True Cost Guide Doors & Windows Install Egress Windows

How Much Does Installing Egress Windows Cost?

Typical Range:

$2,625 - $5,680

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 738 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

•

When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

•

We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated July 19, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

The cost to install windows in a basement ranges between $2,625 and $5,680 and is roughly $4,152 on average. What you pay will be determined by a handful of factors, like the best type of window for your property and any necessary site preparation or building permits.

Egress windows are sold in an array of different styles and often require additional services like excavation and old window removal before they can be installed.

Egress window installation costs average $3,928, ranging from $2,500 to $5,300

2022 Notice: Material Prices Are Surging

Demand for siding and other building materials has grown over the past year. And as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a building project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.

Egress Window Installation Cost Calculator

Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?

Where are you located?

ZIP Code

National Average	$4,152
Typical Range	$2,625 - $5,680
Low End - High End	$700 - $9,228

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 738 HomeAdvisor members.

What Is an Egress Window?

Egress windows look and function like most other windows. The only difference is that they must have an opening large enough for you to climb out of your basement in an emergency. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your house.

Installing egress windows isn't an easy DIY job. It comes with a lot of risks that are hazardous without the right skills and knowledge, so you'll always want to hire a pro to ensure this project is safely completed. Windows are usually tricky to hang, especially if you need to reach the ones in the basement.

Diagram of area and clearance specifications for egress windows; 5.7 square foot minimum openable/clear area

Legal Requirements

Basement egress windows must meet International Residential Code requirements, including:

Window well projecting at least 36 inches from the house, with a footprint of 9 square feet
Minimum opening of 5.7 square feet, not including the frame
Ladders for wells more than 44 inches deep
Minimum size 20 inches wide and 24 inches high
Maximum sill height of 44 inches
At least 35 inches of height for windows installed under decks

Digging a window hole in your foundation is a specialist job that needs to be done properly to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the house and putting yourself at risk of potential injuries.

You might need to pay for the following services:

Cost to hire a land surveyor: $525
Price to hire a structural engineer: $525
Cost to hire an electrician: $350

Egress Window Cost Factors

There are many elements that affect what you’ll pay to have a pro install egress windows, like the type of window, quality of glass, quantity of windows, and the various types of labor involved.

Window Type

Egress windows come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. The five most common are casement, horizontal or sliding, single-hung, double-hung, and in-swing. Find out how much these options cost in the table below.

Types of Egress Window

Type of Window	Price
Casement	$200 – $500
Horizontal/Sliding	$150 – $700
Single-Hung	$100 – $400
Double-Hung	$250 – $500
In-Swing	$350 – $700

Labor

On average, it costs around $40 per hour of labor to install egress windows. Most projects take three days or more, depending on whether or not the ground needs to be excavated beforehand.

That means most homeowners pay a range of $100 to $250 per window in professional services, and a total of between $2,500 and $6,000 with materials included.

Glass Quality

Window glass quality also determines what you'll pay per unit. Double-paned options cost $200 to $500 per window. They are the most common because they are moderately priced and reasonably effective at blocking noise and drafts.

Single-paned units typically cost between $50 and $75 per window, whereas triple-paned windows can cost as much as $500 to $1,000 per window. Adding additional features, like tempered or laminated glass, will also increase what you pay.

Number of Windows

Because it costs $100 to $700 on average to install a single egress window, you’ll pay that much more to install several.

Location

Egress windows cost $100 to $700 per window. This range is about the same whether you install it on the ground floor or the basement. The only difference that could impact price is whether or not the ground below needs to be excavated or not.

It’s mandatory to have an egress window in every basement bedroom, and some states even require you to put one in living areas below-grade.

Prefab vs. Custom

Prefabricated egress windows cost $100 to $500 per window, depending on the type. Custom options range from $500 to $700 per window.

Above-Grade vs. Below-Grade

Whether or not you’re able to install an egress window above ground or below ground will also have an impact on your final bill. Professionally speaking, an above-grade window is one that’s placed at or above ground level, and a below-grade window is one that is placed slightly under the ground.

For example, if your yard slopes away from your home, you may be able to install an above-grade window and avoid a costly excavation process. However, take into account that some installations need at least a 5.7 square feet opening to meet building code requirements, and check that your home can meet these standards before making your final decision.

The truth is, most basements aren’t conveniently placed next to a sloping hill and will require a below-grade installation, especially in older homes. In this case, you may need to cut into the foundation or concrete wall and dig a window well.

Adding a Window Well

The cost to excavate land for the window well ranges from $50 to $200 per cubic yard. You'll typically have to cut an extra 1 to 1.5 cubic yards surrounding the space as well. From there, the cost to have a window well professionally installed ranges from $500 to $1,000. You may also need a window well cover to prevent moisture from the soil seeping in.

Type of Property

How your property was built can also determine which services you’ll need to successfully install an egress window.

For example, you may need to resize window openings on an older home with only small windows. Here are a few common costs you may need to add to the total:

Cut window opening: If you don’t already have a window opening in a certain spot, it will cost $700 per opening to have a new one installed.
Resize window opening: The average cost to resize a window opening ranges from $150 to $200 per opening, and can be necessary on many different styles of homes.

Excavation

The total expense to prepare your home and the land beside it for installation of an egress window depends on several factors, mostly related to size, type, and removal and replacement costs, if applicable. Full excavations cost $1,500 to $3,000 per window, on average.

Old Window Removal

The cost to remove an old window is $200 per unit.

Compare Quotes for Your Basement Egress Windows

Egress Window Costs by Type

Egress windows are available in many different styles and price points. For example, you can pay as little as $100 per window for certain single-hung models. On the other hand, some sliding or swing-in options can be as much as $700 for a single unit. Here’s what you can expect to pay for five of the most common types of egress windows, plus a bit about the pros and cons of each one.

Casement

This option costs $100 to $500 on average and is unique for a couple of reasons. It opens outward by means of a hand-crank mechanism, which increases airflow and better circulates fresh air.

Horizontal/Sliding

This style of egress window is built to slide easily open to the left or right and it’s ideal for rooms with narrow window wells. It can cost anywhere from $150 to $700.

Single-Hung

This type of egress window is both the most common and most affordable. It opens vertically on one side, which can be a drawback for homes with limited space or unique architecture, and the cost of a window ranges from $100 to $400.

Double-Hung

Double-hung egress windows open on top and bottom, allowing for maximum airflow, and being ideal for hotter climates. They cost between $250 and $500 on average.

In-Swing

In-swing egress windows open inward and are great for older basements with small window openings. They cost $350 to $700 on average per window.

Install a Basement Egress Window

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Hiring a pro is usually the best decision for egress window installation. The job isn’t something the typical homeowner can manage. An improper installation can make below-grade basements flood or leak during heavy rain or humidity. Poor grading can cause the well to trap water and leak into the living space.

When you call egress window installers near you, be sure to get at least three quotes. This is a competitive industry, which means you might be able to negotiate a lower price for labor.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to install egress windows?

Yes, installing egress windows usually requires a building permit because they affect your safety in the home. If you need to dig or replace a well, you may need extra permits for excavation. Call your utilities, plumbing, and telecommunications providers in advance. They can help you find the underground lines, so you don't accidentally cut into one.

How long does it take to install?

It takes roughly three full days to install an egress window, and sometimes a day or two more for excavation, wall cutting, and window remodeling services.

Do I need to install a window well cover?

Installing a window well cover costs $700 on average, and you may or may not need one. Covers keep out debris and water. For safety, test that the window and the well open easily and fully.

How many egress windows are required in a basement?

The International Residential Code requires you to have one egress window in each sleeping space in your basement. For greater safety, convenience, and natural lighting, you may choose to install one in other living areas.

What maintenance do I need to do on my basement egress windows?

Basement egress windows need to have a tight seal with no gaps. Weather-stripping costs about $105 per window. This can help prevent leaks, but you'll want to use a material that allows you to open and close the window.

How do I stop black mold around my egress windows?

Stopping black mold around an egress window usually requires finding and fixing a water leak, the most common cause. Water damage repair costs $1,250 to $5,200.