Answers to the most common questions we hear from Durham Region homeowners — cost, timeline, permits, sizing, and more.
Most egress window projects in Durham Region cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per window, depending on the type of work (enlargement, new install, or replacement), window size, depth of excavation, and whether the interior finish is included.
Enlargements typically start from $2,400. New installations from $2,750. We provide firm quotes based on photos — no site visit needed in most cases. Fill out our quote form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours with a real number.
Most single-window projects are complete in 1 to 2 days. Two windows typically take 3–5 days. The majority of disruption happens outside on day one — concrete cutting, excavation, and window well installation. Inside access is minimal and usually only needed for the finish work at the end.
An egress window is a specific type of basement window designed to meet Ontario Fire Code requirements for emergency escape and rescue. To qualify, the window must have a minimum opening area of 3.77 sq ft, with no single dimension less than 15 inches, and the window well must project a minimum of 22 inches from the exterior wall.
Standard basement windows are smaller and may meet natural light and ventilation requirements, but they typically do not meet the size requirement to qualify as an egress window under the fire code. If you intend to rent your basement, Ontario Fire Code requires two means of egress — and an egress window is the most practical and affordable way to achieve that.
Under the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code, a qualifying egress window must have:
These requirements apply to windows serving basement bedrooms or legal in-law suites. Standard basement windows do not meet these dimensions, which is why most egress projects involve either enlarging an existing opening or cutting a brand new one.
A building permit is typically required when adding or enlarging a basement window opening, especially when it involves cutting into the foundation. Requirements vary by municipality — Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, and other Durham Region cities each have their own process.
We can advise on permit requirements for your specific city during the quoting process. Reach out and we'll walk you through what's needed.
Quite a bit — but it's very doable with the right plan. In short: first confirm your property can support a second unit (enough lot width for a two-lane driveway, and a basement ceiling height of at least 6′-5″). Then a BCIN-certified architect prepares your building permit — typically $1,500–$2,500, with a 3–6 week lead time.
Once the permit is issued, the build runs through six inspections and must meet specific plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire-separation, smoke/CO alarm, soundproofing, and egress-window requirements before it can be legally occupied.
We've written a complete, step-by-step guide covering every requirement in detail: Requirements for Legal Basement Apartments in Ontario →
Still have questions about your specific project? Send us a few details and we'll get back to you within 24 hours with a firm quote and honest advice.
The most common enlargement we do is taking a typical 30″×15″ standard window up to a 30″×36″ egress window. When creating a new basement window opening, sizes typically range from 30″–48″ wide and 30″–42″ tall.
Note: a proposed window wider than 48″ may require a structural engineer to approve the design, as it could require additional reinforcement to maintain the foundation's integrity. We'll flag this during the quoting process if it applies to your project.
Yes — most of our work is done on finished basements. The exterior work (concrete cutting, excavation, window well installation, and drainage) requires no interior access on day one. Interior finishing — drywall, framing, and window trim — is handled on the final day with minimal disruption to the rest of your basement.
There are a few strong reasons to add an egress window:
Safety: An egress window provides a code-compliant emergency escape route from the basement — a legal requirement for any basement bedroom or living space.
Legal rental income: If you want to rent your basement legally, Ontario Fire Code requires two means of egress. An egress window is the most economical way to satisfy that requirement and protect your rental income.
Natural light and comfort: Even if you're not renting, a larger egress window dramatically improves the natural light, ventilation, and overall feel of any finished basement space.
Property value: A legal basement apartment rents for around $1,850/month on average in Durham Region. An egress window is the first step to unlocking that.
Egress window installation involves concrete cutting, foundation work, drainage, and structural headers — all with specific OBC requirements. A generalist contractor may overlook the nuances that can expose your foundation to water infiltration or structural deficiency.
At Modpro, egress and basement windows are all we do, every day. That specialization reduces risk, improves the finished result, and means fewer surprises on your project. Every install includes proper headers, lintels, drainage, and window well sizing — not as extras, but as standard practice.
Fill out our form or call us. We respond within 24 hours with a real price — no vague estimates.