You are adding a bedroom
A basement room used as a bedroom requires an egress window unless the same level has a door directly outside.
Basement Egress Window Installation and Size Requirements
Basement egress window installation gives a bedroom an emergency exit. We cut the foundation opening, fit the window and build the window well to meet Ontario's requirements.
- Written scopebefore work starts
- Licensed& insured
- Permits & inspectionscoordinated
- Serving Brampton& the GTA
MikeOwner, KDM
Book Your Free Consultation
Tell us about your project. No obligation, just honest advice.
- A written, itemized scope
- A reply within one business day
- Permits and inspections coordinated
Prefer to talk? Call +1 (416) 402 - 5031
What size does a basement egress window need to be in Ontario?
Each basement bedroom needs a window that opens from inside without tools. Its unobstructed opening must be at least 0.35 square metres (3.8 square feet), with no dimension under 380 mm (15 inches). A door directly outside on the same level can serve instead.
- Measure the clear opening rather than the window frame
- Opening it must not require tools, keys or special knowledge
- The window must remain open on its own
- A basement rec room does not require a window
When your basement needs an egress window
You are building a legal unit
The bedrooms in a basement rental apartment need egress windows for the unit to pass inspection and be registered.
Legal basement renovationYou are legalizing a finished basement
We check the existing bedroom windows and enlarge openings that are too small.
Legalize a basementThe steps in basement egress window installation
- 1
Measure and plan
We assess the room and foundation wall, along with outside obstacles such as decks, gas meters and property lines.
- 2
Permit
A larger foundation opening usually requires a building permit. We confirm the requirement before starting.
- 3
Cut the foundation
We cut the concrete to the planned dimensions and support the opening.
- 4
Install the window
We fit and seal the window, then check that it provides the required clear opening.
- 5
Window well and drainage
We install an exterior window well and drainage to keep water from collecting against the window.
- 6
Interior finish
We frame, insulate and trim the interior opening to match the room.
Egress window problems that can fail inspection
Big window, small opening
Only the opening section of a sliding window counts. Even a large frame can fail if the clear opening is below 0.35 square metres.
A well with nowhere to drain
A window well without drainage can fill with water and put pressure against the window.
No room to climb out
The exterior well must leave enough space for someone to climb out through the window.
Basement egress window installation costs
We measure before quoting for egress window installation. The foundation wall, window well depth and outside obstacles all affect the work.
- 1How much concrete is cutCutting a larger opening takes more work than replacing a window where the opening already meets the size requirement.
- 2Window well depthA deeper basement needs a deeper window well and may need a ladder.
- 3DrainageThe work includes connecting the window well to suitable drainage.
Written scope
Typical line items
- Cutting and supporting the opening
- Quoted after site visit
- Egress window and install
- Quoted after site visit
- Window well and drainage
- Quoted after site visit
- Interior framing, insulation and trim
- Quoted after site visit
- Permit, if required
- Quoted after site visit
You receive a written, itemized quote before work begins.
What homeowners say about Mike's basement work
Based on 60+ Google reviews
4.9
Working with KDM has been a complete pleasure. The entire team was friendly, prompt, efficient, and thorough. They under promised and over delivered. I got a beautiful basement that I am completely happy with in a timeframe that was barely an inconvenience. They cleaned before, during, and after so it was easy to move into the space.
Melissa JansenGTA
Basement remodeling
I hired Mike to renovate my basement, and I could not be happier with the results. The work was absolutely phenomenal, every detail was executed with care, professionalism, and top notch craftsmanship.
Sahil GosaliaGTA
Basement remodeling
I have used Mike not once but twice. It is not very often that you get commitment, quality, hard work, professionalism, and cost effectiveness in one package. He has done two bathrooms, pantry closet, and backyard shed and his perfection is commendable. He is my go to guy for any kind of work.
Pooja Singh NagassarGTA
Basement remodeling
Basement egress window questions
What is the minimum egress window size in Ontario?
The clear opening must be at least 0.35 square metres (3.8 square feet), with no dimension below 380 mm (15 inches). The window must open from inside without tools.
Does every basement window need to be an egress window?
No. Egress window requirements apply to bedrooms. A rec room does not require a window, and an egress window is not needed where the bedroom level has a door directly outside.
Can a sliding window count as an egress window?
It can, if the part that opens meets the requirement. A large frame or glass area does not guarantee a large enough clear opening. Measure the open section.
Do I need a permit to install an egress window?
Usually, a building permit is needed when enlarging a foundation opening. We check your city's requirements before beginning the work.
Do I need an egress window for a legal basement apartment in Brampton?
Yes. Each bedroom in the apartment needs an egress window before the unit can pass inspection and be registered as an Additional Residential Unit.
Plan a safe, legal basement bedroom
Book a quote to have us measure the opening and review the requirements. You receive the full scope in writing.
- Written, itemized scope
- Permits coordinated
- Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto
