Egressed Windows – La Crescent area

I need help with a few egressed windows in my split level home. I’d like to do as much of the work as possible my self, like take the old window out, dig the hole, etc.. but would like a pro to cut into my foundation (block, not poured). If anyone knows of someone in the La Crescent area that does egressed windows please let me know.

Thanks!

Matt

Matth, You should be able to go to any window contractor to get your windows. The egress is for a minimum opening size for a bedroom, or a single room with a window used for sleeping. Are you looking for a replacement type window or more of a wood frame, like an anderson window? I’m in Preston, a little far away. I’m sure you”ll find someone close. JLK

Matt,

I did mine last Fall and punching the hole through the block was the easiest and funnest part . Take a concrete saw the perimeter, then take BFH (Big Sludge Hammer)and break the middle block. If you can plan on your window width so the rough openings coincide with block joints this helps. It will only happen every other course, but it helps a ton. Then just slowly work your way to the perimeter taking block out.

Matt-Let me know when you are thinking of doing this and I might be able to give you a hand. Block is much easier than poured to take out. Like LipRipper says, a good maul and a concrete saw will take it out very quickly. The hard part is digging the hole I have done a few of them and they are not too hard to do.

Thanks for the feedback fellas. I had a guy from Window Specialists (La Crosse) come out today and take a look at it. He’s going to come back with a few quotes next Monday, I believe he’s an Anderson dealer. The rough dimensions for the casement window we’ll need was 3x4ft. We won’t have to go any wider than the existing window, which he said makes it a bit easier. It’s looking like we’ll just need to cut down into the foundation a foot or two. He also mentioned that we’ll need a 3-4 foot window well.

Thanks again!

Matt

His quote will come in at 2800.00 too 3500.00 my guess.

Stick Boy is more than likely in the ballpark. This is an easier job than most think. You would have to rent a saw and buy the window well as well as a new window, but I guarantee you can do it yourself for much cheaper. Just trying to help you save a few bucks. My offer still stands to give you a hand with it.

This is just going off of memory form last Fall, but here are the major costs to do it yourself.

4-5′ Window Well $199.99 @ Home Depot.
Anderson Casement Window $189.00 @ Menards (Screen comes Seperate)
I borrowed the saw from work and had the Maul.
2×12 Treated Wood Material for the wood bucks $25.
Misc Hardware & Caulk $20.

The rest of it is your elbow grease. Anyways I bleieve I put that window in myself for under $500. I also had to remove some patio when I did mine. Like Watson said digging the hole is the hardest thing. Do it yourself and use the money you save to buy more fishing/hunting stuff .

Just remeber to check down@ city hall for any special requirements that the city may have. Depth of grade to bottom of pit (if you go over a certain depth a ladder may be required, I believe in my town it was that anything over 44″), bottom of pit to basement floor, opening width of window, etc.

Hey Matt – As far as saws go we were cutting block this weekend with a skill saw and cement blade, dusty but worked good. So just saying not sure what type of saw you would need.

44″ from the floor to the window sill no more. I always go about 40″ just to be safe. I really think you can do it yourself its not that hard just a little scarry cutting holes in your house. Depending on what you use for a window well the 500.00 mark for mat. is close. I always use 4×6’s and make built in steps which also can be a flower pot as well for some thing to look at in stead of a piece of steel. you will need to have steps in it too some sort of a ladder to get out incase of a fire. Shoot me a pm or call if you need any advice.

Thanks for the feedback. My confidence is growing and I might try this myself, with the help of a few friends of course. Thanks for the offer Watson, I’ll be in touch. Did I mention I have 2 of these to do? Step one is tearing out a bush or two this weekend, and make a trip to Menards or Home Depot to get a few window wells. I’ll probably wait for the quote to come in before I go any further on my own.

This is sure to be dusty work, so don’t forget to keep your throat well lubricated. You don’t want a sore throat from all of that dust.

It sounds like the two can holder hardhat is the right hat for this job. Safety first!

I’ll probably wait for the quote to come in before I go any further on my own.

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THE BOARD STORE DID OUR WINDOWS AND SIDING LAST YEAR, VERY HAPPY WITH THEM, I DON’T KNOW IF THEY DO THE KIND OF WINDOWS YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THOUGH.