The average cost to install an egress window in Utah ranges from $2,550 to $6,800, with most homeowners paying around $4,250 for a complete basement egress window installation including the window, window well, excavation, and installation. The final price depends on window size and style, excavation requirements, window well type, drainage needs, and whether interior finishing is required.
What Is an Egress Window?
Egress windows are code-required emergency exits in bedrooms and basements. Utah building codes require bedrooms to have at least one window or door meeting specific size requirements: minimum 5.7 square feet of opening area, minimum 24-inch height, minimum 20-inch width, and maximum 44-inch sill height from the floor. These requirements ensure occupants can escape during emergencies like fires.
Cost Breakdown by Project Type
Basement Egress Window (New Installation): $2,550-$6,800 installed. Complete basement installations include cutting foundation walls, installing the window, excavating for the window well, installing the well, and adding drainage. This represents the most common egress window project.
Basement Window Replacement (Existing Egress): $1,190-$2,550 installed. Replacing an existing egress window that already has a well and proper opening costs significantly less since major excavation and foundation work aren’t needed.
Above-Grade Egress Window: $850-$2,040 installed. Installing egress windows in above-grade bedrooms costs similar to standard window replacement since no excavation or foundation cutting is required.
Multiple Basement Egress Windows: $4,760-$11,900+ for 2-3 windows. Adding multiple egress windows for basement bedrooms costs less per window due to mobilization efficiency, typically saving 10-15% per additional window.
Egress Window Styles and Costs
Sliding Egress Windows: $680-$1,360 per window only. Sliding windows are popular for egress applications because they’re easy to operate and provide large openings. They work well in basement applications.
Casement Egress Windows: $850-$1,530 per window only. Casement windows crank open fully, providing maximum opening area. They’re excellent for egress but require clearance for outward opening.
Double-Hung Egress Windows: $850-$1,530 per window only. Double-hung windows must be sized larger to meet egress requirements since only half the window opens at once. They’re less common for egress applications.
Awning or Hopper Windows: $680-$1,360 per window only. Bottom-hinged hopper windows work well for basement egress, opening inward for easy emergency exit without requiring exterior clearance.
Window Well Costs
Galvanized Steel Window Wells: $340-$850 installed. Standard corrugated steel wells are the most affordable option. They’re durable and functional but have industrial appearance.
Composite Window Wells: $510-$1,190 installed. Composite wells resist rust and provide better aesthetics than steel. They come in rock or stone textures for more attractive appearance.
Stone or Masonry Window Wells: $1,020-$2,550 installed. Custom stone or block wells create attractive, permanent installations. They’re the most expensive option but offer superior aesthetics and durability.
Window Well Covers: Add $170-$510. Clear polycarbonate or metal grate covers keep debris, water, and animals out while allowing light and emergency egress. Covers are highly recommended for safety and maintenance.
Window Well Ladders: Add $85-$255. Permanent ladders or steps ensure easy egress and are required by code in some jurisdictions for wells deeper than 44 inches.
Excavation and Foundation Work Costs
Foundation Cutting: $680-$1,700. Cutting through concrete or block foundations requires specialized equipment and skilled labor. Costs increase for thicker foundations or reinforced concrete.
Excavation: $510-$1,360. Digging window wells requires excavation equipment and proper disposal of dirt. Difficult access or hard soil increases costs.
Drainage Installation: $340-$1,020. Proper drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation in window wells. This includes gravel base and potential drain tile connection to existing drainage systems.
Concrete Cutting and Patching: $255-$680. Interior concrete floors may need cutting and patching for proper window installation and finishing.
Interior Finishing Costs
Framing and Drywall: $340-$850 per window. Creating proper interior window openings with framing, insulation, and drywall finishing adds significant cost but is necessary for finished basements.
Trim and Paint: $170-$425 per window. Interior trim work including casing, sill, and painting completes the professional appearance.
Stairs or Steps: $510-$1,700. If the egress window well requires stairs or steps for safe egress from deep wells, this adds substantial cost but may be code-required.
Utah Building Code Requirements
Utah follows International Residential Code (IRC) requirements for egress windows with some local modifications. Key requirements include:
- Minimum 5.7 square feet of opening area
- Minimum 24-inch height opening
- Minimum 20-inch width opening
- Maximum 44-inch sill height from floor
- Direct access to exterior (no obstructions)
- Operational from inside without keys or tools
Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements. Professional contractors ensure compliance with all applicable codes.
When Egress Windows Are Required
Basement Bedrooms: Any basement bedroom must have egress window or door meeting code requirements. This is non-negotiable for legal bedrooms.
Basement Conversions: Converting unfinished basements to living space with bedrooms requires adding egress windows to meet code.
Home Sales: Many municipalities require egress compliance for bedrooms during home sales. Non-compliant bedrooms may need to be listed as “bonus rooms” rather than bedrooms, affecting home value.
Rental Properties: Landlords must ensure rental units meet egress requirements to comply with safety regulations and liability concerns.
Benefits Beyond Code Compliance
Natural Light: Egress windows bring natural light into dark basements, making spaces more livable and attractive.
Ventilation: Operable egress windows provide fresh air circulation in basement spaces, improving comfort and air quality.
Increased Home Value: Finished basements with proper egress windows can be counted as bedrooms, significantly increasing home value and marketability.
Emergency Safety: Beyond code requirements, egress windows provide genuine safety benefits by offering emergency escape routes.
Reduced Basement Moisture: Improved ventilation from egress windows helps reduce basement humidity and musty odors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Undersized Windows: Installing windows that don’t meet minimum opening requirements results in code violations and expensive corrections. Always verify dimensions before purchasing.
Poor Drainage: Inadequate drainage causes water accumulation in window wells, leading to flooding and foundation damage. Proper drainage is essential.
Missing Permits: Attempting unpermitted egress window installation creates problems during home sales and may void insurance coverage. Always obtain proper permits.
Inadequate Window Wells: Shallow or improperly sized window wells don’t provide safe egress and won’t pass inspections.
DIY Installation: Egress window installation requires specialized skills including concrete cutting, excavation, drainage, and code knowledge. Poor installation creates safety hazards and expensive corrections.
Permits and Inspections
Egress window installation requires building permits in Utah, typically costing $100-$250. Permits cover foundation modifications, excavation, window installation, and interior finishing.
Inspections verify proper window sizing, appropriate well installation, adequate drainage, and code-compliant interior finishing. Professional contractors coordinate all permit and inspection requirements.
Return on Investment
Egress window installation typically returns 50-65% of investment when selling your home. However, the ability to legally count basement space as bedrooms can increase home value by $10,000-$25,000 or more, far exceeding the installation cost.
Beyond financial return, egress windows make basements safer and more livable, providing genuine value to homeowners even if they never plan to sell.
Financing Options
Egress window projects can be financed through home equity loans, personal loans, or contractor financing options. Many homeowners include egress windows in larger basement finishing projects.
Getting Started
Egress window installation requires careful planning and professional execution. At Utah Window Experts, we provide free evaluations to assess your basement and recommend appropriate egress solutions.
Our window project builder tool helps you explore egress window options. You can also review our brochure to see our complete range of egress windows and wells.
We handle all aspects of egress window installation including permits, foundation cutting, excavation, window and well installation, drainage, and interior finishing. Our experience ensures your egress windows meet all code requirements while enhancing your basement’s safety, comfort, and value.
Conclusion
Egress window installation in Utah costs $2,550 to $6,800 for most basement projects, though simpler above-grade installations or replacements cost less. The investment provides essential safety features, brings natural light to basements, and allows finished basement spaces to be counted as legal bedrooms, significantly increasing home value. Choose appropriate window styles and well types for your situation, ensure proper drainage to prevent water problems, and always use professional contractors who understand code requirements and proper installation techniques. With proper planning and installation, your egress windows will provide decades of safety and functionality while making your basement more livable and valuable.