Finishing or remodeling a basement in Omaha means paying close attention to egress window requirements. Egress windows are life-safety features that provide an escape route in case of fire and allow emergency personnel to enter. They are also required by building codes whenever a basement is used as a living space or sleeping room. Because most egress windows sit below ground level, proper window well design and drainage are essential to prevent water problems — something a reliable basement waterproofing company can help assess.
Omaha Code Requirements for Egress Windows
The City of Omaha adopts the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments. According to city permit guidance and local contractors:
Clear opening size: In Omaha, most basement egress windows must have a net clear opening of at least 5.0 square feet.
Opening dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high.
Maximum sill height: The bottom of the opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the basement floor.
Window wells: If the window is below ground level, a well must be provided. It must offer at least 9 square feet of horizontal area, with a minimum width and projection of 36 inches each.
Ladders or steps: If the well depth is greater than 44 inches, a permanently affixed ladder or steps must be installed. Ladder rungs must be at least 12 inches wide, project at least 3 inches from the wall, and be spaced no more than 18 inches apart. They can encroach up to 6 inches into the required well space.
Operation: Egress windows must be operable from the inside without keys, tools, or special knowledge.
Local jurisdictions in Douglas County may vary slightly, but these requirements are the standards you can rely on when planning an Omaha project. Always confirm with the Omaha Permits and Inspections office before beginning work.
Window Well Drains and Why They Matter
The IRC requires that window wells be designed for drainage. In Omaha, this typically means connecting the well to a drain system or another approved method. Without drainage, water from rain and melting snow can collect in the well and leak into the basement. This is a common cause of water damage in older homes that had egress windows added without proper drainage.
Best Practices to Prevent Flooding
Beyond code, local waterproofing experts recommend several preventive measures to protect your investment:
Connect window wells to drains or sump pumps so water is carried away from the foundation.
Add a gravel base at the bottom of the well to improve drainage.
Install a clear window well cover to keep rain, snow, and debris out while still allowing light in. Covers must be removable from the inside without tools to remain code-compliant.
Maintain gutters and downspouts to ensure water is directed at least 6 feet away from the foundation.
Check grading around your home so the soil slopes away from window wells.
These steps are not required by code but are strongly advised in Omaha to reduce the risk of flooding.
Why It Pays to Act Now
Ignoring egress window rules or drainage needs can create serious problems. A basement that fails inspection cannot legally be used as a bedroom, which reduces the value of your home. Poor drainage can cause flooding, mold growth, and costly repairs. Taking care of egress window installation and drainage correctly the first time is far less expensive than fixing water damage later.
Professional Egress Window Installation in Omaha
At BDB Foundation Repair, we install egress windows and offer specialized egress window installation nebraska services that meet Omaha’s code and are designed to keep your basement dry. Our team understands local requirements, Douglas County permitting, and the challenges of Nebraska soil and weather..
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We will make sure your egress windows are safe, compliant, and protected from flooding.
