Challenging for the average DIYer due to required heavy equipment for excavation, concrete pouring/masonry skills, structural carpentry, and critical waterproofing expertise. Recommended for experienced contractors or highly skilled homeowners with proper resources and a thorough understanding of all applicable codes and best practices.
Involves significant excavation, concrete/masonry work, foundation alteration, precise framing, and strict adherence to life safety codes. Professional planning and execution are highly recommended to ensure structural integrity and effective water management in the DuPage County climate.
Project Guidelines & Rules
Permitting & Planning
4 Rules
Secure all required building permits from your local municipality prior to starting any work. This typically includes a building permit, and may include permits for excavation or electrical work.
2024 IRC R105.1, R105.2
Submit detailed plans, including site plan, structural details, egress dimensions, waterproofing, and drainage, to the local building department for review and approval.
2024 IRC R106.1
Ensure the proposed egress well and door placement comply with all local zoning ordinances regarding property line setbacks and impervious surface coverage.
Local Zoning Ordinances (Refer to your local municipality)
Verify utility line locations (gas, electric, water, sewer, telecommunications) prior to any excavation. Contact JULIE (811) at least 3 business days before digging.
811 (JULIE) Requirements, General Construction Practice
Egress Door & Well Requirements
6 Rules
Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches, and the minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches.
2024 IRC R310.2.1
The bottom of the emergency escape and rescue opening shall not be more than 44 inches measured from the finished floor.
2024 IRC R310.2.2
Egress doors shall be readily openable from the inside without requiring a key, special knowledge, or effort.
2024 IRC R310.2.3
Where the finished grade outside the egress door is below the threshold, an egress well shall be provided. The horizontal dimensions of the egress well shall be not less than 36 inches in length and width, clear of any obstructions.
2024 IRC R310.2.4.1
Egress wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps accessible with the door open. The ladder or steps shall not encroach into the minimum dimensions of the well by more than 6 inches.
2024 IRC R310.2.4.2
Covers for egress wells shall be easily removable or operable from the inside without the use of tools or special knowledge.
2024 IRC R310.2.4.3
Structural & Foundation Work
4 Rules
All structural modifications to the foundation wall, including cutting for the door opening, shall be designed and sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer, or follow manufacturer's prescriptive methods if approved by the local building department.
2024 IRC R104.1, R301.1.3
New foundation elements for the egress well (e.g., footings, walls) must extend to the frost depth of 42 inches below finished grade in DuPage County.
2024 IRC R403.1.4.1, DuPage County Climate Standard
Ensure proper headers and jambs are installed above and beside the new door opening to support the existing structure.
2024 IRC R502.5, R602.7
All exposed wood framing in contact with masonry or concrete, or within 8 inches of exposed earth, shall be pressure-treated or naturally durable wood.
2024 IRC R317.1
Waterproofing & Drainage
4 Rules
The foundation wall portion below grade and inside the egress well shall be protected with dampproofing or waterproofing as required by code.
2024 IRC R406.1
Provide a drainage system for the bottom of the egress well. This drainage shall either discharge to an approved storm drainage system, to a daylight outlet, or to a sump pit equipped with an automatic sump pump. Connecting storm drainage to sanitary sewers is generally prohibited in DuPage County.
2024 IRC R310.2.4.1, Illinois Plumbing Code (relevant sections for storm drainage and sump pump discharge)
The ground adjacent to the foundation wall and egress well shall be sloped away from the structure at a minimum of 6 inches in the first 10 feet.
2024 IRC R401.3
Install proper flashing around the door opening to prevent water intrusion into the building envelope.
2024 IRC R703.4, R703.8
Electrical Requirements
3 Rules
Any new exterior receptacles or lighting fixtures within the vicinity of the egress door or well must be weather-resistant (WR) type and protected by a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
2023 NEC 210.8(A)(3), 406.9(B)
All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be rated for wet or damp locations as appropriate for their exposure.
2023 NEC 410.10(A)
Wiring methods exposed to weather or in wet locations shall comply with NEC requirements for such installations.
2023 NEC Chapter 3 (e.g., 300.5, 300.9)
Safety & Miscellaneous
3 Rules
Guardrails are required for egress wells where the vertical depth from the lowest adjacent grade to the bottom of the well exceeds 30 inches.
2024 IRC R312.1.1 (Guard requirements, interpreted for egress wells)
Ensure all materials used for the egress well and door assembly are suitable for DuPage County's climate, including freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure.
General Construction Practice, Manufacturer's Specifications
The interior landing at the bottom of the egress door shall be level and no more than 7.75 inches below the top of the threshold.
2024 IRC R311.7.5.1 (Stair rise and run for interior stairs, adapted for egress landing)
