Egress Windows
Installing egress windows is one of our specialties!
Want To Call Your Beaver Dam Basement a "Living Space" or Rent It Out?
The state of Wisconsin requires an Egress Window in Every Sleeping Room.
If you own an older Wisconsin home with a basement you may have already discovered the need for an Egress Window or two as your family grows and you look into expanding into the basement space. For those of you who don't already know any room in your home, including the basement that somebody sleeps in must have an egress window in order to be legal and code compliant.
This causes a lot of confusion for homeowners who think they have their bases covered with an older egress window only to find out from a home inspection or building inspector that their egress windows don't in fact meet the requirements.
Brad's Construction is a full service home remodeling contractor based out of Mayville, WI. We specialize in egress window installations into basements of both new and older homes throughout Beaver Dam. With a thorough knowledge of the Uniform Dwelling Code in Wisconsin we are able to install egress windows that are safe, practical and meet all building code requirements.
View Our Work!
Digging Alongside Foundation For Egress Window Installation.
There Are Three Basic Requirements For Basement Egress Windows
These items are taken directly from the Wisconsin building codes so it's about as official as information gets.
#1. Egress Window Height
Code 21.03(6)(d)1 and 21.03(6)(d)2 state:
For any window used for exiting, the lowest point of clear opening shall be no more than 60 inches above the floor. If the lowest point of clear opening is more than 46 inches above the floor, a permanent platform or fixture shall be installed such that a flat surface at least 20 inches wide and 9 inches deep is located no more than 46 inches directly below the clear opening.
This is telling you that no egress window can be greater than 60" (inches) from the floor. In an ideal situation the bottom of your egress window should be less than 46" (inches) from the floor. If it is between 46-60" (inches), you need a permanent step. This ensures that anyone can use the egress window in an emergency.
#2. Egress Areaways
In case you are unsure what an "areaway" is it's defined as "A small sunken area allowing access or light and air to basement doors or windows." The areaway is outside the window and must be dug using hand tools or a small exvacator or bobcat.
Codes 21.03(6)(e)1 through 21.03(6)(e)6 state:
- An egress window with any point of clear opening below adjacent grade shall be provided with an areaway in accordance with this section.
- The width of the areaway shall be at least equal to the width of the window.
- The areaway shall be a minimum of 36 inches measured perpendicular from the outer surface of the below-grade wall.
- If the bottom of the areaway is more than 46 inches below adjacent grade or the top of the areaway enclosure, the areaway shall be provided with a ladder or at least one additional step to aid egress. Steps used to comply with this section are exempt from the requirements of s. Comm 21.04.
- Ladders or other steps used to comply with subd. 4. may infringe on the required area of the areaway by a maximum of 6 inches.
- The areaway shall be constructed such that water entering the areaway does not enter the dwelling.
#3. Light and Ventilation
One of the final required items for an egress window to be code compliant is that your egress window must be large enough to provide enough natural light into the room with the egress. An amount equal to or greater than 8% of the floor area of the room must be glazed (another term for window). So if you had a 12ft x 12ft room (120sqft) you would need at least 9.6 square feet of window space.
Egress Windows For Basement Suites in Wisconsin
As you now know in order to consider the basement as a legal "living space" each room that someone sleeps in must have an egress window. The installation of an egress window is fairly straightforward in most situations but should still be completed by a professional contractor. You must dig an areaway outside the home and jackhammer a portion of the foundation to frame in the new egress window. The windows will need to be sized correctly based on the size of the room as in the formula for natural light above.
Why Choose Brad's Construction To Install Your Egress Window?
When you choose Brad's Construction to install an egress window in your Beaver Dam you are partnering with a licensed and insured contractor. We understand the Wisconsin building codes when it comes to single family dwellings and we can make sure your basement egress windows are compliant with code and installed right, the first time.
If you'd like to have an egress window installed into your Beaver Dam home then give us a call or fill out our contact form and someone will get in touch with you shortly to schedule a date and time when we can take a look at your project.
Our Wisconsin Service Area
Dodge County WI
Outagamie County WI
Winnebago County WI
Questions About Egress Window Installations?
An egress window is a type of window installed in specific living spaces, especially basements, that provides an emergency exit route. Unlike standard windows, egress windows are designed to be large enough for a person to escape through or for a rescuer to enter in case of an emergency. These windows are not only functional but also enhance the aesthetic and lighting of your basement space.
Egress windows are important for safety, often required by law in Wisconsin for living spaces below or partially below ground. They provide a vital escape route in emergencies like fires. Additionally, they allow more natural light and fresh air into your basement, making the space more comfortable and livable.
In Mayville, and throughout Wisconsin, egress windows must meet specific size requirements: a minimum opening width of 20 inches, a minimum opening height of 24 inches, and a minimum opening area of 5.7 square feet. The bottom of the window must also be no more than 44 inches from the floor. These regulations ensure that the window is accessible and large enough for a safe exit.
The cost can vary significantly based on factors like the window size, material choice, and the complexity of the installation. On average, homeowners might spend between $3,500 and $6,500. We provide detailed estimates after assessing your specific needs and preferences and the scope of work for your project.
Typically, the installation can be completed in one to two days. However, this timeline can extend if there are unique challenges related to your home's structure or landscaping.
We strive to minimize the impact on your landscaping. Our team takes great care during installation, but some disruption is inevitable. We'll work with you to plan the installation in a way that minimizes any impact.
While there are style options, egress windows must adhere to the safety standards mentioned earlier. Casement, sliding, and double-hung windows are popular choices, provided they meet size and operational requirements.
Yes, they can significantly increase your property's value. They make your basement safer and more appealing, which is a significant advantage when selling your home.
Regular cleaning and occasional checks for smooth operation are usually sufficient. It's important to ensure the window remains easily operable and free from obstructions.
Clear the area around the installation site and ensure easy access to your basement. We'll handle the rest, including any necessary protective measures for your home.
Older homes may require additional structural support or customized solutions. We're experienced in handling these unique challenges and will assess your home thoroughly before beginning the installation.
Our installations include features like easy-to-operate latches, clear opening pathways, and durable, weather-resistant materials to ensure long-term safety and functionality.
Absolutely! We offer a variety of styles, colors, and materials to complement your home's existing design.
We offer a comprehensive warranty covering material defects from the manufacturer and the installation quality. Specific details will be provided in your installation agreement.
You can schedule an installation or consultation by contacting us via phone, email, or our website. We'll discuss your needs, provide a detailed estimate, and plan the installation at your convenience.
What Our Customers Say...
I had been wanting an egress window for years. We hired Brad's construction to install an egress window in our basement. We are very happy with the work. I have been able to add living space for the grandkids. It is so nice to have natural light in that area. The crew was professional and clean up was complete. Great job. Thank you!
We had Brad's Construction redo the whole outside of our house, new windows, siding, gutters, soffit and fascia. They did an awesome job. Taylor replied to all my questions within a day and was straight forward with everything. We got quotes from two other contractors and they gave us insane quotes and Brad's was super reasonable. Every single worker was so nice and professional, they got our huge job done in such a short amount of time and everything was always clean when they left for the day. I definitely recommend them to anyone looking, so happy we chose them, and I love the outside of my house now!
I can not say enough good things about Brads Construction. Anthony the sales representative is just an exceptional guy. So very kind and respectful. He really took the time to listen to what we had wanted and answered every question we had with complete patience. We needed our roof done sooner rather than later. From the time Anthony came over to inspect the roof and give us an estimate to time of service, it was outstanding. We had a little mishap with the delivery truck driver (not Brads Construction employee) and Brad came over to personally apologize for that and quickly offered to fix the damage. WOW! Again, exceptional service. We will be recommending them to anybody that needs their service and without a doubt be using them again if we need anything done again. Thank you Anthony and Brad for the great service! Keep up the great work!!!!!
Taylor and crew did an excellent job rebuilding my garage after a storm blew a tree onto it and partially collapsed it. The entire tear down and rebuild took only 4 1/2 days. Their meticulousness and attention to detail was greatly appreciated. The whole crew was friendly and worked really hard. I would highly recommend Brad's Construction .
I have used Brads Construction for a number of updates to our home including the addition of an attached garage, along with reroofing and residing our entire home structure. I am so impressed at the professionalism and expertise exhibited throughout this entire project by not only Brad and Taylor but the entire construction crew. They use the best materials and follow thru even after the project is completed to make sure all is satisfactory. If I ever had questions or concerns Taylor or Brad were always available to answer or remedy with no delay. This company is on my A-List in all areas as far as I am concerned, they truly are the best and I trust them with all aspects of planning, construction and execution no matter what the project. Thank you for everything!
Brad and crew installed my new steel roof only took 2 weeks to get nice not to have to wait excellent work guys!
Just had Brad’s Construction put in an Egress Window. The process was very professional. The men were very good and kept everything tidy and clean. The window looks fantastic. I would recommend them highly.
It was time for roof replacement, and Brad gave us an estimate a few years ago prior to Covid, but the project was forgotten until this year. I asked for another estimate this year- Brad and Taylor quickly responded, and our roof is done! The workers were respectful, cleaned up after themselves, and professionally replaced our roof in a timely manner.
Brads Construction replaced my deck and did a fantastic job. They were professional and timely. Any questions I had were answered along the way. Highly recommend.
So far they have done a small job. Waiting on supplies for a 3 car garage.
We recently contracted with Brad's Construction for a complete siding, roof, gutters, soffit, facia and skylight project. Our home was hail damaged and it was going to be an insurance claim. We had Erie Insurance and they were extremely difficult. Taylor stepped in and helped negotiate our insurance claim to get us the best possible settlement. He didn't have to do this, but he did and went above and beyond. We were very happy with that. Then the time came for the actual work to be done. I have worked with contractors in the past and I must say that the work these professionals did was outstanding. I'm a very detail oriented or "picky" consumer. I warned Brad ahead of time that I was a perfectionist. That wasn't necessary on my part at all because from beginning to end of the project they were always one step ahead of my questions. Their cleanup was superb and they left our home looking the best it has in 30 years. I would recommend them to anyone. My next project will go to them. Thank you Brad and your staff for an outstanding job. Special thanks to Taylor for making this all come together! You are all the best in the business!!!! Janice & Brian - Beaver Dam
Brad's Construction resided my whole house and put in a new patio door along with doing some structural repair around the door opening. They are one of the hardest working crews I've seen and they are really focused on customer satisfaction and their communication is excellent. Compared to others in the area I've used they are far and away better than all of them. Pricing was very competitive as well.