Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Kenosha, Wisconsin Ranked

Adding an egress window to your Kenosha basement is more than just a home improvement project; it's a critical safety upgrade that transforms a dark, enclosed space into a legal, livable bedroom or family room. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are mandated by Wisconsin and local building codes to provide a safe exit in case of fire. This guide will help you understand the specific requirements, costs, and process for installing a code-compliant egress window in Kenosha, empowering you to find qualified local professionals for the job.

Baynick's Egress Window & Home Improvements

W139 S6345, Kipling Dr, Muskego, WI 53150

Baynick's Egress Window & Home Improvements is a licensed and insured contractor based near Milwaukee, WI, specializing in egress window installations. They focus on improving basement safety and lighting by installing egress windows year-round, even in Wisconsin's coldest weather. The owner is personally involved in every project, ensuring quality workmanship. This family-owned business holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

5.0

27 Reviews

Steve Clausing Construction

10216 W Denis Ave, Hales Corners, WI 53130

Steve Clausing Construction is a window replacement company based in Milwaukee, WI. They specialize in installing a wide range of window types including egress windows, sliding glass doors, bay and bow windows, and various frame materials such as wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. The company works with well-known manufacturers like Pella and Marvin to provide quality window solutions tailored to customer needs. Their licensed and insured installers handle projects that improve home energy efficiency and curb appeal.

4.5

16 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Kenosha

An egress window installation is governed by a strict set of rules designed to ensure anyone, including emergency responders, can use it to exit or enter a basement living space. In Kenosha, these regulations are based on the Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 321 and enforced by the City of Kenosha Inspection Department ^{1 2 3}. The core purpose is to provide a secondary means of escape from sleeping areas, making your home safer and more functional.

Key Code Specifications for the Window Itself

For a basement window to qualify as a legal egress opening in Kenosha, it must meet several precise dimensional and operational criteria ^{4 2 5}.

• Minimum Clear Opening: The net clear opening (the space you can actually climb through) must be at least 5.7 square feet. If the window is at ground level, this minimum can be reduced to 5.0 square feet ^{2 5 6}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be no smaller than 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height ^{2 3 6}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished basement floor ^{2 5 6}. This ensures it's low enough for most people to climb out.
• Operability: The window must open fully and easily from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It cannot be stuck or painted shut ^{7 8}.
• Bedroom Mandate: Any room legally defined as a bedroom in the basement must have an egress window. This is non-negotiable for safety and legality ^{6 7}.

Requirements for the Window Well

Since most basement windows are below ground level, a window well is almost always required. The well itself must also adhere to safety codes ⁴.

• Minimum Size: The well must provide at least 9 square feet of horizontal area (e.g., 36 inches by 36 inches) to give a person room to stand or kneel before climbing out.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the well exceeds 44 inches, a permanently attached ladder or steps are required. These must be corrosion-resistant and able to support a minimum load.
• Removable Covers: If a well cover is used for debris or safety, it must be easily removable from the inside without tools. Grates or screens cannot impede escape.

The Kenosha Permit and Inspection Process

Installing an egress window is not a DIY project you can start without official approval. Because it involves cutting into your home's foundation, a permit is mandatory. Navigating this process correctly is crucial to avoid fines and ensure your installation is legal and safe.

Step 1: Contact the City Inspection Department. Your first stop should be the City of Kenosha Inspection Department. They are the final authority on local interpretations of the state code and can provide the most current application forms and checklists ^{1 9}.

Step 2: Submit Your Permit Application. You or your contractor will need to submit a building permit application along with detailed plans. These plans should show the proposed window's location, its exact dimensions, details of the window well, and may require structural plans if load-bearing foundation walls are being altered ^{1 9}.

Step 3: Schedule Required Inspections. The city will typically require multiple inspections throughout the project ^{1 9}:

1. Rough Opening Inspection: After the hole is cut in the foundation wall but before the window is installed.
2. Window and Well Installation Inspection: After the window unit and well are set in place.
3. Final Inspection: Once everything is complete, including proper grading and drainage around the well.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects in Kenosha

The total cost of an egress window installation can vary widely based on the type of window, the depth of excavation, soil conditions, and whether interior finishing work is needed. It's important to budget for both the materials/labor and the official city fees ^{1 10 11}.

• Permit Fees: The City of Kenosha charges for permits and inspections. For a project of this nature, you can expect fees to range from $50 to $500, depending on the project's valuation and complexity ^{1 9}.
• Window Unit Cost: The egress window itself, typically a casement or sliding style that meets size requirements, can cost between $500 and $2,000+, depending on the brand, material (vinyl, wood, composite), and energy efficiency features.
• Installation Labor & Materials: This is the most variable cost. It includes excavation, cutting the foundation (which may require sawing and structural support), installing the window and flashing, building the window well, adding a ladder if needed, and backfilling. Labor and materials for this phase typically range from $1,000 to $3,000+ per window ^{10 11}.
• Total Project Cost: A complete, code-compliant egress window installation in Kenosha often falls in the range of $1,500 to $5,000+ per window. Projects involving multiple windows done simultaneously can see a lower per-window cost due to efficiencies in excavation and labor ^{1 10}.

Choosing the Right Professional for the Job

Given the structural and regulatory complexity, selecting an experienced professional is paramount. Look for a contractor who is not only skilled in window installation but also has specific experience with basement egress work in Kenosha. They should be familiar with local soil conditions, foundation types common in the area, and, most importantly, have a proven track record of working smoothly with the Kenosha Inspection Department. A reputable pro will handle the permit application process, schedule inspections, and ensure every detail-from the window's opening mechanism to the well's drainage-meets code. Your active participation is key; stay informed, ask questions, and ensure all inspections are passed before final payment.

Final Verification is Essential

Building codes can be updated, and local amendments may apply. Always verify the latest specific requirements directly with the City of Kenosha Inspection Department before finalizing plans or starting work ^{4 9}. A few minutes on the phone or a visit to their office can prevent costly mistakes and ensure your new basement space is safe, legal, and adds lasting value to your home.

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