Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Ranked

Adding an egress window to your Milwaukee home is one of the most significant safety and value upgrades you can make to a basement living space. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are not just windows; they are code-mandated lifesaving features that transform dark, confined basements into legal, bright, and livable bedrooms or family rooms. If you're considering converting your basement or ensuring an existing bedroom meets safety standards, understanding the specific requirements for egress window installation in Milwaukee is crucial. This guide will help you navigate local building codes, the installation process, and how to connect with qualified local specialists to ensure your project is done correctly and safely.

Basement Shields

milwaukee

Basement Shields is an egress window contractor based in Milwaukee, WI, specializing in foundation repair, waterproofing, and egress window installation. With over 20 years of experience, they provide services such as excavation for exterior waterproofing, reinforcement beams with tuckpointing, and interior drain tile replacement to protect and enhance home foundations. Their egress window installations improve basement safety and natural lighting, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits.

5.0

44 Reviews

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

Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door

5006 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53210

Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door is a fourth-generation family-owned window and door dealer located in Milwaukee, WI. They specialize in window and door replacement, repair, and installation, serving both homeowners and trade professionals. Their services include custom ordering and stocking a wide range of windows, doors, and accessories, including sliding glass doors, egress windows, storm windows, and various door types. The company also offers custom cut glass, plexiglass, and screens, along with hardware and molding to complete renovation projects. Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door has been serving the Milwaukee area and beyond for over 50 years, partnering with certified installers and providing a workmanship warranty on installations.

4.4

668 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 Milwaukee

Egress windows, often called emergency egress openings, are strictly regulated by both Wisconsin state building codes and City of Milwaukee ordinances. The primary purpose is to provide a safe exit for occupants and easy access for firefighters during an emergency. The rules are precise and non-negotiable for any habitable room in a basement, such as a bedroom.

Key Milwaukee Code Specifications:

• Minimum Opening Size: The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet. For windows at ground level, the minimum is 5 square feet^{1 2}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high^{1 3}.
• Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor^{1 4 5}.
• Operability: The window must open easily from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. Bars or covers must be removable from inside without tools^{1 6}.

For basement installations, these emergency exit windows must be paired with a code-compliant window well.

The Essential Role of Window Wells

A window well is not just a hole in the ground; it's a critical safety structure that allows the egress window to function. Milwaukee codes have specific requirements for these wells^{1 2 3}:

• Minimum Size: The well must have a floor area of at least 9 square feet and be a minimum of 36 inches wide (projecting from the house).
• Ladder or Steps: If the well depth exceeds 44 inches, a permanent ladder or steps must be installed to allow escape.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is mandatory to prevent water from pooling and flooding the basement. This often involves a gravel base and a drain tile connected to the foundation drainage system.

The Step-by-Step Installation Process

Installing a basement egress window is a major construction project that modifies your home's foundation. It typically follows these key steps:

1. Permitting and Planning: The first and most critical step is obtaining a building permit from the City of Milwaukee's Department of City Development (DCD)^{1 7 8}. A professional will assess your foundation wall (poured concrete, block, or stone), check for underground utilities, and plan the project to meet all code requirements.
2. Excavation and Cutting: The area outside the foundation is excavated to the necessary depth. Then, a precise rough opening is cut into the foundation wall. For structural integrity, a new header is installed to support the weight above the new opening^{7 9 10}.
3. Window and Well Installation: The new egress window-often a casement or sliding style that meets size requirements-is installed, sealed, and insulated. The window well is then placed, secured, and connected to the drainage system^{9 10}.
4. Final Inspection: A city inspector will visit to verify that the window's size, sill height, well dimensions, ladder, and drainage all comply with the Milwaukee building code before the project can be considered complete^{1 11 8}.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

While a DIY egress window project may seem to save on upfront labor costs, the risks are substantial. Cutting into a foundation wall requires precise knowledge of structural loads and waterproofing. A mistake can lead to serious water intrusion, structural damage, or a failed inspection, costing far more to fix. Most importantly, an improperly installed emergency egress window may not function in a life-or-death situation^{7 10}.

Professional installation, while a larger initial investment, provides peace of mind. Experienced contractors understand local soil conditions, Milwaukee's specific code interpretations, and the best practices for ensuring a dry, secure, and compliant installation.

Cost Considerations for Egress Windows in Milwaukee

The cost for a professional egress window installation in Milwaukee can vary widely, typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more per window^{1 11 12}. Several key factors influence the final price:

• Foundation Wall Type: Cutting through thick, poured concrete is more labor-intensive and expensive than working with concrete block.
• Excavation Complexity: Difficult soil, rocky conditions, or limited access to the work area can increase costs.
• Window Well Specifications: A larger, deeper well requiring a permanent ladder or custom drainage solutions will add to the project.
• Window Quality: The choice of window material (vinyl, wood, composite) and energy-efficient features (double-pane, Low-E glass) affects the price.
• Waterproofing and Drainage: Properly managing water is non-negotiable in Milwaukee's climate. Installing drain tile and a sump pump connection adds cost but is essential for protection^{7 10 12}.

Given these variables, obtaining detailed quotes from several licensed and insured local professionals is the best way to understand the investment for your specific home.

Benefits Beyond Safety

While meeting building code for a basement bedroom is the primary driver, installing an egress window offers multiple additional benefits^{2 3}:

• Increased Natural Light: A large window well and window dramatically brighten a formerly dark basement.
• Improved Ventilation: Operable windows allow fresh air to circulate, reducing mustiness and improving air quality.
• Enhanced Home Value: A legal, finished basement bedroom with proper egress adds significant usable square footage and appeal to potential buyers.
• Emergency Access: Provides firefighters a secondary point of entry for rescue operations.

Choosing the Right Professional in Milwaukee

Selecting a qualified contractor is paramount. Look for a specialist with:

• Proven experience specifically with egress window installations in the Milwaukee area.
• In-depth knowledge of City of Milwaukee permit processes and inspections.
• Proper licensing and insurance.
• A portfolio of completed projects and positive customer reviews.
• Clear communication about the process, timeline, and a detailed written contract.

Taking the time to find the right expert ensures your basement escape window project enhances your home's safety, livability, and value for years to come.

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