Insights from a recent Hire It Done episode with SPS Glass Block & Egress
Why Every Michigan Basement Needs an Egress Window
If your basement doubles as a living area, office, or playroom, you might want to pause and ask yourself one question: Can my family safely get out if there’s ever a fire upstairs?
That’s the conversation that sparked in a recent episode of Hire It Done with host Adam Helfman and Chuck Chughtai, owner of SPS Glass Block & Egress — a Michigan-based, family-owned company specializing in glass block and egress window installation.
With over 15 years of experience, Chuck has seen firsthand how one simple addition can make all the difference in an emergency.
“If you’ve got a bedroom in your basement, you gotta have two ways of escape,” Chuck explained. “One’s the stairs going up — and the other should be an egress window.”
Beyond just meeting code, egress windows bring peace of mind. They’re designed to provide a clear, accessible exit during a fire, gas leak, or flood — and just as importantly, an entry point for firefighters to get in.
Understanding Egress Window Codes in Michigan
Michigan’s building code is clear: any livable basement area must include a legal emergency exit.
Yet most older homes across Metro Detroit still lack one.
That’s where trusted professionals like SPS Glass Block & Egress come in. They install complete egress systems that meet state and local code requirements while boosting both home safety and resale value.
“By code, the bottom of an egress window can’t be more than 44 inches from the floor,” Chuck said. “I like to go lower — around 36 inches — so it’s easier for kids or elderly homeowners to get out.”
Each system includes a well, ladder, and cover — all properly sized to allow room for safe exit and firefighter access if needed.
What to Expect During Installation
Cutting through your foundation might sound like a big deal, but for seasoned pros, it’s a quick, well-organized process.
Here’s what to expect when hiring a licensed contractor like Chuck:
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Free in-home estimate – They inspect the site, soil, and surroundings to find the best placement.
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Permitting and inspections – SPS handles all local permits and city requirements in Southeast Michigan.
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Excavation and precision cutting – A 5×4-foot area is dug and cut through the foundation wall, whether it’s block or poured concrete.
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Drainage and waterproofing – They add a pea-gravel base and tie the system into your existing drain tile to prevent water leaks.
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Window and well installation – Using top-quality vinyl units from Michigan’s own Escape Window and Well Company, everything is sealed, inspected, and cleaned up the same day.
“We backfill everything, handle inspections, and clean up before we leave,” said Chuck. “You get a safe, working egress window in a single day.”
Avoiding Water and Security Problems
Waterproofing is one of the most overlooked details of basement projects. Without it, water can seep through the foundation — or worse, flood your basement.
“Michigan’s got everything — clay in one yard, sand 30 feet over,” Chuck explained. “We make sure every window well connects to a drain system so rainwater goes out, not in.”
SPS also prioritizes safety with metal wells that hold up to Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles. “Plastic wells might seem cheaper, but they crack,” he said.
And for homeowners worried about break-ins?
“Our windows are tempered glass with three latches. Nobody’s prying those open,” Chuck said. “Most people don’t even notice them once we blend them into the landscaping.”
Pricing, Permits, and Timing
In Metro Detroit, a full egress window installation usually runs around $5,500 — and that includes labor, materials, cleanup, and permits.
“That’s tax, labor, material, cleanup, haul-away, and permits — everything,” Chuck said. “I work with the customer’s budget. I want it to be fair.”
Permitting times vary by city — some return approvals within days, others may take weeks. But the installation itself typically takes one day once the permit is ready.
Chuck’s team works year-round, as long as it’s above freezing.
“We’ll go down to 32°F,” he said. “Michigan winters don’t stop us — we’ve kept working through them the last few years.”
Documentation and Communication: The Secret to a Hassle-Free Project
Host Adam Helfman, a fourth-generation contractor, drove home an important message: documentation is protection — for both sides.
“The most important tool in your toolbox isn’t your checkbook — it’s time,” Adam said. “A good contractor saves you both.”
SPS Glass Block & Egress keeps that philosophy front and center. Chuck takes photos at every stage — before, during, and after — to document the job and assure homeowners of quality workmanship.
That level of transparency is what makes companies like SPS stand out on Hire It Done, where contractors are handpicked for their honesty, experience, and reputation.
Choosing a Trusted Contractor in Southeast Michigan
When it comes to egress windows, skill matters. You’re cutting into your home’s foundation — this is no DIY project.
Hiring a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor ensures your egress window is installed safely, sealed properly, and fully compliant with Michigan building codes.
Chuck puts it simply:
“I look at the whole house, not just the window. I’ll tell you if I see cracks, grading problems, or anything else that needs attention. It’s about making your home safe overall.”
That’s exactly why Hire It Done exists — to connect homeowners with vetted professionals who do the job right the first time.
Final Thoughts: Safety Is Always Worth the Investment
An egress window isn’t just an upgrade — it’s peace of mind.
It adds safety, light, ventilation, and value to your home. Most importantly, it could be the difference between getting trapped or getting out in an emergency.
If you’re finishing your basement or simply want to make it safer, now’s the best time to act.
Get a Free Estimate
Contact SPS Glass Block & Egress today at (734) 320-1664, or visit HireItDone.com and connect with trusted local contractors serving Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan.
Make your home safer — one window at a time.
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About Hire It Done:
Hire It Done is a trusted resource for navigating the home improvement process, led by industry expert Adam Helfman. Focused on educating homeowners, Hire It Done provides key questions to ask contractors, especially those they may avoid answering. Through its weekly national radio show, Hire It Done offers practical advice and connects homeowners with elite contractors for a hassle-free experience. The platform has become a go-to for homeowners seeking expert guidance and reliable contractors.
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About Adam Helfman:
Adam Helfman has been Metro Detroit's trusted home improvement expert for over 35 years. As the founder of Hire It Done, he’s connected homeowners with top-quality contractors for two decades. Adam's popular Saturday morning home improvement radio show has been a go-to resource for Metro Detroiters for 18 years.
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