Egress window installation costs $2,718–$5,878, with a national average of $4,216. Installing an egress window can enhance the safety and livability of your home’s below-ground spaces, like in basements and attics. These windows provide an emergency exit while allowing more natural light and ventilation into your home.
Our guide breaks down the factors that affect the final price of egress window installation, from window size and type to labor costs and local building codes, so you can choose the right one for your space and budget.
Key Takeaways
- The average cost of egress windows is $4,216, with a typical price range of $2,718–$5,878, according to our research.
- Over 40% of our November 2025 survey respondents who purchased egress windows nationwide reported that installation took between two and three days to complete.
- Your area’s building codes may require you to install an egress window in your finished basement or any livable space below the fourth floor.
Renewal by Andersen
Buy One Window or Door, Get One 40% Off
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Features proprietary window frame material that is stronger and more durable than vinyl
- Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on non-glass materials
- Provides full-service window replacement services
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t sell aluminum, fiberglass, or wood frame windows
- Provides fewer window styles than other brands
Window Styles Offered
Renewal by Andersen offers up to eight window styles, which you can customize to fit your home’s aesthetic. Here is the full list of window styles Renewal by Andersen offers:
- Specialty
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding
What Is an Egress Window?
An egress window resembles a regular window but opens fully to serve as a secondary emergency exit. You typically find egress windows in finished basements, where they provide natural lighting and a striking exterior trim, in addition to serving as a means of escape in the event of a fire.
Egress windows come in multiple window styles, but simple casement and transom windows are the most common types.
Egress Window Requirements
The International Residential Code (IRC) requires these measurements for egress windows:
- Minimum height: 24 inches
- Minimum width: 20 inches
- Minimum opening: 5.7 square feet above ground or 5 square feet below ground
- Maximum distance from the indoor floor to the window base: 44 inches
Many municipalities’ building codes require egress windows in livable spaces below the fourth floor. Building codes require the window of a certain size so an adult can exit safely and swiftly. The IRC sets the qualifications for an egress window to be considered part of an emergency escape route.
The area directly outside the egress window must also meet specific requirements, like being installed below ground level (also referred to as “below grade”) and including a window well. A window well is a U-shaped barrier made of ribbed metal or plastic that prevents water from pooling around the window and allows more access to the emergency exit.
What Affects Egress Window Costs?
How much an egress window costs mostly depends on the following factors:
- Glass quality: Windows that are double-paned or made of coated glass typically cost more. Double-pane versions were the most popular choice among our 2025 windows survey respondents who installed egress windows, with over 77% opting for double-pane windows rather than single- or triple-paned windows.
- Location: Egress windows installed above ground cost less than those that must go partially or totally below ground.
- Window type: Casement windows are the most popular, but other types of windows are available that come at different price points.
Glass Quality
Like other quality replacement windows, egress windows come in single-, double-, and triple-pane options. Having more panes means more sound insulation and energy efficiency, though double-pane is the standard.
Multipane glass increases a window’s resistance to shattering and cracking. It also adds noise reduction and helps with ventilation and heat exchange. Low-emissivity (low-e) glass adds even more energy efficiency, using a transparent glaze that blocks more ultraviolet (UV) rays than standard glass. Incorporating argon gas between the panes provides additional insulation, reducing heat transfer and helping to maintain your home’s internal temperature.
You can also opt for tempered glass, which is heat-treated for additional strength. Consider installing a top-rated storm window for added protection if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather.
Your Location
Whether you want the egress window installed above or below ground will significantly affect the total cost of the project. Windows that sit below ground require excavation and soil shoring to maintain drainage, which increases labor costs. While less common, skylight egress windows have higher costs because they’re more difficult and time-consuming to install.
| Location | Prefab Window Price | Custom Window Price |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | $900–$1,500 | $1,400–$3,000 |
| Attic | $900–$1,500 | $1,400–$4,500 |
| Bedroom | $900–$3,000 | $1,400–$4,500 |
| Skylight | $900–$4,000 | $1,400–$5,500 |
| Basement (below ground) | $2,500–$5,000 | $3,000–$7,500 |
Cost by Window Type
Egress windows also vary in price depending on their style. Learn more about the most common types below.
Casement windows are the most common type of egress window, costing $560 on average. They’re hinged on one side and open with a hand crank. The entire window swings outward like a door, and the cost of a casement type is $560 per window, according to our 2025 survey responses.
Double-hung windows feature two sashes that you can raise and lower to open a portion of the window. These windows cost $495 on average. Because you can only open half of the window at a time, double-hung egress windows must be a minimum of four feet, twice the height of the code requirements for an emergency exit opening.
Casement windows that open inward are in-swing windows. They’re popular for egress windows, but the interior space around them must remain clear so they can open. Pricing can vary.
Single-hung windows are similar to double-hung windows, except only the lower sash moves. Single-hung windows are typically the least expensive option, but they share the same drawback as double-hung windows—they must be twice as tall as the legal requirement. These windows cost $397 per unit on average.
Sliding windows open horizontally, with an average price of $507 per window. Again, this means they must be twice as wide as the 20-inch requirement to create an opening large enough to meet building codes.
Additional Egress Window Installation Cost Factors
While we’ve already covered factors that most impact price, a few other things also affect egress window installation costs. Learn more about additional cost factors below.
Your home’s location also influences the project’s cost. For example, a window installer must install egress windows at a different depth depending on the area’s water table level. The deeper the window must go, the higher the cost. You may also pay more if you live in an area with a higher cost of living, or if an installer must travel to a remote location.
When installing an egress window, you must pay for both the window materials and the corrugated metal or plastic that creates the window well. Some egress windows also include step ladders and further ventilation to improve safety and performance. The more materials required, the higher the cost.
You can save on labor if you install multiple egress windows at once. Although local building codes only require one egress window per bedroom, adding additional windows will increase the space’s fresh air and natural light. If your basement has more than one bedroom, you’ll need one egress window per room.
Installing an egress window typically requires a building permit and an excavation permit for windows going below ground. These can cost $100–$500, depending on your location. A professional contractor can get the proper permits for you.
Egress windows are more functional than decorative, so most homeowners opt for prefabricated (prefab) versions. These are less expensive and easier to install. You can customize your egress window for a higher cost if you feel creative or have an unusual space that requires a unique fit. Keep the code requirements for an egress window opening in mind, though.
You can install egress windows anywhere in your home. However, basement egress windows tend to cost more than those in other locations due to the addition of a window well.
If you’re converting a previously unfinished room into a livable space, you may already have windows that don’t meet code requirements. You can often remove the old window, enlarge the hole, and install a new window in its place. Enlarging a window opening costs $150–$200, but window replacement costs can run higher if more labor is required.
Window Well Installation
Egress windows must serve as emergency exits, so the area around the window must have sufficient space to allow an adult to climb out. You’ll need to excavate a window well for below-ground egress windows. This job may require the services of a land surveyor and a structural engineer to ensure your foundation remains secure and your yard has proper drainage.
Did You Know?
- Over 97% of our November 2025 survey respondents who had egress windows installed reported being “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the quality of their window installation.
Excavation typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000, including labor for installing the window well. Manufacturers usually produce window well kits from fiberglass or metal. It includes all the necessary materials for installing egress windows, including the window itself. You can also purchase the parts individually. High-end kits tend to resemble stone or brick.
How To Save on Egress Windows
If you’re looking to save on egress window installation, here’s a list of tips for affordable window replacement.
- Choose basic features: Simpler egress windows without decorative grilles, specialty glass, or custom trim lower upfront costs. While premium features may boost aesthetics, they likely won’t improve safety or function.
- Get multiple estimates from licensed contractors: Request at least three estimates to compare labor and material costs. Some contractors may offer price matching or suggest areas where you can save, based on your home’s layout or local codes.
- Install a prefab window: Prefab egress windows cost less than custom-built options because manufacturers produce them in bulk. These models come in standard sizes and styles, which can help you avoid the added labor and material costs that come with customization.
- Pick a simple window well kit: Basic window well kits, often made of metal or plastic, offer a budget-friendly alternative to faux stone or decorative concrete options. These kits meet building code requirements and still provide the necessary drainage and ladder access.
How Do Top Window Brands Compare?
Compare the best window brands across various factors in the table below.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A+ | N/A | Limited transferable | ||
Not Rated | $474 | Limited lifetime transferable | ||
 | A+ | $456 | Lifetime transferable | |
 | D | $699 | Full lifetime and limited lifetime | |
A+ | $742 | Limited transferable | ||
 | A+ | $338 | Lifetime transferable, limited transferable | |
A+ | $489 | Limited lifetime transferable | ||
A+ | $577 | Limited lifetime transferable |
Questions To Ask Your Egress Window Installer
It’s important to find a reputable and trustworthy window contractor for your egress window installation. Here’s a list of questions you can ask potential installers to gauge their experience and qualifications.
- What experience and certifications do you have?
- Can you provide any examples of your previous work?
- What is the estimated cost of the installation, and what does it include?
- Is that estimate binding?
- What window brands do you typically use?
- Will the weather affect your work?
- Who will supervise the work?
- What should I do if something goes wrong?
Our Recommendation
- Nearly 44% of our 1,000 survey respondents hired a professional because they felt it was safer than installing windows themselves. We recommend using a pro if you have minimal experience with installing residential windows.
Is Egress Window Installation Worth it?
Egress windows provide many benefits. They can increase natural sunlight in your attic or basement. Most importantly, egress windows enhance your home’s safety by providing a clear exit in the event of an emergency. A finished basement or attic can increase your living space, raising your home’s value. These projects require the installation of egress windows for added safety, natural light, and improved airflow.
A homeowner with proper experience can likely install an above-ground egress window, but we recommend hiring a professional for below-ground or more complex projects. The best way to determine the cost of your egress window project is to obtain a quote from a reputable window company. We recommend obtaining a few quotes to compare prices and secure the best deal. Also, review the company’s warranty coverage and customer reviews before making your decision.
FAQs About Egress Window Costs
Are egress windows worth it?
Egress windows can increase natural sunlight in your attic or basement. They also allow you to convert your basement into a livable space for more bedrooms, which can increase your home’s value by an estimated $20,000, according to home inspection company Home Inspection Geeks. Most importantly, egress windows enhance your home’s safety by providing an exit in case of an emergency.
What is the cheapest type of egress window?
The most affordable type of egress window is typically a sliding window, also called a horizontal slider. This style uses fewer materials and a simpler design compared to casement or double-hung options, which helps keep the price lower. Sliding windows meet egress code requirements as long as the opening size provides the minimum clear space for escape and exit. However, they may occupy more wall space due to their horizontal opening, so ensure your basement layout can accommodate them.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of installing egress windows?
The primary benefit of installing an egress window is having a designated exit in case of an emergency, such as a fire or flood. Egress windows also allow light and airflow into otherwise enclosed spaces. The primary disadvantages of egress windows are the financial investment and potential hassle of ensuring your windows meet building code requirements and comply with size specifications. These codes exist for a reason, however, and the financial investment is worth it if the window helps your family in the event of an emergency.
Can you install an egress window yourself?
You may want to try installing an egress window yourself to save on labor costs. However, installing an egress window is tricky and can cause damage if you don’t have an understanding of masonry and framing. When you cut a hole for a basement egress window, you cut a hole in your home’s foundation. Mistakes can cause flooding, mold, water damage, or structural instability. We highly recommend hiring a professional to install a below-ground egress window to avoid these problems. An experienced contractor can manage all aspects of the installation process, from excavation to fitting the well and cover.
Our Rating Methodology
Our team backs up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider we review. Our research included speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, reviewing window details, and conducting consumer surveys. We then scored each provider against our review standards based on window variety and features, cost, value, trustworthiness, and customer service to determine a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
How We Determined Pricing for Egress Window Installations
To provide the most accurate and current pricing for egress window installations, we collected cost estimates from Angi and Fixr. We also used cost data collected from our November 2025 survey of homeowners who recently purchased windows nationwide. Our research included analyzing window and installation costs across the country to determine project estimates for different homeowner situations.
The prices shared in this guide represent averages based on our research at the time of publication. Your total cost may vary based on your location, window style, material choice, installer, and more.
