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What you pay for
HomeGuide's national average for a basement egress window is $7,000, with most jobs between $6,000 and $8,000 and a full range of $4,000–$12,000. The window unit alone is $100–$700 according to Angi. The rest is digging the well, cutting the opening, framing it and setting the well and drain. HomeGuide says the work usually takes 2 to 3 days.
| Windows | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,000 | $7,000 | $12,000 |
| 2 | $8,000 | $14,000 | $24,000 |
| 3 | $12,000 | $21,000 | $36,000 |
| 4 | $16,000 | $28,000 | $48,000 |
Factors
- Foundation type. Cutting a poured concrete wall takes longer than removing concrete block.
- Window style. A casement opens fully, so it reaches 5.7 sq ft with a smaller opening than a slider or double-hung.
- Well depth. Wells deeper than 44″ need a fixed ladder or steps.
- Access. Tight side yards and landscaping add hand digging and restoration.
Getting comparable bids
- Write a one-page scope: rooms, bathroom fixtures, number of egress windows, ceiling type and flooring.
- Ask each contractor to price the permit, the water fix and any electrical panel work as separate lines.
- Ask whether quotes include design, dumpster and final cleaning.
- Compare per-square-foot totals only after removing the bathroom and egress lines, which do not scale with area.
- Check the license, insurance and recent permits of each contractor with your building department.
The usual order of work
| Phase | Who | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Water and radon | Waterproofer, mitigator | Test radon and fix leaks before anything is covered |
| 2. Permit and plan | Owner, designer | Rooms, egress windows, bathroom location |
| 3. Egress and drains | Excavator, plumber | Cut windows and break slab for drains while the space is open |
| 4. Framing and insulation | Carpenter | Foam on the concrete, treated bottom plates, fire blocking |
| 5. Rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC | Licensed trades | Inspections before walls close |
| 6. Drywall and ceiling | Drywall crew | Leave access panels for valves and cleanouts |
| 7. Flooring, trim, paint, fixtures | Finish trades or owner | Final inspection |
Bathroom and egress costs land early, in phase 3, which is why they surprise people who budget only by the square foot.
Common questions
How much does it cost to put in an egress window?
About $7,000 on average, $4,000–$12,000 overall, according to HomeGuide.
Is an egress window required in a basement?
IRC R310 requires an emergency escape opening in basements with habitable space and in every sleeping room.
Related calculators
Sources
- https://homeguide.com/costs/egress-window-installation-cost
- https://match.angi.com/cost/doors-and-windows/install-egress-windows
- https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/Media%20Root/Safety%20&%20Inspections/DSI.Bldg_EgressWindow.pdf
- https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/PDS/Building-Safety/Residential-Charts-and-Diagrams/Typical-Egress-Window-and-Well-Detail