Egress windows in La Crescent, Minnesota
Egress help for La Crescent, across the river from La Crosse, where Minnesota's rules apply instead of Wisconsin's.
La Crescent sits on the west bank of the Mississippi, mostly in Houston County with its northern edge in Winona County. It had 5,276 residents at the 2020 census, calls itself the Apple Capital of Minnesota, and is surrounded by bluffs. It's a short drive from La Crosse, but when it comes to building, a La Crescent basement plays by Minnesota rules.
How are Minnesota's egress rules different?
Minnesota uses its own residential code, Minnesota Rules chapter 1309, based on the International Residential Code. Compared with Wisconsin:
| Item | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Clear opening area | At least 5.7 sq ft (5 sq ft for grade-floor openings) |
| Clear width and height | At least 20 in. wide and 24 in. high |
| Sill height | No more than 44 in. above the floor |
| Window well | At least 9 sq ft, 36 in. in both directions |
| Ladder | Required over 44 in. deep; rungs at most 18 in. apart |
| Covers and grates | Must release from inside without keys or tools |
A window that would pass in La Crosse may be too small in La Crescent, so make sure the installer is working to Minnesota numbers.
Who can do the work?
Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry requires a residential building contractor or remodeler license for anyone who contracts directly with a homeowner for work in more than one special skill area, such as excavation, masonry and concrete, and carpentry. An egress window often touches all three. You can look up a license on DLI's website.
Permits in La Crescent
The City of La Crescent Building and Zoning Department at 315 Main Street handles permits, and the city lists windows and doors, including replacements, as needing one.
Common questions
Can a Wisconsin installer do my La Crescent egress window?
Yes, if the company holds the Minnesota license the job requires and works to Minnesota's code. Ask for the DLI license number and check it.
Do you cover La Crescent?
Yes. Call with your address and we'll connect you with a company that serves La Crescent and nearby Houston County.
Services in La Crescent
- Egress window installationA new code-size basement window, from digging and cutting to the finished well.
- Foundation cutting and enlarging openingsCut a new opening, or make an old one bigger, in poured, block or stone walls.
- Egress window wellsSteel, composite or rock-terrace wells sized for code, with drainage and ladders.
- Window well coversClear covers, grates and custom lids that keep snow out but open from inside.
- Basement bedroom code helpFind out whether a basement room can legally be a bedroom, and what it needs.
Nearby areas
Finishing a basement bedroom, or told your basement window won't pass?
Call now and a local egress window installer will talk through your basement with you.