Egress Windows Are Required by Michigan Code
If you have or plan to finish a basement bedroom in Wayne County, Michigan code (and the International Residential Code) requires a code-compliant egress window for fire escape. No exceptions. We've installed hundreds across Detroit, Livonia, Canton, and the rest of Wayne County.
What "Code-Compliant" Means in Michigan
- Minimum 5.7 sq ft net clear opening (5.0 sq ft for ground floor)
- Minimum 24" opening height
- Minimum 20" opening width
- Sill height no more than 44" from finished floor
- Window well at least 36" wide and 36" deep with ladder if >44" deep
- Operable without keys, tools, or special knowledge
Complete Installation — $3,500 to $6,500
A real egress window install isn't a window swap — it's a foundation cut. Here's the full scope:
- Cut new opening in the foundation wall (concrete or block)
- Install steel header to support the structural load above
- Install vinyl or metal window unit
- Excavate and install code-compliant window well (steel or composite)
- Install ladder if depth requires
- Install cover (clear polycarbonate, optional but recommended)
- Pull permit and pass inspection
Bonus Benefits of an Egress Window
- Adds natural light to dark basement
- Counts your basement bedroom as "bedroom" on appraisal — adds $15k+ in resale
- Provides ventilation
- Code-compliance keeps your homeowner's insurance valid
When Is It NOT Required?
If your basement is finished but has no bedrooms, technically you don't need one. But if you ever want to legally call any basement room a "bedroom" for resale or rental, you'll need an egress window. Smart move: install it during the finish, not as a $6k afterthought five years later.