Egress Windows

What Is an Egress Window?

An egress window is a window large enough to serve as an emergency escape and rescue opening. Building codes require them in basement bedrooms and finished basement living spaces, so occupants can get out — and firefighters can get in — during a fire or emergency. But it does far more than satisfy an inspector: it floods a dark basement with natural light and fresh air, turning an unusable cellar into a legal, comfortable bedroom, office, or family room. When finishing a basement in Utah, Nevada, or Arizona, an egress window is usually the difference between a permitted, sellable space and one that isn’t.

Egress Window Installation, Done Right

A proper egress installation is as much about waterproofing and structure as it is about the window. EuroWindows cuts the opening precisely, installs and backfills the window well, adds gravel and a drain so water can never pool against the glass, and — where depth requires it — fits a permanently attached ladder or steps.

The window itself is an energy-efficient European unit with a thermally broken frame and insulated glazing, so your new opening resists heat and cold instead of leaking it. Explore our full window range.

Egress Window Code Requirements

Exact numbers vary by jurisdiction, but most codes follow a common standard: a minimum clear opening around 5.7 square feet (5.0 at grade), a minimum opening width of 20 inches, a minimum opening height of 24 inches, and a sill no higher than 44 inches from the floor. Below-grade window wells have their own minimum dimensions and, past a certain depth, must include a permanently attached ladder. EuroWindows sizes every installation to your local code and measures twice before we cut, so your basement passes inspection the first time.

Why Choose EuroWindows for Egress

Cutting a code-compliant opening into a foundation wall is not a job for guesswork. EuroWindows brings European-grade windows and precise, permit-ready installation to basements across St. George, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Provo, and Phoenix. We handle the concrete cutting, the window well, the drainage, and the interior finish — and back it with energy-efficient glazing built for the desert climate. The result is a basement bedroom that’s safe, bright, warranty-backed, and ready to add real, countable square footage to your home.

Egress Window FAQs

Do I need an egress window in my basement?

Building codes generally require an egress window in any basement bedroom or finished sleeping area, so occupants can exit and rescuers can enter in an emergency.

What size does an egress window need to be?

Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but egress windows must meet minimum opening width, height, and area. EuroWindows sizes each installation to your local code.

How much does egress window installation cost?

Cost depends on whether a window well or cutting is required. Request a free quote for an assessment of your basement.