Egress windows in Moorhead
Escape windows on the Minnesota side of the Red River, where Minnesota's code and licensing rules apply.
Moorhead is the Clay County seat, home to Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College, and had 44,505 residents at the 2020 census. It sits on the Red River directly across from Fargo, with Dilworth next door to the east.
Different state, different rules
Crossing the river changes the paperwork. Minnesota uses the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code, based on the 2018 IRC with state amendments. The basic egress sizes are the same as in Fargo, but Minnesota adds a few details worth knowing: window wells must connect to the foundation drainage system unless the soil is well-drained sand or gravel, and a replacement window can skip the size rules only if it's the largest standard size that fits the existing frame, with the same or more opening area and the same operating style.
Licensing and permits
In Minnesota, a contractor who works directly for a homeowner in more than one special skill needs a residential building contractor or remodeler license from the Department of Labor and Industry. An egress job that combines excavation, concrete cutting, window installation and interior finishing usually crosses that line. Moorhead's Building Codes office issues permits and says work can't start until the permit is issued.
Student rentals
With two colleges in town, many Moorhead houses are rented by the room. A basement bedroom without a proper escape window is exactly what a landlord should fix first.
Common questions
Do you cover Dilworth and Glyndon?
Yes. Call with your address and we'll connect you with an installer who works in Clay County.
Does my installer need a Minnesota license?
If they contract directly with you for more than one special skill, such as excavation, concrete cutting and window installation, Minnesota generally requires a residential contractor license.
Services in Moorhead
- Basement egress window installationA code-size escape window for a basement bedroom or finished basement, from dig to trim.
- Cutting and enlarging openingsSaw-cut a new opening or enlarge an old basement window in a poured or block foundation.
- Window wells and laddersNew or replacement wells sized for egress, with ladders, steps and drainage that work in clay.
- Window well coversCovers and grates that keep out snow, rain and critters but still open from inside.
- Basement bedroom code complianceMake a new or existing basement bedroom legal for finishing projects, rentals and home sales.
Nearby areas
Finishing the basement or adding a bedroom down there?
Call now and a local egress window installer will help you plan the opening, the well and the permit.