Pre-cast install

In Calgary the use of pre-cast, or concrete prefabricated stairs and window wells is fairly common.  The benefit of the concrete step, landing and window well is durability compared to a wood installation.  No painting or maintenance is needed for these concrete products.  The precast does require some advance planning to ensure the concrete structure is supported.  This is done by utilizing 'wing walls' and 'sonotubes', and in the case of window wells, just brackets drilled in to the foundation.  The concrete window well is far superior, and much more costly than a typical metal window well.

Key to this job site is often ensuring the cars are not blocking access for the deliveries.  With a crane on the back of the truck the delivery is very quick.  Another benefit, the driver has 20 years of install experience and doesn't need much supervision

The first window well is lowered into place. The units look massive prior to  backfill

Installation of the material is very quick, about two hours to get four items craned off the truck and positioned on the front of the building.  Of course, this required significant planning by the builder, such as making sure the window wells were excavated to the appropriate depth, garbage on site was managed, and no lumber pile or obstruction would prevent access  of the delivery truck.  In this instance the process was very efficient and we are now left with safe and durable entry stairs and window wells.

dirt is shovelled back in and we have complete window well install, these should last many years

The concrete sidewalk can eventually be poured up to the precast stair.  The window well should be a good barrier for shrubs and plantings later this fall