Adding a Private Basement Entrance

[Mike Cincotta]

Has anyone had experience in adding a private entrance to an existing, below ground basement?  I'd like to convert the basement to an apartment for my aging father but concerned about the costs.  I am not finding much information online for this in Minnesota.  

I've made inquiries with the city building permit department about the requirements and restrictions, e-mailed several egress window companies as a start but don't know where else to look.  

Any recommendations?  Has anyone done this to their own home or rental?  What kind of trouble am I potentially getting myself into?

Thanks,

Mike