Egress windows in Des Moines
Des Moines publishes both a policy on when egress is required and a handout on how to build it, down to the ladder rung spacing.12
Typical installed cost
$6,000–$8,000
HomeGuide's national average for an installed egress window; roughly $4,000 to $12,000 from simple to complex.3
When it's required
- Basement finishes that include a bedroom: an egress window in the bedroom.1
- 100% basement wall replacements: an emergency escape opening.1
- Not required for a finish without a bedroom, for mechanical-only basements under 200 sq ft, or for basements that can't be finished.1
Opening sizes
| Requirement | Des Moines handout |
|---|---|
| Sill height | 44 in maximum above the floor |
| Openable area | 5.7 sq ft (5.0 sq ft if the sill is within 44 in of grade) |
| Opening height | 24 in minimum |
| Opening width | 20 in minimum |
Source: City of Des Moines egress handout.2
Window wells and ladders
- Wells must let the window open fully and give at least 9 sq ft of clear area, with at least 36" in each direction. Ladders or steps may intrude up to 6".2
- Wells deeper than 44" need a permanently fixed ladder or steps. Rungs must be at least 12" wide inside, project at least 3" from the wall and be no more than 18" apart vertically.2
- Egress windows under decks and porches are allowed if the window can open fully and there's a path at least 36" high to the yard.2
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Get my free quoteTakes under a minuteWhat drives the price
- Poured concrete foundations cost more to cut than block.3
- Excavation, the well and its cover, and drainage ($1,000 to $4,000 nationally).3
- Permits: see the city's flat fees on the Des Moines cost page.4
Back to basement finishing in Des Moines.
Common questions
Does Des Moines require an egress window for a finished basement?
Only when the finish includes a bedroom (the window goes in the bedroom), or when 100% of the basement walls are replaced.
What are the ladder requirements for a deep window well?
Wells deeper than 44 inches need a permanent ladder or steps; rungs at least 12 inches wide, projecting at least 3 inches, spaced no more than 18 inches apart.
Can an egress window go under a deck?
Yes, if the window can open fully and there's a path at least 36 inches high to a yard or court.
How much does an egress window cost?
HomeGuide's national average is $6,000 to $8,000 installed.
General information summarized from the public sources listed below. It isn't professional, engineering or legal advice. Codes and programs change; confirm current requirements with your local building department or utility before you start.
Sources
- City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center, "Basement Egress Window/Emergency Escape Opening Policy" (updated May 22, 2014, PDF)
- City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center, "Emergency Egress Windows" handout (rev. Nov. 2013, PDF)
- HomeGuide, "Egress Window Installation Cost" (national figures, Oct. 22, 2025)
- City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center, "Permit Fees – New Fees 2-1-25" (PDF)