Egress windows cost between $2,714 and $5,884 on average, with most homeowners paying around $4,215. The type of materials, window size, and installation costs can all affect what you’ll pay for an egress window.
Installing an egress window costs an average of $4,215, though costs can range between $2,714 and $5,884. Costs include an average of $100 to $700 per window for materials, $100 to $250 per window for installation costs, and $50 to $300 for a permit. Adding an egress window can allow you to legally add another bedroom to your home as well as adding light and ventilation to your basement.
Explore our guide to egress window costs to learn what factors will affect how much you pay.
Egress windows are required to have an opening of at least 5.7 square feet in order to meet egress window codes. Other requirements include minimum height and width—24 inches by 20 inches—and a maximum sill height of 44 inches from the floor. Below are some common egress window sizes and the average cost (without installation).
Size (in.) | Average Cost |
---|---|
20x24 | $200–$400 |
27x45 | $500–$800 |
31x41 | $800–$1,000 |
36x48 | $900–$1,400 |
Hiring a local egress window pro costs an average of $40 to $100 per hour in labor costs, or between $100 and $1,000 per window. Because egress windows are installed partially below ground level, you’ll want to ensure your window pro specializes in installing this type of window.
Since installing an egress window involves cutting into your home’s foundation, you may need to hire a structural engineer to keep the project safe and your home structurally sound. A structural engineer costs anywhere between $200 and $1,500.
In addition to window installers and a structural engineer, you may want to bring in some other pros for this job.
Hiring an electrician to rewire existing wiring that’s been disturbed costs an average of $50 to $130 an hour, plus a flat service fee of $100 to $250.
You may need to hire an excavator to dig out the window well, costing between $50 and $200 per cubic yard.
Once the window is installed, the cost to hire a drywall installer to finish the wall is between $1.50 and $3 per square foot.
Window size and labor costs aren’t the only factors in determining how much you’ll pay for an egress window. Here are some additional costs that contribute to your final price.
Egress windows come in a variety of styles, with single-hung windows being the most common due to their lower price and ease of installation. Here are some popular types of egress windows and their average cost before installation.
Type of Window | Average Cost |
---|---|
Single-hung | $100–$400 |
Double-hung | $250–$500 |
Sliding | $150–$800 |
Casement | $200–$500 |
In-swing | $350–$700 |
The material your egress window is made of will also affect the cost. Since egress windows are partially at ground level, you’ll want a durable, rot-resistant material to extend your window’s lifespan.
Material | Average Cost |
---|---|
Vinyl | $100–$900 |
Aluminum | $75–$400 |
Composite | $300–$1,200 |
Wood | $150–$1,300 |
Fiberglass | $500–$1,500 |
Cutting into your foundation to install an egress window is considered a structural change to your home, so you’ll need to obtain a permit. Building permits cost between $50 and $300 on average, depending on your municipality. Failing to obtain a permit for structural work can cost you fines, retroactive permit fees, and even the cost to redo the job, so don’t skip this important step.
Unless you have extensive experience in structural work like cutting into a foundation, it’s best to leave egress window installation to the pros. Due to the strict codes that dictate the size and placement of egress windows and the structural risks that come with any foundation work, hiring a licensed, experienced pro is the safest choice.
While you shouldn’t skimp on ensuring safety and code requirements are met, you can still save on egress window installation. Purchasing a pre-fab window is more cost-effective than custom options, and opting for a vinyl or aluminum window will be less expensive than choosing composite or fiberglass. Be sure to get multiple estimates for installation and understand what each quote includes. A higher quote may also include excavation or finishing costs, offering you more value than a bare-bones estimate without any extras.
An egress window can offer a significant return on investment, since these windows allow you to legally add a bedroom to your home, which translates to a higher price when it comes time to sell. An additional bedroom, home gym, living space, or other basement amenity can also make your home more appealing to buyers if you’re in a competitive market.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project 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.
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If improperly installed, an egress window can compromise your foundation’s structural integrity, so it’s important to work with a pro to ensure your foundation remains in good shape. Any money you may save on a DIY egress window installation may cost you in the long run if your foundation is damaged in the process.
Egress windows or doors are required in finished basements to meet safety and building codes. If your basement is unfinished and used as a storage space, egress windows are not required, but anything considered a habitable space must have an additional point of egress in addition to the stairs.