How Much Does An Egress Window Cost?
Egress windows function the same as any other window. They also look similar. The difference is that they must have an opening large enough to allow you to climb out of your basement in an emergency. Egress windows are not only a useful addition to your home; they are a legal requirement.
The average egress window cost is $3,849 for materials and installation. Homeowners generally spend $38 per hour on labor and $175 per egress window. You may have to spend another $1,350 to replace window wells and $500 in permits and land surveyor fees when you install an egress window.
In this guide, we look at each factor you will need to consider and break down the price. This will enable you to make a realistic cost calculation so you can accurately calculate your budget.
Do You Need a Window and Door Contractor?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Average Cost To Install Egress Window
Average Cost Egress Window | |||
Low | Typical Range | Average | High |
$900 | $2,479 – $5,218 | $3,849 | $8,000 |
The cost of installing egress windows in a basement typically ranges from $2,479 and $5,218, with a national average of $3,849. Based on the latest data, the lowest cost is around $900. For high-end products, this can rise to as much as $8,000. This includes the cost of materials, which is between $100 and $700, and labor, which is around $100 and $250 per window.
It’s important to note that there needs to be an opening of 5 square feet, exclusive of the frame. Several factors influence the final cost in addition to the size, including the:
- Brand
- Quantity
- Type of opening
- Need to remove existing windows.
Installation Costs Of Basement Egress Windows
Expect to pay around $100 to $250 per window, including materials, to install an egress window. If your room does not already have a correctly sized opening and well, you will need it corrected. The costs will increase considerably because of the labor required for the excavation. Also, replacing a window well is the cost between $500 and $2,000.
Labor Cost For Egress Windows
You can expect to pay between $100 to $250 per window. However, if you need additional work, the labor fees may be on a per hour basis and significantly vary depending on the contractor you hire. How much you pay in labor will depend on several things, such as:
- How many windows you need
- Whether you need a window well replaced
- Whether you hire a contractor or do this project yourself
- How many professionals you hire to do the job
- Any other additional elements of the project you need to be done
Above Grade vs. Below Grade Installation
If your home has a yard that slopes away from the house, it may be possible to install an above-grade window in the basement. To comply with building regulations, you will need to choose units with a minimum opening of 5.7 square feet. However, most basements require a below-grade installation.
The basic cost of an egress window will range from $100 to $700 per window, regardless of whether the window is installed on the ground floor or in the basement. The only difference is that windows on the ground floor or above will require a minimum opening of at least 5.7 square feet.
There must be an egress window in each bedroom or sleeping area in the basement. In individual states, there is a requirement to include one in all below-grade living areas.
Types Of Egress Windows
Single-hung models are available from $100 per window. However, the price of sliding or in-swing windows is nearer to $700 per window. Each of the five most popular types of egress windows has its advantages:
- Casement: Open out with a hand-crank, great to let in fresh air
- Horizontal/Sliding: useful for rooms with narrow window spaces
- Single-Hung: the most frequently-chosen window option, open vertically
- Double-Hung: greater for hotter climates, these open at the top and bottom
- In-Swing: Opening inward, best for small openings and older buildings
Cost Of Egress Windows By Type
Egress Window Costs By Type | |
Type | Price |
Casement | $200 – $500 |
Doube-Hung | $250 – $500 |
Horizontal/Sliding | $150 – $700 |
In-Swing | $350 – $700 |
Sing-Hung | $100 – $400 |
Prefabricated vs. Custom Egress Window
Prefabricated vs. Custom Egress Windows | |
Type | Price |
Prefabricated | $100 – $500 |
Custom | $500 – $700 |
Customized egress windows cost between $500 and $700 per window, whereas prefabricated windows cost $100 to $500 per window, depending on the kind you choose. As you can see, you will pay significantly less for a standard window. Whereas you will pay more for a customized egress window, but it will be created to your liking.
Quality Of Window Glass
The quality of the window glass has a significant influence on the cost per unit. Double-paned models will cost from $200 to $500 per window. Popular and reasonably priced, they are draft-proof and also quite effective at blocking noise. Additions such as a low-E coating could increase the total price by up to 10%.
Cost Factors According To Property Type
The type and extent of work you will need depends on your property. If you have an older house with smaller windows, you may need to have the opening re-sized. Below are some typical costs you should consider:
- Cut one window opening: $700
- Remove and replace one window: $200
- Resize window openings: $150-$200
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Installer
Any job can be DIY friendly if you want it to be, although this depends on your confidence and expertise. If you are not confident that you will do an excellent job installing an egress window, you should hire a professional.
If you do take this on yourself, you need to ensure you do the installation correctly. A poorly executed installation can result in the flooding of below-grade basements and leaks in times of heavy rains or even high humidity.
Should You Hire A Professional Instead?
Although it will involve more up-front expense, to save cost and trouble in the long run, it’s better to call egress window installers near you. Always obtain three quotes, because there’s plenty of competition in this industry. You may be able to negotiate a better price than the one first offered.
Using a professional will give you peace of mind and, in the event of any future problems arising, the quality of the work is guaranteed. Also, if there is a mistake with the installation, most times, they will come back and fix the issues for free. This saves you on having to spend hundreds of more dollars to correct any errors, possibly.
Legal Requirements For Installation
All egress windows installed in basements are required to comply with international residential codes. Stipulations include:
- A window well protruding a minimum of 36”, with a minimum area of 9 square feet
- There must be an opening area of 5 square feet, excluding the frame
- Window wells more than 44” deep require a ladder
- The minimum size is 20” wide and 24” high
- The sill height cannot be more than 44”.
- If the window is installed under a deck, the minimum height is 35”.
Creating an opening for a window in your foundation is specialized work, and best left to a professional contractor. If it is done incorrectly, you may end up causing damage to your property’s structural integrity.
Possible Additional Costs For Egress Window Installation
You may need some additional services when it comes to installing an egress window. If you do hire these extra services, this is what you should expect to pay:
- Land surveyor: $500
- Structural Engineer: $500
- Electrician: $350
In most cases, a building permit is required to install egress windows. If you need to knock through the wall to create or replace a well, extra permits may be required before starting the work. You should contact your utility and telecom providers, as well as your plumber and electrician, in advance. They can help locate underground lines and prevent them from being cut accidentally.
Do You Need a Window and Door Contractor?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Related Questions
Do I need to install a window well cover?
On average, it costs around $600 to install a well water cover. Although covers keep out dirt and water, they’re not needed in every situation, so get your contractor’s advice.
How many egress windows are required in a basement?
International Residential Codes require that there is one egress window for each bedroom or sleeping space in the basement. However, you may choose to install more than one or add them to other rooms for increased safety. This helps to improve ventilation and allow more natural light to flood the room.
What maintenance will I need to do on my basement egress windows?
Egress windows in your basement must have a tight seal and no gaps for drafts or water to enter. It costs around $105 per window for weather-stripping. This can be useful to prevent water from entering, but you will need to make sure that the window is still able to open and close quickly.
How do I stop black mold around my egress windows easily?
Black mold around an egress window is usually an indication of a water leak. Finding and repairing this, then fixing the water damage can cost anything from $1,200 to $4,500.
How do I know if I have a problem with the drain in my window well?
You can take a hose and run water into the well and see how fast it drains. The water level might rise, but it should not reach the bottom of your window.
Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
More by Heather Robbins
