Egress windows in West Fargo
Escape windows and wells for one of North Dakota's fastest-growing cities.
West Fargo grew from 25,830 people in 2010 to 38,626 at the 2020 census, a jump of nearly 50 percent, and the number of housing units rose from about 10,800 to more than 16,000 over the same decade. That means a lot of fairly new houses with unfinished or partly finished basements.
Finishing a newer basement
When owners of newer West Fargo homes finish the basement and want a second or third bedroom down there, each new sleeping room needs its own escape opening. An installer can tell you where a new opening makes sense based on the framing plan, the yard and the neighbor's house.
Wet ground near the Sheyenne
The North Dakota Geological Survey has documented foundation problems in low-lying parts of West Fargo east and west of the Sheyenne River, where the water table can sit just a few feet below the surface when the river is high. A deep well in that kind of ground needs real drainage, careful backfill and a cover, and an installer should look closely at any wall that has already moved before cutting it.
Who handles permits?
The City of West Fargo's Building & Inspections department, at 2515 6th Street E, administers the building code by issuing permits and conducting inspections. A new or enlarged egress opening is structural work, so expect a permit before the foundation is cut.
Common West Fargo jobs
- Adding egress for new basement bedrooms
- Upsizing wells so a larger window opens fully
- Well drains tied to the drain tile
- Clear covers for light and snow protection
Common questions
Do you cover Horace and Harwood?
Yes. Call with your address and we'll connect you with an installer who works in your area.
Who issues permits in West Fargo?
The City of West Fargo's Building & Inspections department at 2515 6th Street E, which issues permits and conducts inspections. Its number is 701-515-5380. Ask your contractor to confirm the permit before work starts.
Services in West Fargo
- 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.