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Egress Window Requirements for Basement Bedrooms
Turning your basement into a finished living space can add value and comfort to your home.
Thinking About a Basement Bedroom? You’ll Need an Egress Window
Turning your basement into a finished living space can add value and comfort to your home. But if you're planning to use that space as a bedroom, there's one requirement you can't skip: a proper egress window. Building codes across Iowa require any basement bedroom to have a way for occupants to escape during an emergency and for first responders to get in.
Without a compliant egress window, your basement bedroom isn’t just unsafe; it may be considered illegal by local building standards. Whether you're starting a remodel or trying to bring an older home up to code, Anchored Walls can help you make sure your basement is both livable and secure.
Google reviews
What homeowners say.
4.9 / 5 from 286 Google reviews.
★★★★★ Google
We had a great experience working with Anchored Walls for our egress window installation. From start to finish, the process was smooth, professional, and well communicated. The crew showed...Read full review
We had a great experience working with Anchored Walls for our egress window installation. From start to finish, the process was smooth, professional, and well communicated. The crew showed up on time, worked efficiently, and left everything clean when the job was finished. We really appreciated how easy they made the entire process and would absolutely recommend them to anyone considering an egress window project.
CH
★★★★★ Google
Professional and friendly, finished egress window looks great.
Professional and friendly, finished egress window looks great.
BS
★★★★★ Google
Kyle and his helper did a great job in 95 degree heat , he’s a hard worker and did a great job with the new well and window.
Kyle and his helper did a great job in 95 degree heat , he’s a hard worker and did a great job with the new well and window.
SD
★★★★★ Google
I bought an old townhouse and found leakage into the basement under a window well. I had Anchored Walls come out to inspect. Roger diagnosed the problem as 30-yr buildup of silt preventing...Read full review
I bought an old townhouse and found leakage into the basement under a window well. I had Anchored Walls come out to inspect. Roger diagnosed the problem as 30-yr buildup of silt preventing water from draining down to the tile. He recommended excavation and rebuild with clean pea gravel fill. A 2-man crew accomplished that in half a day. I withheld submitting a review for 2 months until I could see if it fixed the problem. Over the July 4th weekend we got 9 inches of rain. The basement was bone dry. So I was pleased and impressed. The guys from Anchored Walls are experienced and know what they are doing. FIVE STARS!
BD
★★★★★ Google
I am very pleased with the result. Anchored Walls promptly gave me their estimate and the window cover was in place after a week. I am grateful that critters can no longer end up at the...Read full review
I am very pleased with the result. Anchored Walls promptly gave me their estimate and the window cover was in place after a week. I am grateful that critters can no longer end up at the bottom of my window well and it looks great.
SA
Why Egress Windows Matter
In any emergency, especially a fire or gas leak, every second counts. If your basement bedroom only has a narrow window or no exit at all, it becomes a trap. A properly installed egress window gives anyone sleeping or living downstairs a safe way out and gives firefighters a way in if someone is in danger.
Beyond safety, egress windows also let in more natural light and fresh air. That makes the basement feel more like a true part of the home, not just a space that’s been converted. In Iowa, where many basements are older or partially finished, adding an egress window is often the final step toward making the space fully livable.
Without it, a basement bedroom isn’t just out of code; it can be uncomfortable, dark, and dangerous.
What Makes a Window Egress-Compliant
Not every basement window counts as an egress window. To meet building codes in Iowa, the window must be large enough for an adult to exit through and low enough for someone to reach easily from inside the room.
A proper egress window must meet these basic requirements:
- The opening must be at least 5.7 square feet
- The window well must allow enough space to step out and climb up
- The bottom of the opening must be no more than 44 inches from the floor
- The window must be easy to open without tools or keys
Older homes often have basement windows that look large enough but fall short of code; they may be too narrow, placed too high, or difficult to open. If someone can’t reach it or fit through it during an emergency, it doesn’t meet the standard. And in a real crisis, that difference can be life-changing.
How Anchored Walls Can Help
Whether you're remodeling your basement or making an existing space safer, Anchored Walls can install a fully code-compliant egress window that fits your home and meets all Iowa building requirements. We’ll evaluate your existing window opening, assess the surrounding foundation, and determine the best location and window well design for safe, legal access.
Our team has over 40 years of experience working with Iowa homes. We understand how older basements are built and how to retrofit them with egress systems that blend safety with lasting performance. From excavation and window well installation to drainage and code compliance, we handle every step of the process.
If your basement already has a window that’s too small or doesn’t meet current standards, we can replace it with one that does, ensuring your basement bedroom is both safe to use and approved by local inspectors.
Schedule a Free Egress Window Estimate
If you’re planning to turn your basement into a bedroom, now is the time to make sure it meets code. Anchored Walls can inspect your existing window setup and recommend the right solution to bring your space up to safety standards.
With over 40 years of experience serving Iowa homeowners, we know what it takes to make your basement both livable and secure. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn more about installing a proper egress window for your home.
Experienced hands. A clear plan.
Helping Iowa homeowners since 1978.
A repair plan built around your home.
Start with a free inspection. We explain what we find and put the recommended work in writing, so you can make an informed decision.
★★★★★Google review
“Kaden and Dustin did an egress window for me and it was amazing work. They helped me stay within my budget and did the work fast even with the horrible heat we had. They were amazing and super nice”
luqmaan J.Verified Google review · Winterset, IA · Jul 2026
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A clear plan, respectful crews, and a commitment to the experience as well as the repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common signs I need foundation repair?
Some of the most common warning signs include cracks in your walls or floors, doors or windows that stick, uneven flooring, or gaps forming around baseboards and trim. These may seem minor at first, but they’re often caused by foundation movement and the longer they go untreated, the more costly the repairs can become.
Why does my basement only leak when it rains?
Water intrusion during rain is usually due to hydrostatic pressure—rainwater accumulating in the soil pushes through foundation cracks, joints, or window wells. It might seem harmless at first, but repeated leaks signal worsening conditions. A drainage system or professional waterproofing can stop this for good.
What Are The Egress Window Requirements In Iowa?
To meet code in Iowa, an egress window must:
- Open at least 5.7 sq. ft. (or 5 sq. ft. if at ground level)
- Have an opening at least 24" high and 20" wide
- Have the bottom of the opening no more than 44" from the floor
If your window is below ground level:
- A window well is required, at least 9 sq. ft. in area (36" x 36" minimum)
- If the well is deeper than 44", it must include a ladder or steps
- If it’s under a deck or porch, you need 36" of vertical clearance to the yard
Does an egress window add value to my home?
Yes. It allows for safe basement bedrooms, meets resale requirements, and makes your home more appealing to buyers. A legal, finished basement adds livable space—often increasing market value significantly.
What Window Style Is Best For Egress?
It depends on your preferences and layout. Common choices include casement, sliding, single hung, and double hung windows. Our team can help you choose the best option for function and style.
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From our Winterset location, we serve Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive, Ames, and surrounding communities. Check your ZIP for service at your address.
Highlighted counties contain service ZIP codes. Coverage varies within each county; check your ZIP and confirm your address when scheduling.