Before — non-compliant bedroom window
After — code-compliant egress window installed
Building a legal secondary suite in Calgary? Every bedroom in your suite requires a code-compliant egress window before the City will approve your suite. We do the concrete cutting, window supply and installation, and window well — so your suite passes inspection and you can start renting legally.
The City of Calgary requires legal secondary suites to meet the National Building Code (Alberta Edition). One of the non-negotiable requirements is egress windows in every bedroom of the suite.
An egress window is a window large enough to serve as an emergency exit — big enough for an adult to climb through, and low enough that they can reach it from the floor. It's a safety requirement, not a box-ticking exercise. In a basement fire, the egress window may be the only way out when the stairs are blocked.
No egress windows = no suite approval. The City's inspection process for legal suite applications specifically checks for compliant egress windows in each bedroom. If your basement currently has small or non-compliant windows, you need new openings cut and proper egress windows installed before your suite will be approved.
We've helped Calgary homeowners meet this requirement across the city — from Mahogany to Tuscany, from new builds to 1970s bungalows. If the foundation can be cut, we can get your suite legal.
From quote to completed window — here's what the process looks like for a legal suite egress window project.
Send us your address, the number of bedrooms needing egress windows, and photos of each interior window location. We assess via Google Maps and provide a written, set-price quote — typically same business day.
We handle the City of Calgary building permit application on your behalf. We also advise whether your window well locations may require a development permit due to setback proximity. Learn more →
Our crew excavates and cuts the foundation openings to your exact egress window dimensions. Diamond blade precision — no overcutting to corners. Multiple bedrooms can typically be completed in a single day or two.
Windows are installed, sealed, and warranted. Galvanized window wells with drainage stone are installed at each opening. Everything is left clean and inspection-ready.
Your windows are inspected by a City of Calgary building inspector. We build every installation to code — your windows pass inspection first time so your suite approval process can proceed without delays.
Egress windows checked off. Suite approved. You're now able to rent your legal secondary suite with full confidence — and the rental income to justify the investment.
Egress windows are an investment in your suite approval — and in your property. Here's what that investment gets you.
A legal secondary suite lets you rent your basement suite without the risk of operating illegally. Calgary rental market rates for legal basement suites can generate significant monthly income — and the egress windows are a one-time cost to get there.
A legal suite adds measurable resale value. Buyers actively seek properties with legal secondary suites — they're rare enough to command a premium. Compliant egress windows are a visible, verifiable indicator of a properly built suite.
Renting an illegal suite can void your homeowner's insurance. A legal suite with compliant egress windows means your property is covered, your tenant is protected, and you're not exposed to liability if something goes wrong.
Yes. The Alberta Building Code requires an egress window in every bedroom of a legal secondary suite. A common living area does not require one, but every space designated as a sleeping room does. If your suite has two bedrooms, you need two code-compliant egress windows.
Only if they already meet the Alberta Building Code requirements — minimum 0.35 m² clear opening, 380 mm minimum dimension, and sill height below 1.5 m. Many older Calgary homes have small basement windows that don't come close to meeting these minimums. If your existing windows are non-compliant, new openings need to be cut. Replacement options →
Our full installation package runs $2,100–$2,800 + GST per window, including excavation, concrete cutting, window supply and installation, and galvanized window well. Multi-window projects (two or three bedrooms) are quoted together and are typically more cost-effective per window than separate projects. Full pricing guide →
Yes — we operate year-round. Winter installs are more demanding due to frozen ground, but we're equipped and experienced for Calgary conditions. If you want your suite approved before spring, don't wait — contact us to get your quote started now.
Yes — permit obtaining is available as an optional add-on. We handle the City of Calgary building permit application on your behalf. The City's permit fee (approximately $333.84) is a separate cost. Ask about permit services when you request your quote.
Send photos of your bedroom window locations — we'll have a set-price quote back same business day.