How Much Does Installing Egress Windows Cost in 2024?
Highlights
Basement egress windows cost between $2,714 and $5,884, with an average cost of $4,215.
Egress windows must be large enough to climb out in an emergency.
Factors affecting the total cost include the number of panes and whether you need to add a window well.
Legal requirements include a minimum opening size of 5.7 square feet.
Casement egress windows are the most common style and cost $100 to $500 in materials.
Sliding and in-swing egress windows are among the most costly, with materials alone costing up to $700.
The labor cost to install egress windows is $40 to $100 per hour, resulting in labor costs of up to $1,000 per window.
The average basement egress window costs about $4,215, typically ranging from $2,714 and $5,884. The cost to install egress windows in basements is determined by many factors, like the best type of window for your property, site preparation, and required 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.
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 windows isn't an easy DIY job, especially with basement egress windows. The task comes with many risks that can be hazardous without the right skills and knowledge. Hire a local egress window installer to ensure this project is safely completed. Windows are usually tricky to hang, especially if you need to reach the basement windows.
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 nine square feet
Minimum opening of 5.7 square feet, not including the frame
Ladders for wells more than 44 inches deep
Minimum size of 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. You may need to budget for the following services as part of your total egress window installation cost:
Egress Window Cost Factors
Many elements affect what you’ll pay a pro to install egress windows. Basement window installation costs vary based on 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. Materials for basement egress windows range from $100 to $700 each, not including customizations.
Labor
Egress window installation costs an average of $40 to $100 per hour in labor. Most projects take three days or more, depending on whether the ground needs to be excavated beforehand.
Most homeowners pay between $100 and over $1,000 per window in professional services, for a total of between $2,700 and $6,000, including materials.
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 $400 per window, while triple-paned windows cost as much as $500 to $1,000 per window. Adding additional features, like tempered or laminated glass, also increases 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
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 price will be impacted if the ground below needs to be excavated.
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, some installations need at least a 5.7-square-foot opening to meet building code requirements. Ensure your home meets these standards before making your final decision.
Most basements aren’t conveniently placed next to a sloping hill, so they’ll likely require a below-grade window installation, especially in older homes. In this case, cutting into the foundation or concrete wall and digging a window well may be required, adding to your total basement egress window cost.
Adding a Window Well
The cost to excavate land for a window well ranges from $50 to $200 per cubic yard. An extra 1 to 1.5 cubic yards surrounding the space may need to be cut as well. From there, the cost to have a window well professionally installed ranges from $500 to $1,000. A window well cover may also be needed to prevent moisture from the soil from 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. This may be necessary in many different styles of homes.
Excavation
The total expense to prepare your home and land for installing an egress window depends on several factors. Most of these are related to size and type, plus removal and replacement costs, if applicable. Full excavations cost $1,500 to $3,000 per window, on average.
Old Window Removal
Along with your expected basement window installation cost, you may need to pay to remove an existing window. The cost to remove an old window is around $200 each.
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, 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 | $100–$500 |
| Horizontal/Sliding | $150–$700 |
| Single-Hung | $100–$400 |
| Double-Hung | $250–$650 |
| In-Swing | $350–$700 |
Casement
Casement egress windows cost $100 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 $700 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 $650 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
Keep these cost-cutting measures in mind as you budget for installing egress windows in your home’s basement:
Choose a standard-sized window. Custom sizing can increase both material and labor costs.
Opt for more affordable materials for the window frame, like vinyl or fiberglass.
Reuse existing window wells if possible, rather than installing new ones.
Buy double-paned windows for insulation and soundproofing characteristics that are similar to more expensive triple-paned glass.
Compare quotes from multiple contractors in your area to find the best price.
Install casement-style egress windows, which are typically more affordable than sliding, double-hung, or in-swing styles.
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 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.
On average, installing an egress window takes around three full days. Add an extra day or two for excavation, wall cutting, and window remodeling services. These time estimates assume that your preferred window is readily available and doesn’t require custom sizing or other changes.
You may need to install a window well cover. Covers help keep out debris and water, reducing the risk of flooding and other damage. On average, installing a window well cover costs $700, but costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. For safety, test that the egress window and the well open easily and fully.
The International Residential Code requires 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 below-grade living areas. Always check with local authorities and regulatory bodies about specific rules in your area.
Basement egress windows need a tight seal with no gaps because their location makes them prone to flooding and water damage. Weatherstripping costs about $105 per window and can help prevent leaks. Use a material that allows you to open and close the window easily.
Unfortunately, black mold is common with basement egress windows based on their location. Stopping black mold from forming around an egress window usually requires finding and fixing a water leak, which is the most common cause of mold formation. Water damage repair costs $1,250 to $5,200, depending on severity and the project.
