How Much Does Basement Window Replacement Cost?

Prefab vs. Custom Basement Window Cost

Basement windows generally conform to standard shapes and sizes, which means you should be able to purchase prefabricated windows from your local hardware store. Prices for prefab windows range from $100 to $800 per window (unit only)

If you need custom windows, you’ll need to order them in a special order to fit your basement’s window openings. Expect this to take more time, but also expect it to impact both material and labor costs. The price of the window alone will jump 25% to 50%, making the cost of custom replacement basement windows somewhere between $150 and $1,200 per window.

Basement Window Replacement Cost Factors

Several other factors impact the cost of replacing a basement window, including the type of window, the window frame material, the size of the window, and labor rates.

Type of Window

The type of window you choose for your replacement can have a big impact on the overall cost, with prefab units costing between $100 and $800 per window—and custom units typically costing from $125 to $1,200.

Awning Windows

You’ll spend between $100 and $600 on a prefabricated awning replacement window for your basement, or $125 to $900 for a custom-made unit.

These windows are great for ventilation; you can easily open them at the bottom and swing outward.

Casement Windows

A new casement window for your basement costs from $100 to $750 at the store, but you’ll spend anywhere from $125 to $1,125 if you need a custom casement window made.

Casements often have a hand-crack feature to open them outward; they’re easy to open, and they offer energy efficiency. Just note, casement windows generally require a window well.

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung basement replacement windows cost between $250 and $750, but the prices go up to $325 to $1,125 if they’re custom.

Double-hung windows are a type of sash window, with two sections that can move independently. They are generally easy to clean and open.

Egress Windows

Prefab basement egress windows cost from $100 to $750, but costs climb to $125 to $1,125 for custom-made windows.

By definition, egress windows are larger so a person can pass through them; building code requires the following basement egress window dimensions:

• At least 20 inches wide

• At least 24 inches tall

• No more than 44 inches from the floor

Glass Block Windows

You’ll spend between $100 and $400 on a prefab glass block window; custom options run from $125 to $600.

Glass block windows offer privacy and security for your basement, but they still let in natural light. While they don’t open, they may be available with vents.

Hopper Windows

Replacement basement hopper windows are among the most affordable types of windows for basements. Prefab units cost $100 to $300, while custom units can run from $125 to $450.

Hopper windows are popular for basements because they don’t require a well. You can open them from the top to ventilate the basement, and they’re a great source of natural light. Because of how they open, however, they’re not great for egress.

In-Swing Windows

A prefab in-swing replacement basement window costs $300 to $800. If you order a custom unit, expect to pay between $375 and $1,200.

In-swing windows are a type of casement window, but they open into the basement instead of out. This is ideal for small basement wells.

Single-Hung Windows

The cost to replace a single-hung basement window is roughly $175 to $525. Ordering a custom replacement raises the price from $225 to $800 for the unit alone.

Single-hung windows are a type of sash window with two glass panes, but you can only open and close the bottom pane. You’ll need to install a well for this window if using the window for egress.

Sliding Windows

Replacing your basement’s sliding windows costs between $250 and $625. If the window opening is an odd size and you need a custom-fit window, expect to pay between $325 and $950.

Sliding windows are super easy to operate (they slide horizontally—it’s in the name!), and they’re great for ventilation, light, and egress (when installed with a well).

Window Frame Material

Windows must be installed within a frame. The material of the window frame will impact the cost of the window unit. Vinyl and wood are the most affordable materials; fiberglass, aluminum, and steel can be more expensive.

Aluminum Frame

A basement window with an aluminum frame generally costs from $300 to $675, though you’ll spend between $375 and $1,025 for custom options. Aluminum frames are incredibly durable and low-maintenance, but aluminum doesn’t offer as much insulation as other frame materials.

Fiberglass Frame

Budget to spend between $250 and $800 to replace a basement window with a fiberglass frame—or $325 to $1,200 if you need to order a custom window to fit a unique shape or size. Fiberglass frames offer incredible insulation and are quite durable, but prices can get high.

Steel Frame

Basement windows with steel frames cost from $275 to $800 prefab or $350 to $1,200 when custom-made. Steel is durable and secure, but it’s prone to rust, meaning it requires more regular maintenance.

Vinyl Frame

When replacing a basement with a vinyl frame, you’ll spend between $100 and $650 for a prefab window, depending on the size. Custom windows cost from $125 to $975. Windows with vinyl frames are the most affordable option, but the frame can crack and warp in extreme climates.

Wood Frame

Windows with wood frames cost between $175 and $800 for prefab units at the store or $225 to $1,200 when ordering custom sizes. Wood offers a timeless look, especially for charming historic homes. However, wood frames can have moisture issues and require high levels of maintenance.

Size

The size of your window will also impact the unit cost. Small replacement basement windows cost between $100 and $475, while medium-sized windows run from $325 to $575 and large windows generally start at $525 and max out at $800 per unit.

Labor

In general, local basement window installers charge between $100 and $300 per window, but this can vary based on local labor rates. Custom windows that pose more installation challenges can cost up to $600 to install.

Note that these costs are in addition to the actual cost of the replacement basement window unit. Contractors may quote a lower rate per window if you’re replacing more than one window at a time.

Additional Cost Factors

A few other factors can impact the overall cost of replacing basement windows:

• Changing size: If you’re creating a larger (or smaller) opening for your window when replacing it, the project will be much more involved. Expect significantly higher labor costs to cut out a new window opening or fill in the existing one.

• Brand: Some higher-end window brands, such as Boman & Kemp and Wellcraft, charge considerably more per unit than budget-friendly brands.

• Additional labor needed: If, during the window replacement, the contractor notices structural issues, or any other basement problems, you may need to set aside additional funds to address the issue.

DIY Basement Window Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro

While it’s possible to replace a basement window on your own—particularly if you’re merely swapping out one prefab unit for another—there are several reasons to hire a contractor. Contractors can ensure correct installation to keep your basement properly insulated and avoid any potential flooding issues. Contractors can also ensure the window installation is up to code.

Plus, window installation may require tools you don’t have, and it can take several hours. There’s risk of injury (and broken glass) if you make a mistake during the installation process.

For that reason, we recommend most homeowners work with a trusted window installer in their area. Get quotes from at least three contractors, and make sure you ask each window replacement contractor these questions to determine the best fit for your project.

When to Replace Your Basement Windows

Your basement windows probably get a lot less use than windows throughout the rest of your home, but they still require maintenance, repair, and, eventually, replacement. Here’s how to know when it’s time to replace your windows in the basement:

1. Age of windows: Most basement windows last between 20 and 30 years. When you hit the 20-year mark, keep a close eye on them. If they are leaking or leading to regular temperature fluctuations in the basement, it’s time to replace them.

2. Leakage and temperature fluctuations: Windows can fail early. Even if you haven’t hit the 20-year mark, you should replace any windows that are leaking or not insulating your basement well enough.

3. Poor operation: If your windows are increasingly difficult to open—or won’t open at all—it’s worth hiring a window repair contractor near you to inspect them. They might be able to fix the issue, but if not, you’ll need to replace the windows.

4. Visible damage: Cracked and chipped windows aren’t the end of the world, especially in a basement. But if they are showing significant damage, or if the frame itself is damaged or rotting, you’ll need to replace the window (and potentially the frame).

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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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