Why This Matters (And What You Need To Know)
An egress window is simply a window designed to get you out of your home safely in an emergency. If there’s a fire in your basement bedroom, you need two ways to escape. One is your main door or stairs. The other is a code-compliant egress window.
In Ontario—including Windsor and Essex—egress windows aren’t optional. They’re required by law for every bedroom, especially basement bedrooms. Getting it wrong can mean your property fails inspection, you can’t rent it out, or worse: a family member gets trapped.
This guide explains exactly what the code requires, what Windsor-Essex enforces, and how to make sure your windows pass inspection.
What Is An Egress Window? The Simple Explanation
| Concept | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Egress | A way to exit or escape |
| Egress Window | A window designed as an emergency escape route from a bedroom |
| Why Required? | Provides a second way out if the main exit (stairs/door) is blocked by fire, smoke, or debris |
| Who Needs It? | Any bedroom in your home, but especially basement bedrooms |
| Checked By? | Building inspectors during permit inspections and rental housing audits |
Think of it this way: if there’s a fire and your only staircase fills with smoke, your egress window becomes a lifeline.
Ontario Building Code Requirements (2024-2025)
The 2024 Ontario Building Code came into force January 1, 2025. All new permits applications after April 1, 2025 must use the new standards. If you’re planning any basement bedroom or renovation, these are the rules.
The Critical Measurements
| Requirement | Specification | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Opening Area | 0.35 m² (3.77 sq ft) | About the size of a large footstool |
| Minimum Dimension | 380 mm (15 inches) | Both height AND width must be at least this large |
| Sill Height (Upper Floors) | Max 1.0 m (39 inches) above floor | You can reach and climb through from standing position |
| Sill Height (Basements) | Higher allowed (see exceptions) | Can be higher due to grade level; see section below |
Important: A window that’s 380 mm × 380 mm (15″ × 15″) is NOT large enough, even though each dimension meets the minimum. It only provides 0.144 m²—less than half the required 0.35 m². You need larger dimensions to reach the 0.35 m² area requirement.
How The Window Must Operate
| Operating Requirement | Why It Matters | Failure = Code Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Openable from Inside | You must be able to open it from inside the bedroom without tools | If it requires a wrench, special key, or tool to open = FAILS |
| Without Special Knowledge | A child or elderly person must be able to figure out how to open it | If it requires complicated steps or instructions = FAILS |
| Stay Open Without Support | Once fully opened, it must hold that position | If it slams shut or requires a prop stick = FAILS |
| Individual, Unobstructed | The opening must be completely clear; nothing blocking the path | If bars, screens, or furniture block it = FAILS |
Window Well Requirements (For Basement Windows)
If your egress window opens into a window well (the recessed area around the window), it must meet additional rules:
| Well Requirement | Measurement | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance in Front | Minimum 550 mm (22 inches) | Enough space to climb out safely |
| Well Depth | If deeper than 1 m (39 inches) | Must provide a ladder or climbing means inside the well |
| Sash Swing | Must not block the 550 mm clearance | If your window swings toward the well, it can’t reduce your escape space |
| Well Cover (if used) | Must be openable from inside without tools | You need to be able to push it open during emergency |
Real-World Example: If your basement window opens outward (out-swinging), the 550 mm clearance must extend 550 mm BEYOND the fully open window. If it swings inward (in-swinging), the 550 mm clearance must extend from the wall.
Which Rooms Actually Need An Egress Window?
| Room Type | Egress Window Required? | Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Basement Bedroom | ✓ YES – Mandatory | Only if main door goes directly outside on same level |
| Basement Living Room | ✗ No | Not required for non-sleeping areas |
| Basement Office | ✗ No | Not required for non-sleeping areas |
| Basement Laundry/Storage | ✗ No | No occupancy = no egress needed |
| Upper Floor Bedroom | ✓ YES – Mandatory | Unless there’s a door with direct exterior access |
| Upper Floor Bathroom/Kitchen | ✗ No | Not required for non-sleeping areas |
| Rental Basement Apartment | ✓ YES – Per Rental License | Required for every bedroom in the unit |
| Secondary Dwelling Unit | ✓ YES – Per Building Permit | Required for basement suites, granny flats, etc. |
Key Point: If your space has only one door and that door doesn’t lead directly outside on the same level, you need an egress window.
Window Types That Work (And Which Don’t)
Not all window styles meet egress code. Here’s what works:
| Window Type | Egress Compliant? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casement Windows | ✓ YES | Full sash swings open; entire opening counts toward area |
| Awning Windows | ✓ YES | Hinge at top; swings outward; full opening counts |
| Horizontal/Vertical Sliders | ✓ YES (partial) | Only the openable portion counts; must be sized accordingly |
| Fixed Panes | ✗ NO | Cannot open = not egress-compliant |
| Skylights | ✗ NO | Not accessible for escape |
| Windows with Security Bars | ✗ NO (unless removable) | Bars must be quick-release and operable from inside without tools |
| Windows with Restrictors/Limiters | ⚠ SPECIAL CASE | Limited opening for child safety can conflict with egress; see local authority |
Best Option: Casement or awning windows give you the full window opening, making it easier to meet the 0.35 m² requirement.
Basement Egress Windows: Special Rules
Basements present unique challenges. Ground level is lower, so rules are slightly different:
| Basement Egress Rule | Standard Upper Floors | Basement Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Sill Height | Max 1.0 m (39″) above floor | Can be higher (often 1.5-2 m) because window is partially below grade |
| Getting to the Window | Must be reachable from standing | Built-in cabinets or stairs can help you reach higher sills—as a rule of thumb, the vertical distance from the top of the step/cabinet to the window should be no more than 1.0 m. |
| Window Well Clearance | 550 mm in front required | 550 mm in front required (same as upper floors) |
| Ladder/Climbing Means | Not required | Required if well is deeper than 1 m (39 inches) |
| Waterproofing | Important | CRITICAL—water intrusion can damage foundation |
Why Higher Sills in Basements? Basement walls sit partially underground. A typical basement sill might be 1.5 m above the interior floor but only 0.5 m above the exterior ground. The code allows this because the exterior grade is higher.
Windsor-Essex Local Requirements
City of Windsor
| Local Rule | What It Says |
|---|---|
| By-law Authority | Property Standards By-law 148-2025 (which replaced 9-2019, and earlier 147-2011). |
| Baseline | Follows provincial Ontario Building Code |
| Bedroom Definition | Any room used for sleeping (primary bedrooms, guest rooms, rental units) |
| Window Requirement | Each bedroom must have at least one window: openable from inside without tools + 0.35 m² opening + 380 mm minimum dimension |
| Rental Inspections | City inspectors check windows during rental-license inspections and property-standards investigations |
| Enforcement | Violations can result in fines, license denial, or forced corrections before occupancy |
Contact: City of Windsor Building Department (519) 255-6100 or call 311 for property standards questions.
Town of Essex
| Local Rule | What It Says |
|---|---|
| By-law Authority | Property Standards By-law No. 936 |
| Baseline | Follows the provincial Ontario Building Code |
| Definition | By-law notes that windows are NOT considered primary “means of egress” for occupancy calculations; however, OBC egress standards still apply |
| Second Dwelling Units | Require building permit; egress windows must comply with OBC before permit is approved |
| Building Inspection | Framing checklist notes: windows must be 1.2 m from property lines; ground-floor windows must be tested for forced-entry resistance |
Contact: Town of Essex Building Department for permit questions and egress compliance guidance.
County of Essex (Other Municipalities)
Additional municipalities in Essex County follow the same OBC baseline but may have minor local variations. Always contact your specific municipality’s building department before starting a project.
When You Need A Building Permit
| Situation | Permit Required? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Adding a Bedroom to Your Basement | ✓ YES – Mandatory | Bedroom = egress window required; code compliance must be verified |
| Creating a Rental Apartment in Basement | ✓ YES – Mandatory | Multi-unit dwelling; rental licensing requires full code compliance |
| Secondary Dwelling Unit (Granny Flat) | ✓ YES – Mandatory | Separate living unit; must meet all residential code requirements |
| Replacing an Existing Egress Window | ⚠ Check Local | Some municipalities require permit; some allow owner-occupied replacement; ask first |
| Adding a New Basement Window | ⚠ Check Local | If it becomes egress window for a bedroom = likely permit required |
| Finishing a Basement (No New Bedrooms) | ✗ Often No (verify) | Finishing a basement (even with no new bedrooms) usually requires a building permit if you’re adding insulation, framing, plumbing, or other construction. Always confirm with your local building department. |
Do NOT skip the permit process. The inspection catches code violations early, saves you from future problems, and ensures your property is safe and legally compliant.
Why Professional Installation Matters
| Why You Need A Professional | What They Do |
|---|---|
| Code Compliance | Know all current 2024 OBC requirements and local variations; ensure window meets exact specifications |
| Correct Sizing | Calculate opening area correctly; verify 380 mm dimensions; ensure 0.35 m² minimum |
| Proper Support Mechanism | Install hardware so window stays open without props or supports |
| Waterproofing | Seal the window frame to prevent water intrusion into your basement; foundation damage is expensive |
| Window Well Installation | Dig and grade properly; ensure 550 mm clearance; install drainage if needed |
| Inspection-Ready | Install everything so it passes building inspector approval on first visit |
| Liability Protection | If something goes wrong (injury, water damage), professional installation provides protection |
DIY Risk: Installing an egress window yourself might seem cheaper, but code violations result in failed inspections, forced re-dos at full cost, or unsafe conditions. Professional installation often costs less than fixing mistakes.
Common Egress Window Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need one egress window per bedroom? | YES. Each bedroom needs its own egress window. A shared window doesn’t count for multiple rooms. |
| Can a door be my egress window? | YES. If your basement bedroom has a door that opens directly outside on the same level, you don’t need a separate window. The door must be operable without tools. |
| What if my sill is too high? | For basements, add built-in cabinets or steps (max 1 m high). For upper floors, window must be max 1 m sill height. If higher, you’ve failed code. |
| Can I use a window well cover? | YES, but it must be openable from inside without tools. Polycarbonate pop-open covers work; locked or hinged-only covers do not. |
| Do I need a ladder in my window well? | If the well is deeper than 1 m (39″), YES. Install a permanent ladder or climbing means inside the well. |
| What if my window swings inward? | The 550 mm clearance must extend from the wall (not from the window). Measure from the interior wall face outward. |
| Are security bars allowed? | Only if they’re quick-release and operable from inside without tools. Code-approved bars must open in seconds during emergency. |
| How much does an egress window cost? | A full basement egress window installation (cutting concrete, window well, drainage) typically ranges from about $2,500 to $6,000+, depending on size, excavation, and site conditions. Above-grade egress or simple replacements can be cheaper. |
| Will I get a rebate for egress windows? | Energy-efficient windows (including egress windows, if they meet the performance specs) can qualify under the Home Renovation Savings and related programs, usually as part of a package of upgrades assessed by an energy advisor. |
Step-By-Step: Getting Your Egress Window Permit & Installed
| Step | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Contact Your Municipality | Call building department; describe your project (basement bedroom, rental unit, etc.) | 1 day |
| 2. Pre-Consultation | Ask about local requirements, permit fees, inspection schedule | 1 week |
| 3. Hire Contractor | Work with licensed builder/window contractor who knows egress code | 1-2 weeks |
| 4. Submit Permit Application | Provide building plans showing egress window location, size, sill height, well details | 1 week |
| 5. Building Review | Municipality reviews plans for code compliance | 1-2 weeks |
| 6. Permit Approval | Once approved, you’re cleared to start work; contractor receives permit | 1 day |
| 7. Installation | Contractor installs window, well, drainage, waterproofing; takes 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| 8. Inspection | Building inspector visits; verifies window size, operation, sill height, well clearance | 1-2 weeks (scheduling) |
| 9. Final Approval | If everything passes, inspector signs off; permit closes | 1 day |
| 10. Occupancy | Once approved, you can legally use the basement bedroom or rent the unit | Immediately |
Total Timeline: 4-8 weeks from permit application to final approval (varies by municipality workload).
Windsor-Essex Egress Code Summary Table
| Element | Ontario Building Code 2024-2025 | Windsor Enforcement | Essex Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authority | Section 9.9.10.1 Division B | Property Standards By-law 9-2019 | Property Standards By-law 936 |
| Applies To | Every bedroom in every suite | Every bedroom in every residence | Every bedroom in every residence |
| Opening Area | Min 0.35 m² (3.77 sq ft) | Same as OBC | Same as OBC |
| Minimum Dimension | 380 mm (15″) for all sides | Same as OBC | Same as OBC |
| Must Open From Inside | YES, without tools | YES, verified during inspection | YES, verified during inspection |
| Sill Height | 1.0 m max (upper floors); higher in basements | Enforced as per OBC | Enforced as per OBC |
| Window Well Clearance | 550 mm minimum | Enforced as per OBC | Enforced as per OBC |
| Permits Required | YES for new bedrooms and alterations | YES for rentals and new construction | YES for permits and second dwellings |
| Inspections | Mandatory during construction | During rental inspections + property audits | During permit inspections |
Why This Matters To You
| Consequence | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Failing Inspection | Can’t occupy the space; property can’t be rented; may face fines |
| No Permit | Building department can issue stop-work order; insurance may deny claims if fire occurs |
| Wrong Window Size | If fire occurs and egress window fails, liability falls on property owner |
| Basement Fire | Without proper egress, occupants have only one escape route; high risk of trapped occupants |
| Rental License Denial | Cities won’t issue rental licenses for bedrooms without compliant egress windows |
| Insurance Issues | Some policies exclude coverage for unpermitted renovations; egress violations = uninsured |
Professional Help: Advanced Home Services
Egress windows are required, but they’re also an opportunity to improve your basement with proper windows. At Advanced Home Services, we help homeowners and landlords navigate egress code compliance while upgrading their homes with Energy Star windows that may qualify for rebates.
What We Do
| Service | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Code Consultation | We review your basement layout and identify egress requirements specific to your space |
| Contractor Coordination | We work with inspectors and builders to ensure permit compliance and timely inspections |
| Window Selection | We choose Energy Star-certified windows that meet egress code AND qualify for rebates |
| Professional Installation | 35+ years serving Windsor-Essex; expert installation ensures code compliance and waterproofing |
| Inspection Guidance | We prepare your project so it passes building inspection on first visit |
| Rebate Maximization | Egress windows + other upgrades (insulation, doors) = combined rebates up to $21,000+ |
Getting Started
| Next Step | How |
|---|---|
| Free Egress Assessment | Contact us to schedule a consultation; we’ll evaluate your basement and explain requirements |
| Code Compliance Plan | We’ll provide a clear action plan with cost estimates and timeline |
| Permit Coordination | We handle communication with your local building department |
| Professional Installation | We install your egress windows to code, with full warranty |
Contact Advanced Home Services
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 519-945-6454 |
| Website | advancedhomeservices.ca |
| Locations | Windsor-Essex Region and Surrounding Areas |
| Experience | Over 35 years in residential windows and doors |
Don’t Wait—Get Your Egress Compliant
Egress windows aren’t optional—they’re required for safety and legal compliance. But they’re also an opportunity to bring light and ventilation into your basement, increase property value, and potentially qualify for rebates.
If you’re planning a basement bedroom, rental unit, or secondary dwelling, get it right the first time. Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll explain your code requirements, help you understand costs, and ensure your project passes inspection.
Your family’s safety and your property’s value depend on it.
Contact Advanced Home Services today for a free egress assessment and consultation.
Official Sources & References
| Source | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Ontario Building Code Online – Section 9.9.10.1 | Official egress window requirements |
| City of Windsor – Property Standards By-law 148-2025 | Local enforcement in Windsor |
| City of Windsor Building Department | Permits and inspections |
| Town of Essex – Property Standards By-law 936 | Local enforcement in Essex |
| Ontario Regulation 203/24 – 2024 Building Code | Regulatory authority for 2024 OBC |