Most people install egress windows in their homes majorly for exit purposes. You may be wondering why; egress windows are usually very large and a perfect escape route in case of any emergency.
Egress windows don’t have a special look or design, and you can easily confuse it for any other type of window, however, their largeness is what makes them stand out.
On the bright side, egress windows come in different sizes and styles, and you should have no problem finding one that complements your home’s aesthetic.
However, how much do they cost? Do you need to break the bank to install egress windows in your home?
Let’s find out!
How Much Does It Cost to Buy an Egress Window?
The cost of an egress window depends on different factors, meaning there’s no fixed price and you can always tweak your preferences based on your budget.
The factors that can influence the installation of egress windows include the type of material, location, size of the window, type of window, and of course replacement costs.
On average, it costs about $2,544 to $5,302 to install egress windows in your home, and between $200 to $700 per installation; however, if you plan on excavating to install an egress window, it’ll cost you about $2,000 to $3,000 per window installation.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Egress Window
Depending on your state, you might need to get a permit before installing egress windows in your home. So, it’s advisable to ask your local contractor, so you’ll be aware if there are any permit fees to pay or not.
If your state requires a permit to install egress windows and you don’t get one, you’ll be fined!
Let’s look at other factors that will affect the price of installing an egress window.
1. Glass Quality
The glass quality of the window you are using plays a huge role in the cost of installation. If you plan on going for windows that are made using coated glass, you’ll spend more money.
As it should be, windows of higher glass quality will always cost more, however, you’ll get real value for your money.
With double-paned windows, you get to block out noise effectively, and the installation will cost $200 to $500 per window installation. However, for triple-paned windows, you’ll obviously have to spend more, as they are more effective in blocking out drafts and noise.
Windows made with frosted glass are usually the most expensive to install, as they cost about $350 – $800 per installation. Frosted glass helps with privacy, so if you need glass that’ll allow natural light to penetrate your home, this glass is not for you.
Windows that feature extra glass coating, thereby minimizing the penetration of UV light will cost more than the standard glass quality.
2. Window Type
For a window to be considered an egress window, it needs to be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. You’d be surprised to find out that the type of window you intend to use for an egress has more influence on the price than the size of the window.
There are different types of windows you can use for egress, and they all have their unique prices as well.
Types of windows that can be used for egress windows:
- Casement Windows
Most homeowners make use of casement windows for their basement egress windows, and it costs about $150 – $1,000 per window installation. Casement windows are usually hinged on one side and they have a hand crank as well, making it easy to open and close in case of emergencies.
- Sliding Windows
Sliding windows feature a single or double sash, and because it opens in a horizontal direction, it needs to be about 40 inches wide, so they can be large enough to qualify as an egress window.
You’ll spend $150 – $600 per window installation if you are going for sliding windows.
- Double-Hung or Single-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are also a very popular type of egress window because it’s aesthetically pleasing, and can be installed almost anywhere in your living space.
With double-hung windows, you can only open one portion of the window at a time, and it has to be a minimum of 4 ft in height to be classified as an egress window.
Double-hung window installation costs $150 – $650.
- Custom or Prefabricated Egress Window
Prefabricated windows can be easily purchased from stores or even an online store. The best part is that they come in different sizes and styles, and you’ll have no trouble picking out the perfect one.
However, if you are looking for something extremely unique, it could be in terms of size or design, then it’s best to go for a custom egress window.
- Custom Egress Window
With custom egress windows, your choices aren’t limited. You get to choose the exact material (wood, vinyl, or fiberglass), you want in your preferred size and style.
The thing with custom-made egress windows is that you get to choose a unique shape as well. If you take a look at some modern houses, you’ll notice large windows that come with curved and angle frames. So, if you have a particular design in mind and you are certain you won’t get it from an online store, then your best bet is a custom window.
The cost of installing a custom-made egress window ranges from $700 to $2,500, and in some instances, you can spend more than that.
- Prefabricated Egress Window
If you are trying to save cost, but you still want a window that’s alluring and pleasing, you can go for prefab windows. It costs about $200 – $1000 for installation, but this price is subject to change when you go for complex designs or extremely large sizes.
When people hear prefab windows, they usually think you are confined to a particular type of window, but that’s not true. Prefabricated windows are sometimes made of rare and expensive materials, and this can make them a bit expensive.
Most people opt for prefab windows because they don’t have the time to wait for a custom-made option. For instance, if your window gets damaged and you need to replace it ASAP, your best option at the moment is a prefab window. On the bright side, you get a few bucks.
3. Location
Egress windows can be installed in the basement, attic, bedroom, and living room. Where you decide to install it will affect how much you’ll spend.
Some of these locations are above ground level and others are below. If you are installing a window that’s below ground level, you’ll spend more money because then you’ll have to pay for excavation and a window well.
Skylight windows also cost more because it’s labor and time-consuming. If you are installing a skylight egress window, it’ll cost $1,500 – $4,000, and for a below-ground basement window, the total cost is between $2,500 – $5,500.
However, if the window will be installed in the bedroom (above ground) or attic, on average, it’ll cost $900 – $3,000.
4. Geographical Location
The cost of installing egress windows varies across states. So, your friend living in a different state from you may get theirs done at a relatively cheaper price.
If you are living in a rural area, you’ll spend less to get egress windows installed. For areas that have high-water tables, it’ll be more expensive because they aren’t easily accessible.
Also, if you can, get quotations from different reliable contractors, that way you’ll get to choose the cheaper option.
Sometimes, permit fees also add to the bill you are expected to pay. Certain areas do not require a permit before installing egress windows, and if you are in luck, you won’t need one.
Permits can cost from $50 – $200, and it’ll be higher if you need to dig or excavate.
5. Window Well Installation
Remember that egress windows are majorly installed in case of emergencies, and they need to be large enough for even an adult to comfortably pass through.
If your window installation is below ground level, then it involves cutting through the foundation and it’ll cost from $50 – $200 per cubic yard.
6. DIY or Professional Contractor
Installation of egress windows isn’t child’s play, and while you might want to do it yourself and save cost, that’s not always the best option.
If something goes wrong in the installation, you’ll be stuck with leaky windows, and you’ll most likely end up contacting professional egress window installers to fix it.
For those who are keen on cutting costs, you can focus on other aspects of the installation process like the painting of the surrounding walls, but don’t get involved in the installation.
Conclusion
When it comes to egress windows, there’s no one size fits. That being said, you can always reduce costs by taking certain steps. Egress windows can be expensive to install, but If you want to cut down on costs; go for single-paned windows, and maybe stick to just above-ground-level installations.