Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Tigard, Oregon Ranked

Adding an egress window is one of the most significant safety and value upgrades you can make to your Tigard home. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are legally required for any basement or bedroom, transforming a dark, non-conforming space into a safe, livable area. This guide explains the critical code requirements, local permit process, and installation considerations for egress windows in Tigard, helping you understand what's involved in creating a safer, more functional home.

Portland Egress Windows

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Portland Egress Windows is a licensed and bonded contractor in Portland, OR, specializing in egress and basement window installation. They handle all aspects of egress window projects, including window wells, ensuring compliance with safety and building codes. Serving residential clients, they focus on creating safe, energy-efficient living spaces with windows designed to pass municipal inspections.

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements

An egress window is not just any window. It is a designated emergency exit that must meet strict size and operability standards set by the International Residential Code (IRC), which Tigard follows. The primary purpose is to allow occupants to escape and firefighters to enter during an emergency. For any room classified as a sleeping room (like a bedroom) or a finished basement, a compliant egress is mandatory ^{1 2 3}.

Key Size and Operability Standards

The dimensions are non-negotiable for safety. In Tigard, your egress window must provide a clear, unobstructed opening.

• Minimum Clear Opening: 5.7 square feet (or 820 square inches) ^{1 2 4}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{5 4 6}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the room ^{1 2 3}.
• Easy Operation: 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}.

The Crucial Role of Window Wells

If your new egress window's sill will be below the outside ground level-which is typical for basement installations-you must also install a code-compliant window well. This structure creates the necessary exterior space for escape.

• Minimum Size: The well must have a minimum horizontal projection (the distance it extends from the foundation) of 36 inches. The total area of the well must be at least 9 square feet to provide enough room for a person to climb out ^{1 7 8}.
• Ladder or Steps Required: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, the code mandates the installation of permanent, corrosion-resistant ladder rungs or steps. These must be accessible within the well to assist in climbing out ^{1 5 8}.
• Drainage: A proper gravel base and, often, a drain connected to the foundation drainage system are essential to prevent water from pooling in the well and leaking into your basement.

Navigating the Tigard Permit Process

Installing an egress window involves structural alteration to your home's foundation and is not a DIY project to undertake without official approval. The City of Tigard's Building Services department requires a permit for this work to ensure it meets all safety codes ^{9 10}.

Steps to Secure Your Permit

1. Confirm the Requirement: Before starting any work, contact Tigard Building Services. An egress window installation that involves cutting into a foundation wall will almost certainly require a permit ^{10 11}.
2. Prepare Your Documents: 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, the well size, and the structural support (like a header) for the new opening ^{9 10}.
3. Submit and Pay Fees: Submit your application package to the city. Be prepared for permit fees, which for a project of this scope can range from an estimated $50 to over $500, depending on the project's valuation and complexity ^{9 10}.
4. Schedule Inspections: The permit will come with a required inspection schedule. Inspectors will typically need to check the rough opening before the window is installed and then perform a final inspection to approve the completed, operational egress system ^{9 11}.

Cost Considerations for Egress Installation

The total investment for an egress window in Tigard varies based on the window type, well size, soil conditions, and labor. It's helpful to break down the potential costs:

• Permit Fees: As noted, budget between $50 and $500+ for the city permit ^{9 10}.
• Materials: This includes the egress window unit itself (often a casement or sliding style that meets size requirements), the window well (metal or composite), a cover or grate, and any necessary drainage components. Material costs can range from $300 to over $1,000 ^{1 7}.
• Labor: This is the most significant variable. Professional installation involves excavation, precise concrete cutting, structural framing, waterproofing, well installation, and backfilling. Labor costs for a professional crew typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the project's difficulty ^{1 7}.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Selecting a window that not only meets code but also provides good insulation (look for a low U-factor) and ease of operation is key. A professional installer familiar with Tigard's specific codes and permit process is invaluable. They can handle the technical challenges of below-grade installation, ensure proper waterproofing, and manage the permit paperwork and inspections from start to finish, giving you peace of mind that your new basement bedroom or living space is both legal and safe.

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