Egress Window Installation in Milwaukee & the Suburbs
More Light. A Safer Way Out.
Finishing your basement or adding a bedroom? Basement Specialists installs egress windows that meet code, brighten your lower level and keep water out, because cutting into a foundation is a job for basement specialists.
- Since 1981Locally owned & operated
- Free EstimatesWritten & no-pressure
- Warranty BackedUp to 20 years
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- 4.7 Stars on GoogleFrom local homeowners
Egress Windows
An Egress Window Is a Foundation Job
An egress window is a basement window big enough to climb out of in an emergency and for a firefighter to get in. Building code requires one in every basement bedroom, and many homeowners add them simply to turn a dark lower level into bright, comfortable living space.
What most people don't realize is that it means cutting a brand-new opening through your foundation wall. Done wrong, it can weaken the wall or create the newest leak in your basement. The opening has to be sized and finished correctly, and the window well outside has to drain.
That's why it makes sense to have basement specialists do it. We've been working on Milwaukee-area foundations since 1981, and we handle every part of the project, from cutting the opening to setting the well and connecting the drainage.
What Makes It Egress
The Three Parts of a Code-Compliant Egress Window
Code sets a minimum clear opening when the window is fully open. Most original basement windows are far too small.
The bottom of the opening can't be too high off the floor, which often means cutting lower than the old window.
The well has to be big enough to climb out of, and deeper wells need a ladder or steps.
Why Homeowners Add Them
Why Homeowners Add Egress Windows
Code is only part of the story. Here's why so many basements get one.
Is It Right for You?
Is an Egress Window Right for Your Basement?
If any of these sound like your plans, it's worth a conversation.
- Finishing your basement
- Adding a basement bedroom
- A dark, closed-in lower level
- Small, high basement windows
- Planning a guest suite
- Selling with a legal bedroom
- A home office downstairs
- Kids moving to the basement
How We Fix It
Our Egress Window Installation
OpeningCutting & Finishing the Opening
We saw-cut the opening through the foundation wall at the size and height your window needs. Poured walls are cut cleanly with specialized saws, and block walls are cut, then the open cores are filled and finished so the edges are solid.
We plan the location around the framing above, any utilities in the wall and the space outside for the well, and we make sure the wall around the opening stays structurally sound.
The finished opening is square, clean and ready for a properly sealed window.
Get an EstimateWellWindow, Well & Drainage
The window is set and sealed into the opening, and the well is installed outside on a gravel base. Where possible, we connect it to drainage so rain and snowmelt have somewhere to go besides your new window.
Deeper wells get a built-in ladder or steps, and a clear cover can keep out leaves, snow and critters while still opening from inside.
When we're done, you've got more light, a safe way out and no new leak.
Window WellsWhat to Expect
Our Egress Window Process
- 1PlanWe pick the best spot based on your layout and yard.
- 2PermitWe explain what your city or village requires.
- 3InstallWe cut the opening, set the window and the well.
- 4FinishWe connect drainage, clean up and walk you through it.
Common Questions
Egress Window FAQs
What is an egress window?
A window large enough for someone to climb out in an emergency and for a firefighter to get in.
Do I need one for a basement bedroom?
Yes. Basement bedrooms need an emergency escape opening.
How big does it have to be?
Code sets a minimum opening and a maximum sill height. Requirements vary, so we'll confirm what applies.
Will it cause leaks?
Not when the window is sealed properly and the well drains.
Do I need a permit?
Cutting a new opening in a foundation typically needs a permit. We'll explain what's required.
How long does it take?
Most installations take a day or two.
What Homeowners Say
Trusted by Milwaukee-Area Homeowners
“We had Basement Specialists do foundation work for us, they were affordable, completed the work in a timely manner, and did a great job at cleanup. We even had some extra work done around the porch foundation which was reasonable and looks great. We would highly recommend them!!”
“We have used Basement Specialists a couple of times. They have been simply wonderful to work with. To start with, the office is responsive, and they were easy to schedule with. Dale showed up promptly…”
“Just had them do foundation work for us. They did a good job, they did put runners down. Even put some on the basement steps, even after I told them they didn't have to…”
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Window Wells
Wet Basements
Foundation CracksPlanning a Basement Bedroom?
Let's Add the Right Window.
We'll find the best spot and give you a free written estimate.