Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Ranked

Adding a safe, code-compliant egress window is one of the most important home improvement projects for a basement living space in Wauwatosa. These specialized windows serve as a critical emergency exit and a source of natural light and ventilation, transforming a dark cellar into a legal, livable bedroom or family room. This guide will walk you through the local requirements, permit process, and key considerations for egress window installation and replacement, helping you connect with qualified professionals who understand Wauwatosa's specific building codes.

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 Wauwatosa

An egress window is not just any basement window. It is a designated emergency escape and rescue opening that must meet strict size and operational criteria set by the International Residential Code (IRC), which Wisconsin and the City of Wauwatosa adopt ^{1 2}. The primary purpose is to allow occupants to exit and emergency responders to enter during a crisis like a fire.

For any basement room used for sleeping or as a habitable space, a compliant egress window is legally required. The core requirements are precise:

• Minimum Clear Opening: The window must provide a net clear opening of at least 5.7 square feet (or 820 square inches) ^{1 3}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high ^{4 2}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor ^{5 3}.
• Easy Operation: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It cannot be blocked by furniture or window treatments.

The Critical Role of Window Wells

Since most basement windows are below ground level, a window well is almost always necessary for an egress installation. The well itself has its own set of code requirements to ensure it is a functional part of the escape path:

• Well Size: The well must have a minimum floor area of 9 square feet, with a minimum horizontal projection (distance from the foundation) of 36 inches ^{4 2}.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, the code mandates the installation of permanent ladders or steps to allow easy exit from the well ^{1 5}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is essential to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to leaks and foundation damage.

Failing to install an adequate well with proper drainage is a common mistake that can undermine the entire safety purpose of the egress window and lead to water intrusion issues.

The Wauwatosa Permit Process: What You Need to Know

Navigating local regulations is a crucial step. The City of Wauwatosa Building Safety Department oversees all permits to ensure work meets safety and zoning codes ⁶.

When is a Permit Required? You will almost certainly need a building permit if you are:

• Creating a new window opening in your foundation wall.
• Enlarging an existing window opening to meet egress size requirements.
• Changing the window style (e.g., replacing a fixed pane with an operable casement) for egress purposes ^{7 8}.

When Might a Permit Not Be Needed? A permit may not be required for a simple, like-for-like replacement where you are swapping an old window for a new one of the exact same size and style in the existing opening, as this is often considered maintenance ⁷. However, if you are converting a space into a bedroom, you must bring the window up to code, which triggers the permit requirement.

Steps to Secure Your Permit:

1. Contact the Building Safety Department: Your first step should always be to verify your specific project needs with the City of Wauwatosa ⁶.
2. Prepare Your Application: You will typically need to submit detailed plans showing the proposed window's location, dimensions, and structural details, along with a site survey ^{6 8}.
3. Submit and Pay Fees: Applications can often be submitted online or in person, accompanied by the required permit fees ⁶.
4. Schedule Inspections: Once the permit is issued and work begins, the city will require inspections-likely a rough-in inspection after the opening is cut and a final inspection upon completion-to approve the work ⁸.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects

The total investment for an egress window project in Wauwatosa can vary widely based on the complexity of the installation, the materials chosen, and the labor involved. It's important to budget for all components:

• Permit Fees: The City of Wauwatosa charges fees for application and plan review, which can total $100 or more depending on the project's valuation ^{6 8}.
• Window Unit: The egress window itself, typically a high-quality casement or sliding window, can range from $300 to over $1,000, influenced by size, material (vinyl, wood, fiberglass), and energy efficiency ratings ⁹.
• Window Well: A prefabricated metal or composite well costs between $200 and $1,000, while a custom-built masonry well will be significantly more expensive ⁴.
• Labor & Installation: This is often the largest cost factor, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. It covers cutting through the foundation, structural support, waterproofing, well installation, and finishing work. Complex installations on older homes can drive costs higher ^{1 9}.

A full project involving a new opening, window, well, and ladder can realistically range from $1,500 to $5,000+ ⁹. While this is a significant investment, a compliant egress window can add substantial value to your home by creating legal living space and improving safety ¹⁰.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Not every window type qualifies for egress. Casement and sliding windows are popular choices because they can provide the full clear opening required. Double-hung windows often do not meet the minimum height requirement when only one sash is open.

Selecting an experienced installer is paramount. Look for a professional who:

• Is fully licensed and insured to work in Wauwatosa.
• Has specific, verifiable experience with egress window installations and local code compliance.
• Can handle all aspects of the job: structural work, waterproofing, well installation, and securing the necessary permits.
• Provides a detailed, written estimate that breaks down all costs for materials, labor, and permits.

A proper installation not only ensures the safety of your household but also protects your home's structural integrity and prevents future water damage.

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