Cost of making a basement window an egress window?

Question

Hi rehabbers!  I have buyers looking at a home with a basement bedroom with a non-egress window.  Anyone have experience with approximate ball park of what it would cost to bump it out to a size that meets egress? Exterior is plank siding.  House is in Boise.  Thx!

Don Gouge · Answer

I am going to throw out the figure of $1500. Of course the type of window and siding materials as well as nterior finish materials will play a factor.

Jeremy Marek · Answer

That $1500 from @Don Gouge seems too low. Keep in mind that an egress window has to meet certain criteria, such as the window that @Matthew Paul has listed above. I would find it hard to believe that a contractor will purchase a window that meets that criteria, rip into an exterior wall and excavate for clearance all for $1500, including the cost of supplies and labor. I would believe that figure if you are just going to cut a bigger window from Menards into the basement opening, reusing all the same siding, no drain tile, no real digging, but at that point, its not really an egress window, its just a slightly larger standard window, which doesn't meet your criteria.

Matthew Paul · Answer

http://www.egresswindows.com/product/Easy-Egress-K...

This kit is $ 1100.00       Plus labor     with digging , tying into drain tile , and installing window , I would be closer to

$ 3000  to $ 3500  .

Jonna Weber · Answer

@Don Gouge - thanks for the guesstimate. :)

Jonna Weber · Answer

@Don Gouge - I see what you mean! I believe it is a wood framed wall.  Yes, I think it needs to be at least 12 inches wider and taller.  No wiring,  so that is one good thing.  @Matthew Paul -  Yes, we need a window well.  We are just going back and forth on a counter right now, and I was hoping to get a ball park, since we need to respond quickly.  If we go to contract, I can some contractors out there for a specific bid.

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Matthew Paul · Answer

Any excavating , do you need a egress window well ?

Don Gouge · Answer

There are a lot of variables with this. Is this window in a block wall? Concrete wall? Wood framed wall? Will the new window be wider than the existing window? Any electrical wiring need to be moved?

Cost of making a basement window an egress window?

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