1. Initial Contact: Your first step should be to contact the Cherry Hill Building Department. They can provide you with the specific application forms and clarify any local amendments to the state code.
2. Plan Submission: You or your contractor will need to submit detailed plans. These typically include a site plan showing the window's location and construction drawings detailing the window's dimensions, sill height, well specifications, and the scope of structural work ^{5 7}.
3. Engineering Review: If the installation involves cutting into a load-bearing foundation wall-which it almost always does-the township may require plans stamped by a licensed professional engineer ⁷.
4. Permit Issuance: Once your plans are reviewed and approved, you will pay a permit fee and receive the official permit to begin work. Never start construction before obtaining this permit.
5. Installation & Inspections: A licensed contractor will perform the work. The town will require inspections, likely at the rough-in stage (after the hole is cut) and a final inspection upon completion to ensure everything meets code ².

What to Expect During Installation

The physical installation of a basement egress window is a major construction project. A professional crew will typically:

• Excavate the soil outside the foundation down to the footing level.
• Cut an opening in the concrete or block foundation wall using saws equipped with diamond blades. This is noisy, dusty work.
• Install a window well liner (often metal or polymer) and secure it to the foundation.
• Frame the new opening with pressure-treated lumber and install the egress window unit itself, ensuring it is properly flashed and waterproofed.
• Install any required well ladder and backfill around the well with gravel for drainage.
• Finish the interior with a new trim and possibly a window well cover.

Cost Considerations for Egress Windows in Cherry Hill

The total investment for an egress window installation varies widely based on the materials chosen, the difficulty of excavation, and the complexity of your foundation. Here's a general breakdown of costs you can expect in the Cherry Hill area ^{2 8}:

• Egress Window Unit: $300 to $1,000+
• Window Well: $200 to $800+ for the liner
• Labor & Construction: This is the most variable cost, typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000+. It covers excavation, concrete cutting, structural support, installation, and backfilling.
• Permits & Engineering: Municipal permit fees and possible engineering stamps can add several hundred dollars.
• Total Project Cost: For a full, code-compliant installation with a window well, most homeowners in Cherry Hill can expect a total cost ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 or more per window ⁸.

While this is a significant investment, it's important to weigh it against the value of creating a safe, legal bedroom or living space and the substantial increase it brings to your home's marketability.

Choosing the Right Professional for the Job

Given the structural and legal implications, selecting the right contractor is critical. Look for a licensed, insured professional with specific, verifiable experience in egress window installations in New Jersey. They should be intimately familiar with the Cherry Hill permit process and building codes. A reputable contractor will handle the permit application, provide clear contracts with detailed scope and pricing, and guarantee their workmanship. Always check references and view past projects similar to yours.

Frequently asked questions

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