Homeowners looking to convert their basement into a bedroom, improve safety, or bring an older home up to code may run into a major renovation requirement: bay windows. Installing exit windows designed as emergency exits is expensive, but can save lives.
Learn more about the costs associated with installing egress windows and what it takes to replace your basement windows with egress windows.
How much does it cost to install a basement egress window?
Emergency exit windows provide a life-saving evacuation route in the event of a fire or emergency and are costly. Approximately $4,000 per window.
The cost of installing egress windows varies depending on who installs them. We recommend hiring a professional who can professionally assess your window needs and properly install your egress windows.
“Most homeowners pay about $4,200 to install an entry/exit window, and the full range runs from about $2,700 to $5,800 or more, depending on the home,” says Tommy Patterson, director of technical training for Glass Doctor, a Neighborly company.
Cost breakdown of underground exit windows
For output windows, there are five costs that drive the final number, Patterson said. These include:
- position: Basements cost more than above ground.
- Wall material: Unlike wooden frames, concrete and stone require special cutting equipment.
- Window size and type: The exit cord requires a minimum clear opening, which usually means a larger, heavier unit.
- Compliance with permits and regulations: Requirements vary by municipality. Some cities require blueprints.
- Site conditions: Narrow access, rocky soil, and existing landscaping all increase labor hours.
What factors affect the installation cost of basement egress windows?
Bay windows are often installed in basements and bedrooms. Factors that affect egress window installation include excavation, permitting, and labor. These factors can make the total cost much higher than standard window replacement.
The layout of your home, the size of your project, and the style of your windows can all affect the cost of installing egress windows. Installing egress windows can require extensive construction and investment.
The cost of exit windows in the basement and the cost of installing windows above ground
Because egress windows are installed underground, they cost more than above-ground egress windows. This is because basement exit windows require cutting out the foundation and installing windows with proper drainage.
Above-ground windows do not require digging into the ground, so they cost similar to standard window replacements.
“Ground installations, such as adding an egress to a main floor bedroom, are installed lower. These projects reduce labor and materials because they modify the frame rather than the foundation,” says Patterson. “Barring any structural surprises, we expect the bottom of the range.”
Additional costs homeowners should plan for
The cost of egress windows includes many other factors that homeowners must budget for. Additional costs include:
- Excavation and soil removal
- Penetrates foundations and concrete walls
- window well and ladder
- Drainage system to prevent water intrusion
- Comply with permit and regulatory requirements
“What we see in the field is that most budget overruns are due to hidden circumstances,” Patterson says. “Cracks in the foundation, moisture damage, or buried equipment will show up once excavation begins. A pre-installation inspection will uncover most of these before the contract is signed.”
Expert tips: Set aside 10 to 15 percent of your project budget as a reserve. “Basement projects rarely go unused,” says Patterson.
Is installing egress windows worth the expense?
If your family’s safety is your top priority, it’s worth installing egress windows in your basement or bedroom. It can also increase its resale appeal if you decide to sell it later.
Installing bay windows increases both the safety and property value of your home. Best of all, if a fire breaks out or another emergency occurs, your family can sleep with peace of mind. Installing windows also improves lighting and ventilation.
“You can’t necessarily recoup every dollar of your installation costs through resale,” Patterson says. “What you get in return is faster sales times, fewer inspection issues, and more bedrooms listed.”
Can I install escape windows myself?
Homeowners can also install egress windows themselves, but experts do not recommend it. It’s best left to the professionals.
“Exit installation includes structural cutting, load considerations, waterproofing, and code inspection,” Patterson explains. “Mistakes can be expensive to fix and dangerous to continue living in. Failing an inspection can also prevent a home from selling until it’s corrected.”
Where can I get a quote for exit windows
It is best to use a professional window installer for your egress window replacement project. Here are some good national providers to start the process.
How to save on exit window installation costs
Homeowners save money on installing egress windows. Patterson suggests getting quotes from three professionals and comparing not just price but range. In addition to finishing work, homeowners can also do interior trim, painting and landscaping as DIY jobs, he said.
Bundle your projects if you can afford it. “If you’re remodeling a basement, schedule the egress installation in the same phase to share the labor and permitting costs,” says Patterson.
Finally, homeowners should not skimp on structural cuts or the windows themselves. “Get those done by a licensed professional,” says Patterson. You won’t regret it.
FAQ
How much does it cost to install an emergency window in my basement?
Costs vary, but can range from $2,700 to more than $5,800, depending on factors such as excavation, permits, and labor.
Why are egress windows so expensive?
Egress windows are expensive because they are not standard window replacements and require structural and excavation work to properly install and meet standards.
Do I need permission for entrance/exit?
Emergency exit windows are associated with safety regulations, so yes, permits and inspections are required.
Does a basement bedroom need an egress window?
This varies depending on local building codes, but generally yes. An emergency exit or separate exit is required to allow occupants to safely evacuate in the event of a fire or emergency.
How long does it take to install egress windows?
Depending on the project, permitting, and other factors, installation can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days or more.
Do exit windows add home value?
Yes, egress windows can increase a home’s value and resale appeal, especially if the basement has been converted into a legitimate sleeping or living space. It also improves air flow, creating a more open and bright space.
