How much does egress window installation cost?
How much does egress window installation cost?
$6,000 – $8,000 average total cost
Average egress window cost
An egress window costs $6,000 to $8,000 on average with installation, but costs can exceed $10,000 for complex projects. The total cost depends on the window size and type, window well material and style, foundation type, site conditions, and local labor rates.
| National Average Cost | $7,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $4,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $12,000 |
| Average Range | $6,000 to $8,000 |
Egress window cost factors
Several factors affect the cost to install an egress window, including the window type, foundation type, and more.
Window size & type
Larger egress windows cost more than smaller ones due to increased material costs and more extensive foundation work. The minimum required opening is 5.7 square feet, but many homeowners opt for larger windows to maximize natural light and improve the room's appeal.
The window frame material impacts the price. Vinyl frames are the most budget-friendly option, while wood and fiberglass frames cost more but offer better insulation. Prices also depend on the window type. Common types include:
Horizontal / sliding windows slide open horizontally along a track and work well in spaces with limited vertical clearance.
Casement windows are hinged on one side and swing outward, providing excellent ventilation and a full opening for emergency exits.
Inward-swing windows open into the room, making them ideal when exterior space is limited or when the window well is too small for an outward-opening design.
Single-hung windows feature a bottom sash that moves up and down. These windows often cost less than other types.
Double-hung windows have top and bottom sashes that can move up and down.
Glass quality
Egress windows come in single-, double-, or triple-pane options. Single-pane windows have only one layer of glass. Double-pane and triple-pane windows cost more but have additional layers with air or argon gas sandwiched between the panes to provide better insulation and improve energy efficiency.
Building codes in most areas require tempered glass if the egress window includes any panes greater than 9 square feet or if the bottom edge of the window is less than 18" from the floor.
Window well
An window well is a reinforced enclosure installed around a basement egress window to hold back soil and provide a safe, open space for emergency escape or rescue.
Window wells come in various styles and materials. Standard corrugated metal wells are the most affordable, while decorative stone or composite wells enhance curb appeal but cost more. The shape can be curved, rectangular, or custom-designed to fit your space and aesthetic preferences.
A window well cover protects the well from debris, rain, and snow while still allowing light to filter through. Clear polycarbonate covers are popular because they're durable and maintain visibility, while metal grate covers offer security but block more light.
Foundation type
The installers will need to cut through your home's foundation wall to open and frame the space for the egress window. Cutting through a poured concrete foundation typically takes longer and costs more than cutting a space in a concrete block foundation.
Accessibility & site conditions
Installing an egress window below ground level requires excavation for a window well, which adds to the project cost. Basement egress windows are the most common type and typically involve more work than above-ground bedroom installations.
Site accessibility also matters. If contractors can't easily access the installation site with excavation equipment, they may need to dig by hand, increasing labor time and costs. Existing landscaping features like trees, shrubs, or hardscaping near the installation site may need to be removed or relocated, adding to the overall expense.
Labor
Labor makes up a significant portion of the project cost because installing an egress window requires professionals from several different trades. The installation process includes excavation, cutting through the concrete foundation, framing the window opening, and installing the window and a window well system.
Permits
Most municipalities require permits for egress window installation since the work involves structural modifications to your home's foundation. Permit costs vary by location but typically range from $200 to $500+, depending on local regulations and the project's complexity.
Additional costs
Egress window installation may include these additional expenses:
An egress ladder: Window wells deeper than 44" require a permanently attached ladder or steps for safe exit. Removable ladders are also available as a backup safety feature.
Weather-stripping: Weather-stripping costs $10 to $50 and seals the gaps around the edges to prevent air from entering or exiting.
Landscape restoration: After installation, you may need to resod, replant, or restore landscaping around the window well area, especially if the project required significant excavation.
Interior finishing: You may need to paint, patch drywall, or install new trim around the interior window frame after installation.
Drainage system: Poor drainage around window wells can lead to water leaks. A drainage system costs $1,000 to $4,000 but helps prevent flooding and protects your basement from damage.
Waterproofing: Additional waterproofing measures around the window and foundation cut may be necessary in areas with heavy rainfall or high water tables.
What is an egress window?
An egress window is a large, operable window designed to provide a safe exit from a basement or bedroom in case of an emergency. Also known as "escape windows", they must meet specific size requirements set by building codes to ensure occupants can safely escape during an emergency like a fire.
Egress windows also serve everyday purposes by bringing natural light and ventilation into below-grade spaces, making basements more livable and potentially adding value to your home.
What size is an egress window?
An egress window must meet the following size requirements, according to International Residential Code (IRC):
The minimum window opening area is 5.7 square feet.
The minimum opening width is 20".
The minimum opening height is 24".
The bottom of the egress window must be no more than 44" from the finished floor.
If the bottom of the egress window is below ground level, a window well of at least 9 square feet is necessary and must allow the window to open fully.
Window wells deeper than 44" require a permanently attached egress ladder or steps.
Egress window FAQs
Does an egress window add value to a home?
An egress window adds value to a home because it converts your basement into potential living space. Listing the house with more bedrooms and square footage of living space when selling can significantly increase your home's resale value. However, the amount of added value depends on your location and the real estate market.
Beyond the financial return, egress windows make basements brighter, more inviting, and safer for occupants.
How many egress windows are required in a basement?
Building codes require at least one egress window in each basement bedroom, office, TV room, or other living space. If your basement has multiple bedrooms, each one needs its own egress window or door leading directly outside. Finished basements used only as recreation rooms or storage areas typically don't require egress windows unless local codes specify otherwise.
How long does it take to install an egress window?
Installing an egress window takes 2 to 3 days on average, including excavation, foundation wall cutting, framing the window opening, and installing the new window and window well. Installation may take longer for more complex projects or if workers need to reroute electrical wiring or plumbing.
Getting quotes from egress window installers
When hiring an egress window installer near you, remember to:
Get estimates in writing from at least 3 installers.
Read reviews for egress window installers on HomeGuide and Google.
Select a company that is licensed and insured.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project begins.
Don't pay in full before work begins. Follow a payment schedule and make the final payment only after the work is complete and has passed all inspections.
Questions to ask egress window companies
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best egress window installer near you:
How much experience do you have installing egress windows?
Can you provide references and photos of your past work?
Which type of egress window do you recommend for my basement, and why?
What material is the window well made of?
Will the window well require a permanent ladder?
How long will the egress window installation take?
Will this project require a permit, and if so, will you handle it?
Does the estimate include cleanup after the project?
What warranties do you offer on the window and labor?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.