Egress Windows
Permit Plans & Installation in Ottawa

At Ottawa Secondary Dwellings, We have years of experience with Installing Egress Windows and with preparing permit plans for them as well.

What is an egress window?

Egress windows are windows specifically designed to provide a safe secondary exit or escape route in case of an emergency, such as a fire. They are an important safety feature, especially in homes with finished basements or sleeping areas.

Emergency Egress Window Section for Permit Plans

When is an egress window required?

An egress window is required when building or renovating a basement, especially if you are creating a living space such as a bedroom or a secondary dwelling unit. It’s needed for safety and emergency purposes, ensuring that occupants can safely exit the space in case of an emergency (like a fire).

Basements

When a basement is finished into a living space—such as adding a bedroom, family room, or home office—our building code often require an egress window.

In many homes, basements are below ground level, meaning the windows are not naturally accessible. In case of a fire or other emergency, people in the basement may be at risk if there’s no alternative escape route.

Second Stories or higher

In multi-story homes or buildings, an egress window can also be required for rooms on higher floors if the structure has no other viable escape route, especially if the building lacks fire escapes or balconies.

Actual Window Requirements

The total cost for a basement egress window / secondary exit can float from ~$2500 to $6000 depending on the different factors such as the window itself, the labour required and the permit plans.

If the installation requires significant structural modifications (e.g., reinforcing foundation walls, custom window designs, or specialized materials), the cost can increase significantly. In such cases, the total cost can reach $10,000 or more.

Minimum Size

As per Section 9.9.10.1(1)(b), egress windows are required to have a minimum opening of 3.76 square feet (about 0.35 square meters) of clear space, which is large enough for a person to crawl through.

Accessibility

The window should be easily operable from the inside without the need for special tools or keys. It should open with minimal effort and be free from obstructions to ensure a quick escape.

Window Wells

Egress windows are typically installed in basement walls, often at or near ground level. If the basement is below grade (below ground level), the window is usually installed with a window well.

Types of Windows

Opening styles such as:

casement windows
single sliders windows,
tilt and turn windows,
hung windows,

are all allowed to be used as egress

provided they offer the minimum clear opening.

Escape Window for Upper Floors

Minimum height of unobstructed opening not less than 1.060mm (3'6")
Minimum width of unobstructed opening not less than 560mm (1'10")

Ground Floor or Basement Escape Window

Minimum area of unobstructed opening not less than 0.35sqm (3.7sqft)
380mm (15") or more for openable portion of window

Minimum area 0.35sqm (3.7sqft)

Emergency Exit

The primary benefit of an egress window is that it provides a safe escape route in case of an emergency, such as a fire or natural disaster.

Natural Light

Basements tend to be dark and dreary due to their location underground. Egress windows allow natural light to flood the space, making the basement more inviting and comfortable.

Ventilation

Egress windows can be opened to allow fresh air into the basement, which helps reduce moisture, mold, and musty odors common in basement environments. Improved ventilation can lead to a healthier living space and a more comfortable environment.