Basement Window Replacement Cost

What Is Basement Window Replacement?

Basement window replacement involves removing your existing below-grade windows and installing new windows designed specifically for basement conditions. Understanding basement window replacement cost helps you budget for this improvement that enhances light, ventilation, and potentially adds living space to your basement.

Basement windows face unique challenges: moisture exposure, limited natural light, security concerns, and often strict building codes when the space is used for sleeping. The right window choice depends on whether you need basic utility or are creating habitable living space.

Basement Window Types and Costs

Hopper Windows

Cost: $200-$600 installed

Pros:

• Most affordable basement window
• Opens inward from top (won't hit window well)
• Good ventilation
• Keeps rain out when partially open
• Easy to operate and clean
• Available in standard basement sizes

Cons:

• Limited light compared to larger windows
• Not suitable for egress
• Opens into the room (may hit obstructions)
• Smaller viewing area

Best for: Utility basements, storage areas, laundry rooms, workshops.

Glass Block Windows

Cost: $350-$800 installed

Pros:

• Maximum security
• Excellent privacy
• No maintenance
• Good insulation (R-2 to R-4)
• Allows natural light
• Attractive appearance
• Won't rot or deteriorate

Cons:

• Cannot be opened (no ventilation)
• Cannot be used for egress
• Fixed installation
• Professional installation recommended
• Expensive to modify later

Best for: Security-priority areas, bathrooms, where light but not ventilation is needed.

Sliding Basement Windows

Cost: $350-$700 installed

Pros:

• Easy operation
• Good ventilation
• Doesn't swing into room
• Available in larger sizes
• Can meet egress with proper sizing

Cons:

• Only 50% can open for ventilation
• Track can collect debris
• More complex than hopper

Best for: Finished basements, bedrooms (in egress sizes), living areas.

Casement Basement Windows

Cost: $500-$1,000 installed

Pros:

• 100% of window opens for ventilation
• Easy to operate
• Can meet egress requirements
• Tight seal when closed
• Excellent for finished basements

Cons:

• Requires clearance in window well
• More expensive
• Crank mechanism can fail
• Opens outward (may hit well)

Best for: Finished basements requiring maximum ventilation, egress applications.

Awning Windows

Cost: $400-$900 installed

Pros:

• Opens outward from bottom
• Can stay open during rain
• Good ventilation
• Tight seal when closed

Cons:

• Requires window well clearance
• Not as common for basements
• May not meet egress

Best for: Basements where rain protection during ventilation is priority.

Egress Windows

Cost: $2,500-$5,500 installed (complete system)

Pros:

• Meets building code for bedrooms
• Provides emergency exit
• Adds significant natural light
• Increases basement value
• Can transform basement living quality

Cons:

• Expensive installation
• Requires excavation
• Need window well system
• Structural considerations
• Permit required

Best for: Basement bedrooms, adding living space value, required by code.

Basement Window Cost Comparison Table

Egress Window Requirements Explained

Size Requirements (IRC Code)

Window Well Requirements

Common Egress Window Sizes

Egress Installation Components

1. Window ($500-$1,200): Casement or in-swing for full opening
2. Window well ($200-$500): Steel, polyethylene, or masonry
3. Excavation ($500-$1,500): Depends on depth and soil
4. Foundation cutting ($400-$800): Concrete or block removal
5. Structural support ($200-$500): Header and framing
6. Waterproofing ($200-$400): Drainage and membrane
7. Well cover ($100-$300): Optional but recommended
8. Permits/inspection ($100-$300): Required

Total egress system: $2,500-$5,500

Factors That Affect Basement Window Cost

1. Window Type and Size

2. Foundation Type

3. Installation Complexity

4. Glass Options

5. Frame Material

Basement Window Cost by State

Prices include professional installation.

Energy Efficiency for Basement Windows

Why Basement Window Efficiency Matters

Basement windows often have:

• Below-grade exposure (earth temperature moderation)
• Limited sun exposure
• High moisture exposure
• Foundation thermal bridging

Efficiency Recommendations

Upgrading Existing Windows

Waterproofing and Drainage

Window Well Drainage

Proper drainage prevents water infiltration:

1. Gravel base: 6-12 inches of clean gravel
2. Drain connection: Tie to footing drain if available
3. Slope: Grade around well slopes away from house
4. Window well cover: Keeps out rain and debris

Waterproofing Options

Security Considerations

Security by Window Type

Security Upgrades

Installation Process

Standard Window Replacement

Step 1: Remove Old Window (15-30 minutes)

• Remove trim and stops
• Cut caulk around frame
• Carefully pry out old window
• Clean opening

Step 2: Prepare Opening (15-30 minutes)

• Check dimensions
• Clean and repair any damage
• Apply waterproofing membrane if needed
• Check for level

Step 3: Install New Window (30-60 minutes)

• Dry fit window
• Apply caulk/sealant to frame
• Set window in opening
• Shim for level and plumb
• Secure with concrete screws

Step 4: Seal and Finish (30-45 minutes)

• Apply exterior caulk around perimeter
• Install interior trim if applicable
• Test operation
• Clean up

Egress Window Installation

Day 1: Excavation (4-8 hours)

• Mark window location inside
• Excavate exterior to foundation depth
• Install temporary shoring if needed

Day 2: Foundation Work (4-8 hours)

• Mark opening on foundation
• Cut concrete or block
• Install header and structural support
• Frame rough opening

Day 3: Window and Well (4-6 hours)

• Install window frame
• Waterproof around opening
• Install window well
• Add drainage gravel
• Backfill and grade

Day 4: Finishing (2-4 hours)

• Interior finishing
• Install well cover
• Final inspection
• Cleanup and landscaping

Signs You Need Basement Window Replacement

Replace Now

• Visible rot or deterioration
• Cracked or broken glass
• Window doesn't close/lock
• Active water leaks
• Severe rust (metal frames)

Replace Soon

• Difficult to operate
• Drafts you can feel
• Foggy glass (seal failure)
• Extensive paint peeling
• Condensation problems
• Single-pane glass

Adding Egress Required

• Converting basement to bedroom
• Selling home (code violations)
• Adding rental unit
• Insurance requirements
• Personal safety concerns

How to Save on Basement Window Replacement

1. Standard Windows

Standard sizes cost 20-30% less than custom.

2. DIY for Simple Replacements

Same-size hopper window replacement is manageable DIY.

3. Vinyl Frames

Vinyl costs 30-50% less than fiberglass or wood with similar performance.

4. Skip Glass Block

Hopper windows cost half as much for utility spaces.

5. Multiple Windows

Contractors often discount 3+ window projects by 10-15%.

6. Off-Season Installation

Winter (non-egress) projects may have lower labor rates.

7. Check Permits

Know if permits are required—unpermitted work can cost more to fix later.

Conclusion

Basement window replacement cost ranges from $200-$600 for standard hopper windows to $2,500-$5,500 for complete egress window installations. Your choice depends on the basement's intended use, code requirements, and budget.

For utility basements, hopper windows offer the best value at $200-$450 installed. For security-focused areas, glass block windows ($350-$700) provide excellent protection and light. For basement bedrooms, egress windows are required by code and add significant value to your home.

When replacing basement windows, prioritize waterproofing and proper installation. Basement windows are more vulnerable to water infiltration than above-grade windows, and leaks can cause significant damage to your foundation and interior.

For egress windows, always hire licensed contractors familiar with local codes. The investment of $2,500-$5,500 not only ensures code compliance but can transform a dark basement into valuable living space, potentially adding $10,000-$20,000 to your home's value.