How Much Do Egress Windows Cost in Rhode Island?

If you are finishing a basement for a bedroom or living space, you will likely need an egress window: a window big enough for someone to climb out of, and for a firefighter to climb in. It is one of the more involved window jobs we do, because it usually means cutting the foundation and digging outside. Here is what goes into it and what drives the price.

What Makes a Window an Egress Window

Rhode Island’s residential code is based on the International Residential Code. The basic requirements for an emergency escape opening are:

• A net clear opening of at least 5.7 square feet (5.0 square feet at grade-floor openings).
• A clear opening at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. Meeting both minimums is not enough on its own; the total area still has to reach 5.7 square feet.
• A sill no more than 44 inches above the finished floor.
• Below grade, a window well at least 9 square feet in area and at least 36 inches in each direction, with a permanent ladder or steps if it is deeper than 44 inches.

Your local building official has the final say, and a permit is required. We confirm the requirements for your house before we quote.

What Drives the Cost Within the $10,000 to $14,000 Range

• Existing opening or new cut: enlarging an existing basement window is a different job than cutting a new opening in a solid foundation wall.
• Foundation type: poured concrete, block and old stone foundations are each cut and reinforced differently.
• Excavation: how deep the well is, access for equipment, and whether there are utilities, patios, walkways or plantings in the way.
• The window well: well size and material, a ladder or steps if needed, and a cover.
• Drainage: a well needs a way to drain, typically gravel and a connection to the footing drain or a drain line. This is the detail that keeps an egress window from becoming a basement leak.
• The window itself: casements usually meet the opening size with the smallest window, while sliders need a larger unit.
• Inside finish: framing, insulation, trim and drywall returns around the new opening.
• Permits: permit fees and inspections are part of the job.

Why the Final Price Comes After a Site Visit

Most of our basement egress windows fall between $10,000 and $14,000. Two egress windows can look the same on paper and be very different jobs once we see the foundation, the grade outside and what is underground. Rather than give you a number that changes later, we look at the location first and give you a written price for the whole job: cutting, the well, drainage, the window, flashing and finish work. Financing is available.

Get the Water Details Right

An egress window puts a large opening below grade, right where water collects. The window needs to be flashed and sealed to the foundation, the grade needs to slope away, and the well has to drain. My background is in investigating how water gets into buildings, and we detail every egress opening with that in mind.