Cost to Install a Basement Egress Window
Installing a basement egress window means excavating outside the foundation, building or placing a retaining window well, adding drainage, creating a foundation opening, and sealing and finishing the window. The work is hard because the opening is structural and the exterior work must leave room for the drainage assembly and slope away from the house.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- An existing basement window is worn or damaged.
- A basement renovation includes a window upgrade.
- A homeowner wants to add a basement egress window.
- The basement window area is being updated with a window well and drainage.
DIY or call a pro?
A professional should handle this job, especially the structural foundation opening, because an improper cut can compromise the foundation. Have professionals make the foundation cut; cutting concrete block requires a respirator, hearing protection, and eye protection. Check with your local building department whether this work needs a permit. Obtain approved plans and any required engineering review before planning the opening.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install a basement egress window myself, or should I hire someone?
- This job suits a licensed professional. A professional should make the structural foundation cut, since an improper cut can compromise the foundation. Before excavation, call 811 to identify buried utilities, and have approved plans and any required engineering review in place.
- What makes the price of a basement egress window installation increase?
- The price scales with the number of egress windows, labor time, and materials. Foundation wall type and thickness can affect the cutting approach and labor time.
- What should I check before choosing the window location?
- Determine the foundation wall type and thickness, since block, poured concrete, brick, and stone can require different cutting approaches. Also plan the exterior well placement and locate underground utilities before digging.
- Should I use a manufactured or custom window well?
- A manufactured window well is an option when avoiding custom engineering. The well still needs a level base and the planned drainage materials, including gravel, drainpipe, geotextile fabric, and clean rock.
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