The word egress is defined as a means or a place of going out, or exit. Therefore an egress window is a window which is large enough (as defined by local codes) for entry or exit in case of an emergency.

Egress windows are required in every bedroom and basement living space. When a home is built, all bedrooms should have an existing egress window that meets local codes. As codes have changed over the years, some exemptions are made for homes that remain in the condition they were built, but in general if you are adding or remodeling a bedroom, finished attic space, or basement you will need to add an egress window.

According to the Minnesota State Building Code, an egress window must have a clear opening area of 5.7 square feet, with a minimum opening of 20” wide and 24” high, and must not be more than 44” above the finished flooring.

West Metro Egress Windows will excavate and install a window well where required. There are plenty of options for window wells to meet your budget and style, and we will install a stair or ladder in the well to meet all codes.

In short yes, but depending on the city an egress door may not be acceptable in place on an egress window in bedrooms. In some cases, an egress style patio door may be a creative idea to allow entry and exit to a back or side yard, or into a garage. Egress doors are becoming more common when homeowners decide to convert their home to a duplex. Among other requirements, a new egress door will allow a tenant private access to the basement.