What egress does a Calgary suite bedroom need?

A bedroom in a Calgary secondary suite or backyard suite must have an egress window that allows occupants to escape in an emergency — this is a non-negotiable life-safety requirement under the Alberta Building Code.

The Alberta Building Code requires every bedroom in a suite to have at least one outside window that meets all of the following minimum dimensions:

• Minimum opening width: 380 mm (15 inches)
• Minimum opening height: 380 mm (15 inches)
• Minimum clear opening area: 0.35 m² (3.77 sq ft)
• Maximum sill height: 1,000 mm (39 inches) above the finished floor — so a person can actually climb out

All three dimensions must be met simultaneously in the open position. A window that's wide but not tall enough, or has a sill too high off the floor, fails the requirement even if it looks like a normal window. The window must also open without the use of tools or special knowledge — so casement and awning windows that crank open are popular choices, while fixed or painted-shut windows don't qualify.

For basement suite bedrooms specifically, this is where Calgary homeowners run into the most challenges. Basement windows are often small, high on the wall, or partially below grade with a window well. If you're adding a window well to meet egress, the well itself must be large enough for a person to stand in and maneuver — minimum 550 mm (22 inches) of clearance from the window to the well wall. The well also needs a drainage connection so it doesn't fill with water, and a ladder or steps if the well is deeper than 900 mm (35 inches).

Ceiling height matters too. The Alberta Building Code requires a minimum ceiling height of 1.95 m (6 feet 5 inches) throughout a secondary suite, including bedrooms. Many older Calgary bungalows from the 1950s–70s have basement ceiling heights of only 6'0"–6'2", which means you may need to dig down (underpin) before the suite can be legally permitted. This is a significant cost consideration — underpinning in Calgary typically runs $300–$600 per linear foot depending on soil conditions and access.

The City of Calgary requires a development permit and building permit for secondary suites, and egress windows are inspected as part of the building permit process. A Safety Codes Officer will verify the window meets code before the suite is approved for occupancy. Don't skip this step — an unpermitted suite creates serious liability issues, can void your home insurance, and may need to be torn out if discovered.

Interconnected smoke alarms between the suite and the main dwelling are also required — egress windows alone aren't the whole picture for life safety.

If you're not sure whether your existing basement windows qualify, a contractor or window supplier can measure the clear opening in the open position and tell you quickly. Many Calgary homeowners are surprised to find their windows are just slightly undersized and need to be replaced or enlarged — a window cut-and-replace in a basement typically costs $800–$2,000 per opening depending on the foundation wall material (poured concrete vs. block vs. wood frame).

Browse licensed contractors experienced with suite development in our Calgary Construction Network directory to get the job done right and inspected.