If you plan to finish a basement or add a legal bedroom or secondary suite in Toronto, a proper egress route is non-negotiable. Egress windows or doors provide a safe way out in an emergency, and they are a core part of Ontario Building Code compliance. This guide explains practical sizing, wells, placement, budgets, and common pitfalls for 2025.

What counts as egress in a Toronto basement

There are two common ways to meet emergency escape and rescue requirements:

1. An egress window that opens directly to the exterior through a window well.
2. An egress door, such as a walkout or side entrance that opens to the exterior.

Bedrooms require a direct path to an egress opening. In a secondary suite, additional life safety rules apply, including smoke and CO alarms, fire separations, and sometimes sprinklers, depending on configuration.

Typical egress window size and operation

While exact compliance depends on the Ontario Building Code and project specifics, homeowners can use these practical targets for early planning:

• Minimum clear opening area: plan for at least 0.35 m² clear opening with no dimension less than 380 mm after the sash is open. Many projects target 560 mm by 915 mm or larger to comfortably exceed the minimum.
• Operation: casement or slider styles can work. Casements often deliver the largest clear opening for a given rough opening size.
• Opening without keys or tools: the window must be operable by hand. Security bars or grills must be openable from inside.

Window wells and ladders

If the sill is below grade, you will need a window well sized so the window opens fully and a person can climb out.

• Well projection: provide at least 760 mm clear space from the glass to the well. Increase if the sash swings into the well.
• Well width: match the window width and add room for full opening.
• Drainage: connect the well to a weeping tile or sump to prevent flooding.
• Ladder or steps: if the well depth is more than 600 mm, install a fixed ladder or steps so someone can climb out easily.

Egress doors and walkouts

A door that opens directly to the exterior meets egress. For side entrances and walkouts:

• Ensure the landing size and stair geometry meet code for rise, run, and headroom.
• Plan proper drainage with trench drains and waterproofing to prevent water intrusion.
• Use exterior-rated doors with multi-point hardware and energy-efficient glazing if desired.

Permits and approvals in Toronto

You will need a Building Permit for new or enlarged openings. Your submission usually includes:

• Floor plan identifying bedrooms and egress locations
• Elevations and sections showing window size, well size, and sill height
• Structural details for lintels or beams supporting the new opening
• Drainage details for the window well or walkout

Heritage properties and homes near property lines may require additional review for appearance and fire spread. Call before you dig to locate utilities and confirm lot setbacks for side entrances.

Structure and waterproofing

Cutting a new opening in a foundation wall requires careful shoring and lintel installation.

• Concrete or block: use a saw-cut opening and install an engineered lintel or angle iron to support loads.
• Waterproofing: patch the membrane, install a proper window buck, flash the sill, and seal transitions.
• Drainage: connect the well drain, add washed stone, and ensure positive surface grading away from the house.

Ballpark budgets for Toronto in 2025

Every site is different. These ranges help with early planning.

• Enlarge existing window to egress includes cutting, lintel, new window, well, basic drainage: $7,500 to $12,500
• New egress window in concrete wall, saw cutting, lintel, full well, drain connection, finishes: $10,000 to $18,000
• Deep well with ladder and enhanced drainage, deeper excavation, sump tie-in, heavy-duty well: $14,000 to $24,000
• Side entrance or walkout door excavation, stairs, drain, door, finishes, structural: $22,000 to $45,000

Timeline and sequencing

1. Site review, locate utilities, and measurements
2. Permit drawings and application
3. Excavation and structural cut
4. Lintel install, buck, and window or door set
5. Waterproofing, flashing, and drainage
6. Interior trims, drywall patching, and paint
7. Final inspection

Typical on-site duration is 3 to 7 working days after permits, depending on depth and drainage requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Undersized wells that block the window from opening fully.
• Missing or clogged well drains that cause water intrusion.
• Undersized lintels that crack masonry or concrete.
• Security bars that cannot be opened from the inside.
• Placing the only egress route through rooms that can be locked or blocked.

FAQs

Do I need egress if I am not adding a bedroom?
If no bedrooms are present, an egress window in the living space may not be required, but safe exits are still a best practice. For secondary suites, egress is required. Always confirm with your designer and the City.

Can I use a hopper window for egress?
Hopper windows often fail clear opening requirements because the sash swings inward and blocks the opening. Casement is usually more efficient.

Will cutting the foundation cause leaks?
Not when detailed correctly. Proper waterproofing, drainage, and flashing are critical. We use proven methods and test for leaks before backfill.

Ready to make your basement safe and code-compliant?

We can help with design, permits, structural cutting, waterproofing, and clean finishes. Contact us today to book a consultation.

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