Michigan’s famously unpredictable weather places unique demands on every below-grade opening. Driving lake-effect rain, heavy snow loads, and extreme temperature swings mean your basement windows have to do more than let light in—they must protect the entire structure. CountBricks brings together AI-powered estimating, live material pricing, and experienced installers so residential clients across the state can upgrade with confidence.
• Improved energy efficiency cuts winter heating costs and controls summer humidity
• Modern egress models add safety and code compliance for finished basements
• Fresh air circulation reduces mold risk and musty odors
• Curb appeal and resale value rise when dated glass block is replaced
Traditional quoting often leaves homeowners guessing until the invoice arrives. CountBricks eliminates surprises by generating an itemized estimate during a real-time voice consultation. Our system factors current Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Traverse City material prices the instant you speak. Labor, disposal, and code-specific line items automatically populate, providing a transparent total in minutes. Typical replacement projects range from $650 for standard hopper inserts to $3,800 for full egress units, but regional labor variations are displayed instantly so you know the exact figure for your ZIP code.
• Vinyl hopper: Budget-friendly, tilts in for ventilation, durable in wet climates
• Sliding vinyl: Wider opening for emergency exit without enlarging the opening
• Casement egress: Hinged design meets Michigan Residential Code egress rules
• Composite or fiberglass: Superior insulation for lakefront properties battling high winds
• Acrylic block: Maintains privacy while admitting maximum daylight
The 2015 Michigan Residential Code requires any basement living space to have at least one egress window with a clear opening of 5.7 square feet, a sill height no more than 44 inches, and a window well of specific dimensions. CountBricks files permits on your behalf and schedules the local inspection. Our AI estimator adds the municipal fee and rough framing allowances automatically, so nothing is left out.
1. Voice consultation captures dimensions and project goals
2. AI creates a shareable estimate while you’re still on the call
3. Digital signature locks materials and labor calendar dates
4. Crew arrives, removes old units, installs new frames and flashing
5. Low-expansion foam and waterproof membrane seal the perimeter
6. Inspector signs off; CountBricks issues a digital warranty and final invoice
While you measure the rough opening with your phone, CountBricks records the numbers, references our continuously updated material database, and weighs labor productivity factors collected from thousands of past Midwest installations. The algorithm selects compatible products, flags any code shortfalls, and generates a complete scope of work. This automation saves an average of 2.3 hours per quote, allowing our project managers to focus on site-specific craftsmanship.
• High water tables: We integrate exterior drain tile or interior channel systems into the quote
• Crumbling block foundations: Structural engineer review added when AI detects bowing walls
• Historic districts: Low-profile vinyl frames selected to match existing sightlines
• Winter installs: Cold-weather sealants and heated work tents priced in automatically
• Inspect caulking every spring; Michigan freeze-thaw cycles can cause micro-cracks
• Keep window wells clear of leaves to prevent standing water and ice dams
• Test egress hardware twice a year to ensure smooth emergency exit
• Apply a light coat of silicone spray to hinges before the first snowfall
Whether you’re converting a lower level into a rental suite or simply tired of drafty frames, CountBricks delivers fast, data-driven service backed by hands-on craftsmanship. Explore similar projects at CountBricks.com/portfolio or connect with a specialist via CountBricks.com/consultation. Better windows mean a safer, brighter, and more valuable Michigan home—and you can secure an accurate price before we set foot on site.
A young family in Ann Arbor wanted to convert their basement into a playroom and guest suite but faced a 30-year-old glass block window that failed egress code. During a 15-minute voice call, our estimator captured wall thickness, grade height, and desired finish date. The AI engine compared composite, vinyl, and fiberglass casement options, instantly flagging the fiberglass unit as optimal for the homeowner’s high-humidity concern. Total project cost—$2,945—including permit fees and interior trim—arrived in their inbox before the call ended.
• Excavation revealed saturated clay soil; CountBricks crews installed a PVC drain line tied into the sump crock without change orders
• A heated tent allowed polyurethane sealant to cure properly despite 28°F temperatures
• Inspector approved on first visit, crediting the pre-sloped sill flashing pre-loaded into the CountBricks scope
The new egress window increased natural light by 64 %, cutting daytime lamp use. Home resale appraisal added $11,000 in value—nearly four times the project cost—demonstrating the ROI CountBricks routinely delivers.
• When measuring for replacement, include any masonry irregularities—Michigan basements rarely have perfectly square openings
• Schedule concrete cutting between April and November to avoid frost-related delays
• Opt for insulated glass with Low-E coating; it prevents condensation rings common in humid Great Lakes summers
CountBricks continues to refine its AI with every installation. As more Michigan homeowners upgrade, our database grows, driving even more precise pricing and smoother builds. See if your project qualifies for same-day estimates at CountBricks.com/services.
