Egress windows in Bismarck
Escape windows for basements across the capital city, from the Cathedral District to the newest streets up north.
Bismarck is North Dakota's capital and the seat of Burleigh County, home to 73,622 people at the 2020 census. Its housing ranges from Cathedral District houses, some dating to the 1880s and many to the early 1900s, to the basements of newer homes in north Bismarck, where much of the recent growth has gone.
Permits come from the city
Bismarck lists basement finishes among the projects that require a building permit, and its building inspection answers spell out the egress window and well sizes the city expects. If you aren't sure whether your window project needs a permit on its own, the Building Inspection Division takes calls at (701) 355-1465. Most residential permits other than new homes, commercial work and drainfields can be issued within one business day, according to the city.
What Bismarck jobs look like
- Enlarging the small, high windows in older basements near downtown
- New openings in poured walls in north and southeast neighborhoods as owners finish basements
- Replacing rusty or undersized steel wells
- Covers for wells that drift full of snow
Before the saw comes out
Older houses often hide surprises around old basement windows. Ask the installer to check from inside for wiring, plumbing and patched sections of foundation before the quote is final.
Common questions
Who issues egress window permits in Bismarck?
The City of Bismarck's Building Inspection Division. A basement finish requires a permit, and the division can tell you whether a standalone window project needs one.
Do installers work all over Bismarck?
Yes. Call with your address and you'll be connected with an installer who covers your neighborhood.
Services in Bismarck
- Basement egress window installationCut a new code-size escape opening in a poured or block foundation and install the window, well and ladder.
- Enlarging an existing basement windowCut down below an old, small basement window to make it a full-size escape opening.
- Window wells, ladders and drainageInstall or replace code-size egress wells with ladders or steps, drainage rock and solid anchoring.
- Window well coversFit covers that keep snow, leaves and critters out but still open easily from inside the well.
- Bedroom egress code complianceBring a basement bedroom up to code for a permit, an inspection, a sale or a rental.
Nearby areas
Finishing the basement or adding a bedroom down there?
Call now and a local egress installer will look at the wall, the yard and the code requirements, then quote the job.