An egress window is a large, code-compliant window that provides a safe exit in an emergency. Chicago building code requires egress windows in every habitable basement bedroom or living space. If you are finishing your basement or adding a bedroom below grade, an egress window is not optional — it is required.
Egress installation is not a standard window swap. It involves cutting through the foundation wall, excavating a window well, and installing a properly sized window unit that meets Chicago code. We manage every step of that process with our own crew — no subcontractors, no coordination headaches.
Assess your basement opening location and soil conditions.
Cut the foundation wall to code-compliant egress dimensions.
Excavate and install a steel or composite window well.
Set and seal the new egress window unit in the opening.
Waterproof, insulate, and finish the interior frame cleanly.
Chicago follows the IRC egress standard: minimum 5.7 square feet of net clear opening, at least 24 inches in height and 20 inches in width, with a sill no higher than 44 inches from the floor. We know Chicago building department requirements and install every egress window to pass inspection the first time.
Buyers want long-term home comfort without sudden cold chills. Enjoy warm rooms with tight seals that hold up over time. Heavy Libertyville snow seasons test window frame durability every single year. Our installations stand up to the weather.
A finished basement without a proper egress window cannot legally be used as a bedroom or habitable room in Chicago. Adding an egress window opens up that square footage for rental income, a guest suite, or a home office. It also adds measurable resale value to your property.
Call us to go over your basement layout and code requirements — we will tell you exactly what is needed and what it involves.
Planning to finish your Chicago basement or add a legal bedroom below grade? Get a free estimate from Rooster Windows And Doors. We handle the full process — foundation cut, window well, window unit, and waterproofing — with our own crew from start to finish. Call (847) 400-2544 or request a quote online.
Yes, egress window installation in Chicago requires a building permit. We are familiar with Chicago building department requirements and handle the process so your installation passes inspection. Skipping the permit creates liability issues when you sell the property.
Chicago follows the IRC standard: minimum 5.7 square feet of net clear opening, at least 24 inches in clear height and 20 inches in clear width, with the sill no higher than 44 inches from the finished floor. We size and install every egress window to meet these requirements exactly.
A single egress window installation — including foundation cut, window well, and window unit — typically takes one to two days depending on soil conditions and access. We confirm the timeline during your free estimate.
Not usually. Most existing basement windows are too small to meet egress code. Converting them requires cutting the foundation wall to a larger opening — that is the core of the egress installation process. We assess your existing openings and tell you exactly what the conversion involves.
Yes, window well excavation and installation is included in our egress window service. We install steel or composite wells sized to the opening, with proper drainage to prevent water pooling. We can also add covers or grates for safety and debris protection.
Call (847) 400-2544 or visit roosterwindowsanddoors.com to request a free estimate. We visit your Chicago home, assess the basement layout and soil conditions, and give you a clear scope and quote before any work begins.
