Professional Service

Egress Window Installation Toronto & GTA

Code-compliant basement windows for legal bedrooms, second units, and safety. Installed in 1-2 days with full permit handling. OBC Section 9.9.10 compliant.

$3,000-$8,000 1-2 days Permit Included

Get Free Inspection Emergency: 437-545-0067

25-Year Warranty

Trusted Since 1999

BBB A+ Rated

$5M Insurance

WSIB Compliant

HomeStars Verified

Egress window installation in Toronto costs $5,000–$10,000 per window including cutting, well construction, and waterproofing — required by Ontario Building Code for any legal basement bedroom.

Code Requirements

What Is an Egress Window?

Emergency exit windows required by Ontario Building Code

Legal Definition

An egress window is a code-required emergency exit window in any basement bedroom or sleeping area.

Ontario Building Code (OBC) Section 9.9.10 requires it for occupant safety.

"Egress" = a way out - if there's a fire, occupants must be able to escape through the window.

Without proper egress, a basement bedroom is NOT legal

Why It Matters

Home Sales

Can't be listed as a bedroom when selling without egress

Insurance Claims

Insurance may deny claims if bedroom is not code-compliant

Safety Risk

Occupants trapped during fire with no emergency exit

Legal Liability

Landlords face fines for non-compliant rental units

Failed Inspections

Home inspections flag missing or undersized egress windows

Who Needs Egress Windows?

home

Converting Basement to Bedroom

Adding legal sleeping space

apartment

Second Unit / Basement Apartment

O.Reg 384/22 compliance

fact_check

Failed Home Inspection

Existing bedroom not to code

Building Code Standards

Ontario Building Code Requirements

OBC Section 9.9.10 - Minimum requirements vs. DrySpace standards

Requirement	OBC Minimum	DrySpace Standard
Minimum opening area	3.8 sq ft (0.35 m²)	5.0+ sq ft
Minimum width	15" (380mm)	20"+
Minimum height	24" (600mm)	30"+
Maximum sill height	39" (1000mm) from floor	36" or less
Window well required?	If below grade, yes	Always included
Window well cover	Not required but recommended	Included (polycarbonate)
Window well drain	Required if below grade	Connected to weeping tile
Ladder/steps in well	Required if well >44" deep	Included when needed

warning

These are MINIMUMS

Many municipalities have stricter local requirements

apartment

Second Units

O.Reg 384/22 has additional requirements for basement apartments

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Heritage Districts

May require design approval for exterior modifications

7-Step Process

Our Egress Window Installation Process

Free On-Site Assessment

Measure existing windows and basement layout. Check foundation wall type (poured concrete vs block). Locate utilities (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). Assess soil conditions and grading. Determine if underpinning is needed for low ceilings.

Engineering & Permits

Structural engineering drawings (required for cutting foundation walls). Building permit application to your municipality. DrySpace handles ALL permit paperwork. Permit cost: $400-800 (included in our quote).

Excavation

Excavate exterior to below window opening depth. Install shoring to protect adjacent soil. Protect landscaping and hardscaping where possible.

Wall Cutting & Installation

Cut foundation wall to engineered specifications. Install steel lintel above opening (carries wall load). Set window frame with proper flashing and sealant. Install window unit (vinyl, double/triple pane).

Window Well & Drainage

Install galvanized steel or composite window well. Connect window well drain to weeping tile / sump system. Backfill with clear gravel for drainage. Install polycarbonate window well cover.

Interior Finishing

Frame window opening interior. Insulate with spray foam (R-value meets code). Drywall and trim (optional - can leave for your finishing contractor).

Final Inspection & Warranty

Municipal building inspector sign-off. 25-year warranty on waterproofing. 10-year warranty on window unit. Photo documentation for your records.

Window Options

Types of Egress Windows We Install

Choose the right window style for your needs and budget

SLIDING EGRESS WINDOW

$3,000 - $4,500

Most common and affordable. Slides horizontally, easy to operate.

check_circle Horizontal sliding operation
check_circle Easy to clean and maintain
check_circle Affordable installation
check_circle Good ventilation options

Best For

Standard basement bedrooms

RECOMMENDED

CASEMENT EGRESS WINDOW (CRANK-OUT)

$3,500 - $5,500

Swings outward, maximum opening area. Easiest to escape through in emergency.

check_circle Full 90° opening
check_circle Maximum emergency exit space
check_circle Crank handle operation
check_circle Excellent ventilation

Best For

Second units, Airbnb, rental units

HOPPER/AWNING EGRESS WINDOW

$3,200 - $5,000

Opens inward (hopper) or outward (awning). Good for tight exterior spaces.

check_circle Flexible operation direction
check_circle Compact exterior footprint
check_circle Weather protection when open
check_circle Space-efficient design

Best For

Semi-detached or narrow lots

PREMIUM

IN-SWING EGRESS WINDOW (FULL-SIZE)

$5,000 - $8,000

Opens inward like a door. Maximum emergency exit opening.

check_circle Door-style opening
check_circle Maximum exit clearance
check_circle Premium appearance
check_circle Full-size escape route

Best For

Walkout conversions, high-end finishing

Transparent Pricing

Egress Window Costs in the GTA

All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees

Service	Cost Range	Includes
Window enlargement (existing opening)	$3,000 - $5,000	Cut existing opening larger, new window, well
New egress window (new opening)	$4,500 - $7,000	Wall cut, lintel, window, well, drainage, permits
Egress + window well + cover	$5,000 - $8,000	Complete package with polycarbonate cover
Second unit package (2-3 windows)	$10,000 - $18,000	Multiple egress windows for legal apartment
Engineering drawings	$800 - $1,500	Structural drawings for permit
Building permit	$400 - $800	Municipality dependent

What Affects the Price?

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Foundation type: poured concrete (easier/cheaper) vs block (more complex)

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Window size: larger = more cutting, bigger lintel

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Depth below grade: deeper = more excavation

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Soil conditions: clay vs sand vs rock

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Access: easy backyard vs tight side yard

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Number of windows: volume discount for 2+

Basement Apartments

Egress Windows for Second Units

O.Reg 384/22 compliance for legal basement apartments

Second Unit Requirements

Ontario's O.Reg 384/22 (as-of-right zoning) now allows basement apartments in most residential zones.

Every bedroom must have egress

All sleeping areas require code-compliant exit windows

Fire separation required

1-hour rated ceiling between units

Separate entrance

Or access to common hallway

Smoke & CO detectors

Interconnected throughout unit

Minimum ceiling height: 6'5"

May require underpinning

Why Choose DrySpace

One Contractor for Everything

DrySpace does BOTH egress windows AND underpinning - one contractor, one permit process, one warranty

Full Permit Coordination

We handle building permits, engineering drawings, ESA electrical sign-off, and final inspections

Volume Pricing

Save 15-20% when installing multiple egress windows for your second unit

$1,500-$2,500

PER MONTH RENTAL INCOME

Legal basement apartment in Toronto

Underpinning Services

Increase ceiling height to 6'5"+ for legal second units

LEARN MORE →

Second Unit Conversions

Complete basement apartment legalization services

LEARN MORE →

The DrySpace Difference

Why Choose DrySpace for Egress Windows

Experience, expertise, and peace of mind

verified

Permit handling included

We apply for and manage the full permit process

verified

Structural engineering

Our engineers design every cut for safety

verified

Waterproofing experts

Window wells are a top source of basement leaks; we do it right

verified

One contractor

Egress + underpinning + waterproofing = one team, one timeline

verified

25-year warranty

Full waterproofing warranty on every installation

verified

2,000+ basements

Experience across every foundation type in the GTA

Pricing

Egress Window Pricing

All prices include materials, labour, and our 25-year transferable warranty.

Window Enlargement

$3,000-$5,000

Best for homes with small existing windows

Existing opening enlarged
Code-compliant sizing
New window unit
Window well & cover
10-year warranty

Get Quote

New Egress Window

$4,500-$7,000

Most common installation

Complete new opening
Steel lintel installation
Engineering & permits
Window well & drainage
25-year warranty

Get Quote

Second Unit Package

$10,000-$18,000

For legal basement apartments

2-3 egress windows
Full permit coordination
O.Reg 384/22 compliance
Volume discount pricing
25-year warranty

Get Quote

GTA Coverage

Egress Window Service Areas

Professional egress window installation across the Greater Toronto Area

Toronto

Scarborough

Etobicoke

North York

Mississauga

Brampton

Vaughan

Markham

Oakville

Burlington

Richmond Hill

Ajax

Pickering

Oshawa

SELLING YOUR HOME? NEED EGRESS FOR CLOSING?

Fast-track installations available to meet closing deadlines

437-545-0067 - URGENT INSTALL

Completed Projects

Real waterproofing solutions for Greater Toronto Area homes

NORTH YORK BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

NOVEMBER 2024 5 DAYS

BEFORE

AFTER

DRAG

Problem Identified

Severe water infiltration and mold growth

Solution Implemented

Complete exterior waterproofing with French drain

Project Cost

$12,500

Get Quote

SCARBOROUGH FOUNDATION REPAIR

OCTOBER 2024 3 DAYS

BEFORE

AFTER

DRAG

Problem Identified

Foundation cracks and basement flooding

Solution Implemented

Crack injection and interior waterproofing system

Project Cost

$8,200

Get Quote

MISSISSAUGA EMERGENCY WATER REMOVAL

SEPTEMBER 2024 24 HOURS + 4 DAYS

BEFORE

AFTER

DRAG

Problem Identified

Flooded basement after heavy rainfall

Solution Implemented

Emergency pumping and waterproofing installation

Project Cost

$15,000

Get Quote

Have a Similar Problem?

Get your free inspection and professional quote today

Schedule Free Inspection Call: 437-545-0067

Why Choose Dryspace

Compare our services to other waterproofing contractors

Service Features	DRYSPACE RECOMMENDED	Other Companies
Lifetime Transferable Warranty	YES	Limited
24/7 Emergency Response	YES	NO
Free Detailed Inspection	YES	YES
Price Match Guarantee	YES	NO
Insurance Claim Assistance	YES	Extra Fee
Licensed & Insured	YES	YES
Response Time	< 60 MIN	2-4 hours
Years in Business	25+ YEARS	Varies
Financing Options	YES	Limited
Follow-up Service	YES	NO

Lifetime Protection

Our warranty transfers to new homeowners, protecting your investment

Rapid Response

Emergency team on standby 24/7 with less than 60 minute response time

5-Star Service

Delivering 5-star service since 1999

Guaranteed Work

We stand behind our work with comprehensive guarantees

Our Promise to You

We protect homes and families with transparent pricing, expert technicians, and a commitment to excellence. Your basement stays dry for life - guaranteed.

Testimonials

Customer Reviews

Verified testimonials from Greater Toronto Area homeowners

Google Verified

GTA Homeowners

Emergency Waterproofing

Verified

"After spring flooding, Dryspace responded within 2 hours. Their team was professional, thorough, and the 25-year warranty gives us peace of mind."

Sarah Chen

Toronto November 2024

Exterior Waterproofing

Verified

"They helped us get the maximum government rebate and handled all the paperwork. Saved us over $3,400 on our exterior waterproofing project!"

Michael Rodriguez

Mississauga October 2024

Foundation Repair

Verified

"Professional from start to finish. The crew was respectful of our property, cleaned up daily, and finished on schedule. Highly recommend!"

Jennifer Park

Vaughan October 2024

Sump Pump Installation

Verified

"Our basement has been dry for 3 years now. The sump pump system they installed works flawlessly, even during heavy storms."

David Thompson

Markham September 2024

Interior Waterproofing

Verified

"Best decision we made for our home. The interior waterproofing solution was less invasive than expected and works perfectly."

Lisa Anderson

Brampton September 2024

Foundation Crack Repair

Verified

"Fair pricing, excellent communication, and quality work. They fixed foundation cracks that two other companies said needed major work."

Robert Kim

North York August 2024

Get Free Inspection Read More Reviews

Technical Drawings & CAD Details

Professional construction details for contractors and engineers

4 AutoCAD Files

2 PDF Documents

2 SketchUp Models

DWG

FOUNDATION SYSTEMS

EXTERIOR WATERPROOFING DETAIL

Complete exterior membrane application with drainage board

Includes:

• Foundation wall detail
• Membrane application layers
• Drainage board installation
• Gravel bed specifications

Download DWG (2.4 MB)

DWG

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

INTERIOR DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Weeping tile and sump pump configuration

Includes:

• Weeping tile placement
• Sump pit dimensions
• Discharge piping layout
• Backfill requirements

Download DWG (1.8 MB)

PDF

REPAIR METHODS

FOUNDATION CRACK REPAIR

Injection repair methodology and specifications

Includes:

• Crack preparation steps
• Injection port spacing
• Material specifications
• Quality control checklist

Download PDF (856 KB)

SKP

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

SUMP PUMP INSTALLATION

3D model of complete sump pump system

Includes:

• 3D sump pit model
• Pump placement options
• Battery backup configuration
• Discharge line routing

Download SKP (3.2 MB)

DWG

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

FRENCH DRAIN ASSEMBLY

French drain installation with grading details

Includes:

• Trench dimensions
• Pipe specifications
• Filter fabric placement
• Grading requirements

Download DWG (1.5 MB)

PDF

PLUMBING SYSTEMS

BACKWATER VALVE DETAIL

City-compliant backwater valve installation

Includes:

• Valve placement requirements
• Access box specifications
• Permit requirements
• Inspection checklist

Download PDF (1.1 MB)

SKP

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

WINDOW WELL DRAINAGE

3D window well with drainage system

Includes:

• Well dimensions guide
• Drainage pipe connection
• Gravel bed depth
• Cover specifications

Download SKP (2.7 MB)

DWG

STRUCTURAL DETAILS

FOUNDATION WALL SECTIONS

Comprehensive foundation wall construction details

Includes:

• Concrete specifications
• Rebar placement
• Waterproofing layers
• Insulation options

Download DWG (4.1 MB)

Usage Rights

• Free for commercial and residential projects

• Modify as needed for specific applications

• Include in project submissions and permits

• Share with team members and subcontractors

Technical Support

Engineering Department

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Email: p.vysotckii@gmail.com

Phone: 437-545-0067 ext. 200

Need Custom Drawings?

Our engineering team can create project-specific details and specifications

Request Custom CAD Details Call Engineering: 437-545-0067

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about egress window installation

Do I need a permit for an egress window? expand_more

Yes, always. Cutting a foundation wall is structural work requiring a building permit and engineered drawings. The permit ensures the opening is properly sized, the lintel is adequate to carry the wall load, and the installation meets Ontario Building Code Section 9.9.10 requirements. DrySpace handles all permit applications and engineering drawings as part of our service.

How long does egress window installation take? expand_more

Typically 1-2 days for installation. The permit process adds 2-4 weeks before work begins. Day 1 includes excavation and wall cutting. Day 2 covers window installation, window well setup, drainage connection, and interior finishing. The exact timeline depends on foundation type, soil conditions, and weather.

Can I install an egress window in a block foundation? expand_more

Yes, but it requires different engineering. Block walls need more reinforcement around the opening compared to poured concrete. We install a larger steel lintel and may need to add vertical reinforcement bars. Cost is typically 15-20% more than poured concrete installations due to the additional structural work required.

What's the difference between egress and a regular basement window? expand_more

Size. Standard basement windows are typically 32"x16" (3.5 sq ft) - too small to climb through in an emergency. Egress windows must provide a minimum 3.8 sq ft clear opening, with minimum dimensions of 15" wide and 24" high. The window sill cannot be more than 39" from the floor. These larger dimensions allow an adult to escape quickly during a fire or other emergency.

Do I need an egress window if I'm not finishing the basement? expand_more

Only if someone sleeps there. Ontario Building Code requires egress in any room used for sleeping, finished or not. If you have a bedroom, guest room, or living area where someone could sleep overnight, egress is mandatory. If the basement is only used for storage, laundry, or mechanical equipment, egress is not required.

Can egress windows leak? expand_more

Poorly installed ones absolutely do. The window well is the critical detail - it must drain to the weeping tile, not just sit and collect water. We excavate below the footer level, install drainage stone, and connect the well drain directly to your perimeter drainage system. The window itself is installed with proper flashing and sealed with commercial-grade sealants. This is why hiring a waterproofing company (not just a window installer) matters.