Egress windows for Twin Cities basements
An egress window is what turns a finished basement room into a legal bedroom. It is also the single most common reason a basement bedroom fails inspection. We cut the opening, install the window and well, handle drainage, and get it inspected.
What the code asks for
- 5.7 sq ft net clear opening (5.0 sq ft when the opening is at grade)
- 24 inches minimum clear opening height, 20 inches minimum width
- Sill no more than 44 inches above the finished floor
- A window well at least 36 inches out from the wall and 9 sq ft in area
- A permanently attached ladder or steps when the well is deeper than 44 inches
- Opens from the inside with no key, tool, or special knowledge
What the install involves
- Locate utilities and confirm the opening does not land on a beam pocket or service
- Saw-cut the block or poured foundation and remove the material
- Set the header/lintel and frame the rough opening
- Install the casement or sliding window, flash, insulate, and trim
- Excavate and set the well, tie into drain rock or the drain tile so it does not fill with water
- Backfill, grade away from the house, add the cover and ladder
- Interior finish, then inspection
Rough cost in the Twin Cities
| Scenario | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Enlarging an existing basement opening | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| New cut in block foundation, standard well | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Poured concrete wall, deeper well, drainage work | $6,500 – $10,000+ |
Frost depth, egress well drainage, and how far you are hauling spoil off a tight city lot are what move the number in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Why it is worth it
Nothing else unlocks a rentable basement bedroom the way an egress window does. It is usually the difference between a $0 rec room and a room that carries rent every month — and it makes the basement safer for whoever sleeps down there.
What's included
- Free, no-pressure estimate
- Licensed & fully insured crew
- Cleanup included — we leave it spotless
- Same-day or scheduled service
- Written quote, fair pricing
- 24/7 emergency response
FAQ
How big does an egress window have to be?
Generally 5.7 square feet of net clear opening (5.0 at grade), with at least 24 inches of clear height and 20 inches of clear width, and a sill no higher than 44 inches above the floor.
Can you cut an egress window into a poured concrete foundation?
Yes. Poured walls take longer and cost more than block because of the saw work and the lintel, but we cut them regularly across the metro.
Will the window well fill with water?
Not when it is built right. We set the well on drain rock and tie it to the drain tile or a dedicated drain, then grade the soil away from the house. A cover keeps out snow and leaves.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Cutting a structural opening in a foundation is permitted work in every Twin Cities city we serve. We pull it and meet the inspector.
How long does it take?
Most single-window jobs are 1 to 3 days on site, plus scheduling for the inspection.
Related cost guide
Egress Window Cost in Minnesota
Real Twin Cities pricing — what you should expect to pay in 2026.
Read the guideEgress Window Installation near you
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