How Much Does Installing Egress Windows Cost in 2025?
Egress window installation costs an average of $4,215.
Most homeowners spend between $2,714 and $5,884 to install egress windows, with an average cost of $4,215.
Factors influencing cost include location, window size, type, glass quality, and excavation needs.
Egress windows improve safety by providing an emergency exit from basements and must meet building code requirements.
Hiring a professional ensures proper installation and compliance with legal standards.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing an egress window costs an average of $4,215, with most homeowners spending between $2,714 and $5,884. This investment not only enhances safety by providing an emergency exit from your basement but also ensures your home meets building code requirements. Factors like location, window size, and quality will affect your total cost. Hiring a professional ensures a safe, code-compliant installation.
What Is an Egress Window?
Egress windows serve as essential emergency exits from your basement, designed to be large enough for safe escape during an emergency. Available in various sizes and styles, they enhance both safety and comfort in your home.
Installing an egress window is a complex task that involves significant structural considerations. To ensure proper installation and compliance with building codes, it's important to hire a professional egress window installer.
Legal Requirements
Egress windows must comply with International Residential Code requirements to ensure safety and accessibility. Key requirements include:
A window well that projects at least 36 inches from the house, with a footprint of nine square feet
Minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet, excluding the frame
Installation of ladders for wells deeper than 44 inches
Minimum window dimensions of 20 inches wide by 24 inches high
Maximum sill height of 44 inches from the floor
A minimum of 35 inches of clearance for windows installed under decks
Cutting a window opening in your foundation is a specialized task that must be performed correctly to maintain the structural integrity of your home. You may need to budget for the following services as part of your total egress window installation cost:
Cost to hire a land surveyor : $525
Cost to hire a structural engineer : $200–$1,500
Hiring an electrician : $50–$130 per hour plus a flat service fee of $100–$250
Egress Window Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of installing egress windows, including the window type, glass quality, number of windows, and labor requirements.
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. Materials for basement egress windows range from $100 to $700 each, not including customizations.
Labor
Hiring a professional egress window installer costs an average of $40 to $100 per hour in labor. Projects typically take three days or more, especially if excavation is required. Most homeowners spend between $100 and $1,000 per window on professional labor, totaling between $2,700 and $6,000, including materials. Given the complexity of installing egress windows, it's crucial to work with a skilled professional to ensure proper installation.
Glass Quality
Glass quality significantly affects the cost per window. Double-paned options, costing $200 to $500 each, are the most common due to their moderate price and effectiveness in reducing noise and drafts.
Single-paned windows cost between $50 and $400 per window, while triple-paned windows range from $500 to $1,000 each. Additional features like tempered or laminated glass will further increase the price.
| Number of Panes | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-Paned Windows | $50–$400 |
| Double-Paned Windows | $200–$500 |
| Triple-Paned Windows | $500–$1,000 |
Number of Windows
Since installing a single egress window costs between $100 and $700, installing multiple windows will proportionally increase your total cost.
Location
Egress windows cost between $100 and $700 per window, whether installed on the ground floor or in the basement. Costs may increase if excavation is necessary.
Building codes require an egress window in every basement bedroom, and some states mandate them in below-grade living areas.
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 you install an egress window above or below ground level affects your final cost. 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, to meet building code requirements, you may need a 5.7-square-foot opening, so ensure your home complies before deciding.
Most basements will require a below-grade window installation, especially in older homes. Cutting into the foundation or concrete wall and digging a window well may be necessary, adding to your total basement egress window cost.
Adding a Window Well
Excavation costs range from $50 to $200 per cubic yard, varying based on the volume of material removed. An extra 1 to 1.5 cubic yards surrounding the space may also need removal. From there, the cost to have a window well professionally installed ranges from $500 to $1,000. A window well cover may be needed to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Excavation
The total expense to prepare your home and land for installing an egress window depends on several factors related to size and type, plus removal and replacement costs, if applicable. Full excavations cost $1,500 to $3,000 per window, on average.
Egress Window Costs by Type
Egress windows are available in many different styles and price points. You can pay as little as $100 per window for certain single-hung, single-pane models. On the other hand, some sliding or swing-in options cost as much as $700 or more for a single unit. Window replacement costs are similar.
| Type of Window | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Casement | $200–$500 |
| Horizontal/Sliding | $150–$800 |
| Single-Hung | $100–$400 |
| Double-Hung | $250–$500 |
| In-Swing | $350–$700 |
Casement
Casement egress windows cost $200 to $500 on average. They open outward using a hand-crank mechanism, which increases airflow and better circulates fresh air.
Horizontal/Sliding
Horizontal egress windows are built to slide open easily to the left or right. They’re ideal for rooms with narrow window wells and can cost between $150 and $800 each.
Single-Hung
This type of egress window is the most common and affordable. A single-hung egress window opens vertically on one side, which can be a drawback for homes with limited space or unique architecture. The cost of a single-hung window ranges from $100 to $400.
Double-Hung
Double-hung egress windows open on top and bottom, allowing for maximum airflow. They’re ideal for hotter climates and 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. On average, they cost $350 to $700 per window.
Budgeting for Egress Window Installation
To manage your egress window installation costs effectively:
Opt for standard-sized windows to avoid the added expense of custom sizes.
Choose affordable, durable materials like vinyl or fiberglass for window frames.
Reuse existing window wells when possible to reduce costs.
Select double-paned windows for good insulation and soundproofing without the higher price of triple-paned glass.
Obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors to ensure competitive pricing.
Consider casement-style egress windows, which are often more cost-effective than other styles.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing an egress window is a complex project that involves structural modifications to your home. While DIY installation might seem cost-effective, the risks often outweigh the savings. Improper installation can compromise your foundation, violate building codes, and lead to costly repairs. Given these significant challenges and safety concerns, hiring a professional installer is the safest and most reliable choice.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, installing egress windows typically requires a building permit because it involves structural changes and safety considerations. If excavation is needed for a window well, additional permits may be required. Contact your local building authority to ensure compliance with all regulations.
The primary installation of an egress window usually takes about three days. Additional time may be needed for excavation, wall cutting, and finishing work, especially if structural modifications are involved. The timeline also depends on the window's availability and proper sizing.
Yes, improper installation can compromise your home's foundation and structural integrity. To prevent costly damage and ensure safety, it's essential to hire a qualified professional who can install the egress window correctly.
Yes, building codes require egress windows or doors in finished basements designated as habitable spaces. Every living area must have an approved exit point for safety and emergency egress. Unfinished basements used solely for storage may be exempt.
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