Egress windows are mandatory for legal basement bedrooms in Ontario. This thread covers the Ontario Building Code requirements, costs, and contractor selection for 2026.
OBC Egress Requirements
Minimum 3.77 sq ft clear opening, minimum 380mm height AND 380mm width. Without a compliant egress window, a room cannot legally be called a bedroom - affecting rent, insurance, and resale value.
Installation Costs 2026
- Cut-and-install egress window in poured concrete: $2,500-$5,000
- Block foundation: $2,000-$4,000
- Window well excavation + installation: $800-$1,500
- Gravel drainage + cover: $200-$500
Building permit required in most GTA municipalities.
Legal Basement Bedroom Checklist
To legally rent a basement room as a bedroom in Ontario:
- Compliant egress window
- Minimum 1.95m ceiling height
- Smoke and CO alarms interconnected to main floor
- Separate means of egress from the suite
- ESA-permitted electrical
LF Builders handles basement conversion projects: https://lfbuilders.ca
Share egress window project experiences at https://home.renovation.reviews