What size egress window is required in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, egress windows must have a minimum opening of 3.8 square feet (0.35 m²) with no dimension less than 15 inches (380mm), and the bottom of the opening cannot be more than 44 inches (1.1m) above the floor. These requirements follow the Ontario Building Code and are strictly enforced by the City of Ottawa for basement bedrooms and secondary suites.

The window well requirements are equally important for safety. The well must extend at least 6 inches beyond the window frame on all sides, and if the well is deeper than 44 inches, it requires a permanent ladder or steps. The well must also have proper drainage to prevent water accumulation, which is crucial in Ottawa's climate with spring snowmelt and heavy summer rains.

For basement bedrooms or secondary suites, every sleeping room requires either a door directly to the outside or an egress window meeting these specifications. This is non-negotiable under the Ontario Building Code - you cannot legally rent out or use a basement bedroom without proper egress. The window must open easily from the inside without tools or keys, and the opening mechanism must be operable by someone unfamiliar with the window.

Installation considerations in Ottawa include our 4-foot frost line, which affects the structural work around the window well. The installation typically involves cutting through the foundation wall, installing a properly sized window buck, waterproofing, and creating a code-compliant window well with drainage. This work requires a building permit from the City of Ottawa, and the installation must be inspected to ensure it meets both structural and safety requirements.

Professional installation is strongly recommended for egress windows due to the structural implications of cutting through foundation walls, waterproofing requirements, and the critical safety function these windows serve. Improper installation can lead to water infiltration, structural issues, or worse - a window that won't open during an emergency. Most installations in Ottawa range from $3,500-$6,500 depending on soil conditions, foundation type, and window well depth.

For a free estimate on egress window installation as part of your basement renovation project, contact Ottawa Basements - we ensure all our secondary suite conversions meet current Ontario Building Code requirements.