Installing an egress window typically costs between $2,500 and $5,500, but the price can climb higher depending on the complexity of the job.
You may not be familiar with the term “egress window,” but you certainly know what it is. It’s that large, code-required window in a basement or bedroom that serves as an emergency escape route. Unlike standard windows, egress windows have to meet specific size and accessibility requirements to ensure a person can climb out safely in case of a fire or other emergency.
Why do they cost more than standard windows? The labor is more involved, and in many states, egress windows are required in every bedroom for safety and code compliance. If you’re finishing a basement or remodeling a bedroom, installing an egress window isn’t just a good idea—it may be legally necessary.
This guide breaks down what factors affect egress window costs, when you need one, and how to make sure you’re getting the right installation for your home.
- Price Range: $1,200+
- Glass and Hardware Warranty: 10–20 years
- Labor Warranty: 2 years
- BBB Rating: A+
- State Availability: 47 states
- Installs its own patented Fibrex framing
- Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on nonglass materials
- Holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Doesn’t carry aluminum, fiberglass, or wood frames
- Can have long wait times between consultation and installation, according to customer reviews
You can purchase the following window styles from Renewal by Andersen:
- Awning
- Bay/bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding/gliding
- Specialty windows with geometric shapes
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Above-ground egress windows are more affordable, usually $1,000 to $2,500, since they don’t require extensive structural modifications. Basement egress windows, on the other hand, can cost up to $7,500 because they often require excavation, window wells, drainage systems, and even concrete work.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Egress Windows?
A host of factors impact the cost of an egress window, from the window location to its materials. These variations can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your final price, so it’s imperative to understand them beforehand.
Above-ground egress windows are more affordable, usually $1,000 to $2,500, since they don’t require extensive structural modifications. Basement egress windows, on the other hand, can cost up to $7,500 because they often require excavation, window wells, drainage systems, and even concrete work.
But you often get plenty of value from installing them.
“Egress windows are vital for safety and can enhance the value and livability of your home,” said Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Handy Inc. in New Berlin, Wisconsin. You may also need to pay for a permit and inspection, said Boyko.
| Cost Range | Cost Per Window |
|---|---|
| Low-end Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 |
| National Average Cost Range | $2,500–$5,500 |
| High-end Cost Range | $5,500–$7,500 |
Our cost data comes from RSMeans, a price estimator database for contractors. The estimates included in this article cover average material and installation costs.
Cost of Egress Windows by Location
Your new egress window’s location is likely the most significant cost determinant. Aboveground egresses don’t require digging and, therefore, have similar costs to standard window projects. On the other hand, below-grade (or below-ground) egresses typically require excavation, concrete cutting, and well installation, which leads to higher costs.
| Egress Window Location | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Above ground | $700 | $1,500 |
| Below grade | $2,500 | $5,500 |
Window Well Installation Costs
A window well is the excavated area surrounding your egress window. These structures can be as simple or as high-end as you’d like. The main thing to know when budgeting for a window well is that you’ll probably need to hire a land surveyor and general contractor. The surveyor will ensure your property’s foundation and drainage system can handle the installation. Meanwhile, the contractor will remove dirt around the window area, create a new opening, and install the well.
Consider the rough estimates below for the project. Factor in the price of the window and any labor fees for a more realistic picture of your total project costs.
| Additional Egress Window Installation Costs | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Land surveyor | $375 | $500 |
| Excavation | $350 | $450 |
| Concrete cutting | $400 | $800 |
| Window well | $500 | $2,000 |
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Cost of Egress Windows by Size
One of the most important things to know before installing egress windows is that they must follow certain building regulations. According to the International Residential Code (IRC), egress windows need to adhere to the following size requirements (large enough for an average-size adult to escape):
- Minimum width of 20 inches
- Minimum height of 24 inches
- Minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet
- The bottom of the window can be no more than 44 inches above the floor
Below are price estimates for prefab egress windows from popular retailers like Milgard, JELD-WEN, and Pella. These figures only include the national average costs of the windows, allowing you to see how size impacts your bill.
| Egress Window Size | Cost Per Window |
|---|---|
| 22” X 44” | $390 |
| 24” X 20” | $390 |
| 48” X 48” | $460–$655 |
| 28” X 52” | $540–$800 |
| 27” X 45” | $670–$725 |
| 31” X 41” | $800–$900 |
| 28” X 46” | $800–$900 |
| 36” X 48” | $910–$1,000 |
Cost of Egress Windows by Type
Egress windows are designed to provide emergency exits from the home. In everyday settings, they also improve ventilation in closed-off living spaces like basement bedrooms. For these reasons, egress windows must be operable (able to open and close) and large enough for a person to fit through.
Casement windows are the most common type of egress windows. They swing out on hinges like a door to expose the full opening. This means you can select a smaller size because the glass panes won’t block any area when the window is fully open. “Casement windows, which provide a larger clear opening, are more expensive but are often necessary for basement installations,” said Patrick. “Sliders can be a more cost-effective option if you have a large enough opening.” In-swing windows are casement windows that open inward. Like casements, in-swing windows are ideal for egress openings because they take up less space and open to expose the full window area.
Sliding windows have sashes that move horizontally on a track. When fully open, sliding egress windows must be at least 4 feet by 4 feet to meet code requirements. Meanwhile, double-hung windows feature two operable sashes that overlap in the middle to allow airflow through the top and bottom sections. These windows work as egresses if the opening size meets regulations. Finally, single-hung windows feature one operable sash that overlaps with a fixed top sash. Like double-hung models, these must have a big enough opening to meet regulations.
| Egress Window Type | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Casement | $300 | $600 |
| In-swing | $400 | $700 |
| Slider | $300 | $700 |
| Double-hung | $600 | $950 |
| Single-hung | $200 | $600 |
Cost of Egress Windows by Frame Material
The cost of any window will fluctuate depending on the framing material you choose. Vinyl is usually the cheapest window option due to its lower cost and automated manufacturing process. Still, the material is customizable and low-maintenance, providing insulation and durability for up to 20 years. Jeff Ludy, the owner of Houston Window Experts, said that vinyl is one of the most energy-efficient materials as long as it’s high quality. He suggested purchasing vinyl windows with less than 20% recycled content, because the chemicals in the additives of recycled windows may turn yellow over time when exposed to direct sunlight
Materials like fiberglass and aluminum tend to cost in the midrange. Aluminum’s strength and durability make it an excellent choice for homeowners in severe weather climates, while fiberglass is more expensive than vinyl but offers much higher strength and durability for longer. This material is warp, rot, and corrosion-resistant, making it a top choice for egress windows in wet climates.
Wood costs the most because of more expensive raw materials and manufacturing processes. Although it offers classic beauty, it’s susceptible to pests, rot, and warping, so keep this in mind if you live in a wet climate.
| Egress Window Material | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $400 | $1,000 |
| Aluminum | $500 | $1,100 |
| Fiberglass | $600 | $1,300 |
| Wood | $900 | $2,000 |
Cost of Egress Windows by Number of Glass Panes
Windows can have one, two, or three panes—known as single-pane, double-pane, or triple-pane windows.
Modern window manufacturers mostly build double-pane and triple-pane windows because the added glass panes make windows more energy-efficient. These windows have an air-tight seal between each pane, which can be filled with an inert gas—such as argon or krypton—to reduce heat transfer and block exterior noise.
Upgrading to tempered glass strengthens the window, adds to its safety, and increases its cost by $100 to $200. Other upgrades, such as tinted or low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, also increase costs but may pay for themselves over time due to their energy savings.
| Number of Glass Panes | Cost Range per Window |
|---|---|
| Single-pane | $100–$300 |
| Double-pane | $200–$600 |
| Triple-pane | $500–$1,000 |
Additional Costs of Egress Windows
Beyond materials, location, and size, you should also budget for any window accessories, required building permits, and potential labor costs. These additional fees can drive up your price by hundreds or thousands of dollars but are necessary for a successful egress window installation.
Your total bill may include some of these factors:
Window Well Covers
These are optional accessories to add to your egress windows, hard plastic or glass sheets that cover the exposed window well to prevent falls, standing water, and debris buildup around the window. They’re affordable and typically cost under $150. If you’re on a budget, draft stoppers can serve as a temporary measure to prevent water from entering your home. If you’d like to learn to make draft dodgers for your doors and windows, you might want to check out our article that provides a detailed guide on how to craft draft stoppers for doors and windows.
Labor and Installation
This accounts for a large part of your egress window costs. An egress window installation team costs around $237 per hour or $1,896 daily.
Required Permits
To add an egress window to your home, you may need to acquire a building permit. Permits for windows and doors generally cost between $100 and $300, so you should factor this amount into your project budget.
How Does the Cost of Egress Windows Compare to Other Window Types?
Egress windows are one of the most expensive windows you can add to your home. The higher price point stems from the labor-intensive installation process these home additions require.
If your basement doesn’t need an emergency escape route, you might want to consider a different window style for your home. See price ranges and use cases for the most common window types below:
| Window Type | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
| Storm | $100 | $400 |
| Single-hung | $200 | $400 |
| Picture | $400 | $700 |
| Double-hung | $430 | $915 |
| Casement | $440 | $950 |
| Awning | $430 | $830 |
| Glass block | $500 | $1,000 |
| Skylight | $500 | $2,000 |
| Bay | $1,000 | $7,000 |
| Bow | $2,000 | $4,000 |
Is DIY Worth the Cost Savings of Installing Egress Windows?
A safe and successful egress window installation requires careful planning and in-depth knowledge. For this reason, I strongly suggest hiring a professional contractor to install your egress window. Unless you’re an expert do-it-yourselfer with skills in excavation, concrete cutting, foundation work, and window installation, this job is better left to home improvement pros. A faulty installation could cause serious injury or long-lasting damage to your home.
If you opt for a do-it-yourself egress window installation, take these safety precautions:
- Acquire a building permit to ensure your window meets building code requirements.
- Call the 811 digging hotline before excavating any part of your yard. This step can prevent you from hitting underground water, gas, or power lines.
- Install a drainpipe in the egress well to prevent water buildup around your home’s foundation.
How To Save on Egress Windows
Installing egress windows yourself to save money isn’t an option for most homeowners. However, there are several ways that you can make this a more affordable window replacement project:
- Select a basic egress window model with simple features.
- Choose a prefabricated window instead of a custom one (this may not be feasible if you need a unique size to fit your home).
- Check out multiple window providers’ egress windows and compare pricing for different materials. Vinyl is almost always the most budget-friendly window frame material.
- Gather at least three quotes from professional contractors and negotiate for a better deal to save on installation costs.
- Check for discounts and promos.
When To Replace Egress Windows?
Windows can last for decades before you need to replace them. However, if you notice any of the signs below, contact a window replacement company that can determine whether you need new windows or not.
- Condensation between glass panes: One indication of damaged windows is condensation build-up between the panes. This occurs when the seal between the panes breaks. A damaged seal makes your egress windows less energy efficient, which can increase monthly energy bills.
- Difficulty opening: An egress window’s primary function is to enhance your home’s safety by easily opening and closing. If your window is sticky or hard to open, this poses a safety risk and usually requires repairs or replacement.
- Leaks: Watch out for water leaks around the frame of your egress window. Excessive moisture around these frames can cause sealing issues and potentially damage the structural integrity of the window opening.
- Visible damage: Warped frames and cracked glass compromise your egress window’s functionality and affect your home’s appearance. Window glass replacement may be possible in some situations, which is considerably more affordable than replacing an entire window.
Is an Egress Window Worth It for Your Home?
Egress windows generally cost between $2,500–$5,500 for materials, installation, and add-ons. Although these windows come at a higher price point, they have multiple benefits, including improved ventilation, lighting, and home safety. In my opinion, that’s well worth the investment for the greater peace of mind alone.
Ready to start planning your egress window project? Complete the form below for quotes from top window installers in your area:
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About Egress Window Costs
Egress windows can increase your home’s value by transforming belowground square footage into fully finished living spaces. Egress windows are one of the few home improvement projects that recoup the cost of installation and more when you sell your home.
The main benefit of egress windows is that they provide a way for people to escape or enter the home in case of an emergency. This feature is especially important for homes in fire-prone areas.
The secondary benefit of egress windows is their ability to add light and airflow to belowground spaces. You can transform your dark, unwelcoming cellar into a cozy finished basement.
Improperly installed egress windows can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation. A faulty installation can lead to weakened walls, a shifty foundation, moisture damage, and flooding.
Avoid these disasters by hiring a professional egress window installer for the job. An expert installer will have the tools and expertise necessary to add a safe, functional window to your home without damaging it.
Egress window installation is best left to professionals because of the many tools and the expert-level skill required. Certain building codes and local requirements may also affect how the window can be installed, which isn’t something most DIYers are equipped to meet.
