Egress Windows
Permit Plans & Installation in Ottawa

R.Viau Drafting & Design specializes in creating precise, code-compliant egress window plans tailored for Ottawa homes. Whether you’re upgrading your basement for safety, adding a secondary dwelling unit, or enhancing natural light and ventilation, our expert team ensures your egress windows meet all code and Ottawa's zoning by-laws.

We provide detailed drawings that simplify the permit process and support safe, functional designs that protect your family and add value to your property.

What is an egress window?

Egress windows serve as essential emergency exits, offering an alternate way to leave a building safely during situations like fires. These windows are particularly crucial in spaces such as finished basements or bedrooms, where quick evacuation routes are necessary for occupant safety.

When is an egress window required?

When constructing or remodeling a basement, installing an emergency exit window is mandatory, particularly if the area will serve as a bedroom or additional living unit. This feature is essential to guarantee a safe escape route for residents during emergencies such as fires.

Basements

When converting a basement into usable living areas like bedrooms, recreational rooms, or offices, local building regulations typically mandate the installation of emergency exit windows.

Since basement windows are often positioned below ground level and can be difficult to reach, having a designated escape window is vital to ensure a safe exit in emergencies such as fires.

Second Stories or higher

In buildings with multiple levels, emergency exit windows may be necessary for upper-floor rooms when no other safe means of evacuation exists, particularly in the absence of external fire escapes or balcony access.