Egress Window Installation in Kitchener, Waterloo & Guelph

If you're finishing your basement or converting it into a bedroom or rental suite, you've probably heard the term egress window come up. Maybe your contractor mentioned it, maybe the city did, or maybe you're just doing your homework before the project starts. Either way, you're in the right place.

Egress windows are one of our most requested services at Budget Windows and Doors, and for good reason. They're required by Ontario building code in most basement bedroom situations, they add natural light and ventilation to otherwise dark spaces, and when done right they look great too. Here's everything you need to know before booking.

An egress window is a window large enough for a person to climb through in an emergency. The word "egress" simply means exit. In a basement bedroom or sleeping area, an egress window serves as a secondary escape route if the main staircase is blocked during a fire or other emergency.

Unlike a standard basement window that lets in a sliver of light, egress windows are significantly larger and are positioned low enough in the wall to be accessible from the floor.

Ontario's building code requires egress windows in any basement room used as a sleeping area. This includes finished basement bedrooms, basement rental suites, and any room that could reasonably be used for sleeping. If you're pulling a permit for a basement renovation, the inspector will check for this.

Skipping an egress window to save money is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make during basement renovations. It can lead to failed inspections, problems when selling your home, and most importantly, a safety risk for anyone sleeping in that space.

To meet Ontario building code, an egress window must meet all of the following:

Minimum opening width of 380mm (about 15 inches)
Minimum opening height of 380mm (about 15 inches)
Minimum opening area of 0.35 square metres
Maximum sill height of 1,000mm (about 39 inches) from the floor
Direct access to the exterior without passing through another room

If your existing basement window doesn't meet these specs, it needs to be replaced or the opening needs to be enlarged. We handle both.

You most likely need an egress window if any of the following apply:

You are finishing your basement and adding a bedroom
You are converting your basement into a rental unit or in-law suite
You are pulling a building permit for a basement renovationYour existing basement windows are too small or too high to meet code
You are selling your home and want to legally list a basement room as a bedroom

If you're unsure, the safest move is to give us a call. We can take a look at your existing windows and tell you exactly where you stand before you commit to anything.

Egress window installation is more involved than a standard window replacement because it often requires enlarging the opening in your foundation wall. That said, our crew handles the full process from start to finish, and most installs are completed in a single day.

Before anything is ordered, one of our team members comes to your home to assess your existing basement windows, measure the openings, and walk through your options. We'll let you know whether your current opening can be enlarged or whether a full new cut is needed, and we'll give you a clear quote before any work begins. This visit usually takes 45 to 90 minutes.

Here's the typical flow for an egress window install:

Our crew arrives and protects your floors and surrounding area
The existing window and frame are removed
If needed, the foundation opening is carefully cut and enlarged to meet code
A new window well is installed on the exterior if required
The new egress window is set, leveled, and secured
The opening is insulated, waterproofed, and trimmed inside and out
The window is tested for operation, seal, and fit

Most single egress window installs are completed in one day. If multiple windows are being done or significant excavation is needed, we'll give you a realistic timeline upfront.

We take the old window and all debris with us and leave your space clean. Before we leave, we walk you through the new window, how to operate it, how to maintain it, and what your warranty covers. We can also provide documentation confirming the window meets Ontario building code requirements, which is useful for permits and future home sales.

Egress window installation is more involved than a standard window replacement, and pricing reflects that. We believe in being upfront so you can plan your budget properly.

Egress window installation starts at $500 for straightforward replacements where the existing opening already meets code and no foundation work is needed. Most installs, where some enlargement of the opening is required, typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 per window depending on the complexity of the job.

For installs that require significant excavation, exterior window wells, or waterproofing work, costs can go higher. We'll always walk you through exactly what's involved and why before any work begins.

Existing opening size: if the current opening already meets code, costs are lower
‍Foundation material: concrete block and poured concrete cut differently and affect labour time
‍Window well: exterior window wells add cost but are often required for proper drainage and code compliance
‍Waterproofing: any time we open a foundation wall, proper waterproofing is essential
‍Window size and style: larger openings and premium glass packages cost more
‍Number of windows: doing multiple egress windows at once typically reduces the per-window cost

The best way to get an accurate number is a free in-home consultation. We assess your specific situation and give you a real quote with no pressure.

We're a local company, not a franchise, not a national chain. When you call us, you talk to someone who knows Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph because we live and work here too.

A few things that set us apart:

‍Transparent, no-pressure quotes: we give you a real number, not a starting-from price

‍Energy Star certified products: everything we install meets Canadian efficiency standards

‍Experienced installation crew: our own trained team, not subcontractors

‍Clean, respectful installs: we treat your home like our own

‍Warranty on labour and product: ask us about current coverage during your consultation

Do I need a permit for an egress window in Ontario?
In most cases yes, especially if you are enlarging the foundation opening or adding a bedroom to your basement. We recommend pulling a permit and we can provide documentation to support your application.

‍How long does egress window installation take?
‍Most single egress window installs are completed in one day. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your consultation based on your specific situation.

‍Will the installation make a mess in my basement?
‍We take every precaution to protect your space and clean up completely before we leave. Cutting into a foundation wall does generate dust and debris, and we manage that throughout the process.

‍Can any window be an egress window?
‍No. The window must meet specific Ontario building code requirements for opening size, height from the floor, and direct access to the exterior. We'll confirm whether your existing windows qualify or what's needed to bring them up to code.

‍Do I need a window well?
‍It depends on how deep your basement is and how low the window sits relative to grade. Window wells are often required for proper drainage and to meet code. We'll assess this during your consultation.

‍What's the difference between an egress window and a regular basement window?
‍Size and accessibility. A standard basement window is often small and positioned high on the wall. An egress window is large enough for a person to exit through and positioned low enough to be reachable from the floor.

‍Can you replace just one egress window or do I need to do them all at once?
‍We do single window installs all the time. That said, if you have multiple basement bedrooms that need egress windows, doing them together often reduces the overall cost.

‍Do you remove and dispose of the old window?
‍Yes, always. We take everything with us at no extra charge.

‍What areas do you serve?
‍We serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and surrounding communities across Waterloo Region. 👉 See our full Service Areas page.