How Much Does an Egress Window Cost to Install?
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How Much Does an Egress Window Cost to Install? and hope the blog can help you.
Egress windows not only bring light to dark basement spaces, but they’re also a vital safety feature. Egress window costs range from $2,621 to $5,662, with the national average at $4,129.
Highlights
- The typical range for egress window costs is $2,621 to $5,662 with a national average of $4,129.
- Egress window cost factors include labor and permits, window size and type, frame material, and installation location.
- There are a variety of benefits to installing egress windows, such as natural light and ventilation, the addition of an emergency exit, safety, increased home value, and improved aesthetics.
- To ensure that windows are installed properly and avoid future water damage and mold growth, it’s a good idea to have a professional install egress windows.
Homeowners who use their basements as bedrooms, offices, TV rooms, or other living spaces are required to install egress windows. Any room that residents live in or use frequently needs an egress window or a window that is large enough that it can be used as an escape during an emergency. According to Angi, egress window costs range from $2,621 to $5,662, with the national average at $4,129. The average price includes materials between $100 and $700 per window and $100 to $250 per window for installation. The total cost for purchase and installation depends on the size of the windows, the total number of windows, window type, brand, and removal and replacement costs. If it’s necessary to cut through a wall or excavate to install egress windows in the home, costs may be about $1,500 to $3,000 per window.
Egress windows look like any other window, but they must be large enough to fit through if someone has to climb out of one during an emergency. Egress windows come in a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate the aesthetics of the home.
What is an egress window?
Basements in older homes rarely have large enough windows for people to climb out of in the event of a house fire or other emergency despite this being one of the rules for finished basements. Depending on the home’s age, the basement may have small, narrow windows or hopper windows that open inward. These windows are not large enough for someone to exit or a first responder to enter. Egress windows are large secondary exit windows that ensure residents a safe exit during an emergency. These windows are required for all the living spaces in a home.
The building codes in a specific area will dictate the egress window requirements for a home. According to the International Residential Code, the minimum egress window size is 24 inches high, a net opening of at least 821 square inches or 5.7 square feet, and a windowsill that is no more than 44 inches off the floor. Egress window wells must project at least 36 inches from the house with a clearance area of 9 square feet. The regulations for window wells and bars, screens, grills, or covers over a window differ from city to city. It’s wise to inquire about specifics with the local building authority.
It can be tempting to skip installing egress windows since the cost to finish a basement is already significant. However, according to the International Residential Code, there needs to be at least one egress window in each sleeping area in a basement or bedroom below the fourth floor. This is also essential when making a room into a bedroom. Some homeowners install more than one egress window to increase safety and allow more natural light into the room.
Factors in Calculating Egress Window Cost
Many factors impact the cost to install egress windows. Window prices can differ from the national average due to labor costs and permit fees in the area, materials, window size and type, the number of egress windows needed, window removal, glass quality, the type of property, and geographic location.
Labor and Permits
Installing egress windows takes knowledge and skill. Homeowners can expect to pay approximately $40 to $100 per hour for labor to install egress windows, or approximately $100 to $1,000 per window in total. If the windows are below ground level, the area will need to be excavated. This process requires more time and labor and will therefore have a higher cost. It may also be necessary to hire additional professionals such as structural engineers or electricians depending on the placement of the window, which may add $350 to $1,000 to the total cost.
Installing egress windows usually requires a permit. If it is necessary to dig to install the windows, a permit for excavation will also be required. Most permits can cost from $50 to $300 each. An egress window professional will get the necessary permits for the project.
Is your basement finished?
You'll need an egress window. Get free, no-commitment estimates from egress window installers near you.
Window Size and Type
The cost of an egress window is influenced more by the type of window than by the size. Egress window dimensions must be at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high, and it needs to be large enough for an adult to pass through it in an emergency. On average, the smallest allowable egress window can cost between $200 and $400. Casement windows are the most popular option for basement egress windows and cost around $200 to $500, but single-hung, double-hung, sliding, and in-swing options are also available. The cost of double-pane windows or triple-pane windows is also higher than the cost of single-pane windows.
Window Frame Material
Egress window frames come in a variety of materials, and vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, steel, and wood are the most common. Vinyl typically has the lowest price point at about $100 to $850 per window, while wood frames can cost as much as $400 to $2,000.
| Frame Material | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Aluminum | $150 to $1,250 |
| Fiberglass | $200 to $1,500 |
| Steel | $400 to $1,750 |
| Vinyl | $100 to $850 |
| Wood | $400 to $2,000 |
Need an egress window?
Then you'll need a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from egress window installers near you.
Installation Location
The location where an egress window is being installed can also affect the price. One reason for this is that the location may dictate the style of egress window that is used. For example, windows in attics are rarely seen, so they are typically single-hung style as this is the least costly. Another factor is the room’s location in relation to the home’s foundation. A basement egress window costs more in most cases because these are situated below ground level and require excavation.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for egress window costs, it’s helpful to know the additional price factors and considerations that can increase the cost of the installation project. These can include prefabricated versus custom window costs; above-grade versus below-grade installation if excavation, construction, or window well digging is needed; and any extra add-ons.
Prefabricated vs. Custom
Egress windows can be custom or come in prefabricated egress window kits. Prefabricated egress windows cost between $100 and $500 per window, depending on the type and if they will be installed above or below ground. Custom windows may be needed depending on the structure and requirements of the home. They can run between $500 and $700 per window.
Above-Grade vs. Below-Grade
The different levels of a home are referred to as on-grade, above-grade, or below-grade. The ground-level floor is known as the on-grade floor. Any floor that is above the on-grade level is called above-grade, and the basement is called below-grade. Basements need a below-grade installation, and in many homes, that means cutting through the foundation and digging a window well. The cost to excavate for a window well runs from $50 to $200 per cubic yard. Above-grade installations require units with an opening of at least 5.7 square feet.
New Installation vs. Window Replacement
Putting in an egress window may mean either replacing an existing window with an egress window or creating an entirely new opening. Generally speaking, window replacement costs less than putting in a window where there was not one to begin with. Replacing a window with an egress window of the same size costs about $200 before the cost of the window itself. For an older home with small windows, it will be necessary to resize the window opening before installing an egress window. Resizing a window opening costs between $150 and $200 per window opening, and the cost to cut a new window opening is about $700 per window.
Need an egress window?
Then you'll need a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from egress window installers near you.
Excavation for Window Wells
Digging a window well requires cutting a hole in the foundation or concrete wall for a fully submerged basement. It is vital to hire an experienced professional to ensure the safety and stability of the home’s foundation. Homeowners can expect to pay about $50 to $200 per cubic yard for excavation, with most windows requiring the excavation of between 1 and 1.5 cubic yards.
Digging a window well is more than just excavating dirt and installing a window; it needs to be graded properly for drainage, to keep moisture away from the foundation, and to install steps or a ladder if needed. It may also be necessary to install a well cover to prevent water infiltration and increase basement window security. The best window well covers cost about $600 to install on average.
Customizations
Extra features such as smart glass, curtains, blinds, or low-e coating will raise the egress window costs by as much as 10 percent. If desired, window tinting costs $316 to $927 on average and can decrease energy bills. If the home is located in a colder climate and weatherstripping is necessary, that can cost between $130 and $400 per window.
| Customization | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Blinds | $600 to $2,700 |
| Curtains | $1,800 to $3,000 |
| Low-e coating | $300 to $1,000 |
| Smart glass | $30 to $45 per square foot |
| Weatherstripping | $130 to $400 |
| Window tinting | $316 to $927 |
Types of Egress Windows
Egress windows cost between $100 and $2,000 per window. Basement windows must have an opening of at least 5 feet, not including the frame. Prices are different depending on the size and the way the window opens and closes. Single-hung windows can cost around $100 per window, while custom in-swing or sliding windows can cost upward of $1,000 per window. Here are some of the most common types of egress windows.
| Type of Window | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Awning | $600 to $2,000 |
| Casement | $200 to $1,200 |
| Double-hung | $250 to $1,300 |
| Horizontal or sliding | $150 to $1,000 |
| In-swing | $350 to $1,300 |
| Single-hung | $100 to $800 |
Awning
Awning-style egress windows open outward from a hinge located at the top of the window. Since they open outward, they are most often installed in above-ground locations rather than in basements. Awning egress windows are relatively large, with sizes starting at 36 inches by 24 inches. For this reason, they are among the pricier options for egress windows at $600 to $2,000.
Casement
Casement windows are the most common type of egress window. A window is considered a casement window if it has at least one hinge on its side. It opens with a hand crank to increase the amount of fresh air in a room. The outward swing of the window allows it to fit in smaller areas of a basement, which makes it a popular egress window option. Egress casement windows run between $200 and $1,200 per window.
Double-Hung
Both the top and bottom sashes of a double-hung window move up and down. Both sashes can be opened simultaneously to allow more air into the room for circulation, which is ideal in warmer climates. Double-hung windows need to meet the minimum requirements to be an egress window. It’s not uncommon to have double-hung windows 24 to 60 inches high by 28 to 60 inches wide. These windows cost between $250 and $1,300 per window.
Need an egress window?
Then you'll need a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from egress window installers near you.