How Much Does It Cost To Install A Basement Window?

Basic cost factors of replacing a window

Your basement windows replacement cost could be a low-budget fix or a quality investment — depending on the choices you make along the way. Remember that costs tend to add up, and some factors will be more critical than others. 

These factors will give you an idea of your options: 

• A prefab window is a premade, standard-size block of glass, while a custom window will be more expensive but designed to fit your space. 
• Small windows are less expensive. As the surface area increases, so does the price. 
• A window with no ventilation will cost less. An egress window, storm window, or window with ventilation will increase costs. 
• If you choose a frame, the cost will increase. You can get a reasonably affordable option like vinyl or a more expensive option like fiberglass or wood. 
• You can choose options like sliding glass, handles, and fixtures.  

Prefabricated or custom windows

When choosing which basement windows to choose from, decide whether you’ll buy prefab windows or custom windows. A prefabricated window will be readily available at the store or online, while custom windows require someone to measure your windows beforehand. 

Usually, a prefabricated window will fit, as they are available in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes a custom fit is preferred or required if you want extra features in your window or an unusual shape or size. 

Glass types

When you’re replacing your basement windows, you’ll have many types of glass to choose from. 

You can select any of the following features. However, each will increase the costs: 

• Double-paned glass 
• Insulated glass 
• Laminated safety glass

Style of window

Select an appropriate style of window depending on your basement, climate, and experience with the current windows in your basement.

Glass block windows 

These basic glass windows are usually installed at the top of a basement wall primarily to allow light in, but also used for ventilation. 

The cost of window replacement will be between $100 and $300 for a prefabricated window, while a custom glass block window costs $200 to $600. 

Egress windows

Basements should have at least one egress window, whether in an encasement, a sliding window or door, or a sash window. 

Remember that egress windows are usually relatively large, meaning the price can fluctuate substantially. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $800 for a prefabricated or $500 to $2000 for a custom-made egress window. 

Hopper windows

A hopper window is a style of window with a hinge at the top that lifts inward toward the room — because of this function, it can also work as an egress window. 

To replace a hopper window, it costs $100 to $250 for a prefabricated and $500 to $750 for a custom window. 

Awning windows

An awning window is similar to a hopper window in size and shape, but the difference is the way they open. They open from the bottom rather than from the top, so the window sits open.

To replace an awning window in your basement, it will cost $100 to $250 for a prefabricated window and $500 to $750 for a custom. 

Casement Basement Window Price

A casement window usually opens with a crank, but sometimes there are variations on the opening style. These tall, slim windows require a window well outside to function because they open outward.

A prefabricated basement window replacement costs $200 to $500, and a custom-made one costs $800 to $1300. 

Sliding Window

A sliding window is an excellent option because they’re functional and let in a lot of light. They open by sliding from left to right across the windowsill. 

A prefabricated sliding basement window costs anywhere from $150 to $700, and a custom one costs up to $1000.

Sash window

A sash window can be either single- or double-hung, consists of two glass panes, and offers terrific ventilation. A single-hung sash window will open from the bottom up, while the top half of the window does not open. A double-hung sash window will open from top to bottom, so keep your basement needs in mind as you decide which style is best for your home.  

These windows can sometimes function as an egress window, but they will need a window well. It costs $100 to $400 for a prefabricated single-hung sash window and $500 to $800 to have it custom-made. A fabricated double-hung window costs $250 to $500, while a custom window will cost up to $1350. 

Basement window frame options

Once you’ve selected what type of glass and style of window is best for your basement, it’s time to choose the frame. Your choice will depend on function, cost, style, and climate. 

Vinyl frame

Vinyl is a popular choice because it’s moisture-resistant, inexpensive, and easy to clean. The challenges with this material are that it doesn’t keep your basement well insulated and may crack in a deep, cold environment, making it a better choice for homes in milder climates. 

For prefabricated windows, a vinyl basement window frame costs between $100 and $500 for prefabricated windows, and $500 to $900 for custom-made ones. 

Aluminum frame

Aluminum is a less expensive alternative to steel because it doesn’t rust, maintains its shape, and lasts a long time. Like vinyl, it’s easy to clean but it doesn’t insulate the basement very well, so it’s not a good choice for someone who lives in a cold climate. 

A prefabricated aluminum window frame will cost $100 to $500 and a custom job will be up to $900.

Fiberglass frame

Fiberglass is a good choice because it’s highly insulating. Plus, it’s durable, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant, making it appropriate for any climate. It costs $200 to $800 for a prefabricated fiberglass basement window and up to $2000 for a custom frame. 

Wood frame

Wooden window frames are a classic choice common in older homes. They’re excellent insulators and visually attractive. The only downside is that wood warps and doesn’t repel moisture very well. 

A wooden window frame costs $200 to $800 for a prefabricated fit and up to $2000 to have it custom-made. 

Steel frame

Steel is a solid choice for people who want extra security in their homes because it’s a solid, sturdy material. The only problem is that steel doesn’t work well in a basement because it can rust and it doesn’t insulate very well.

For fabricated steel window frame installation, it will cost $250 to $800, and up to $2000 for custom-made ones. 

Labor Cost to Replace a Basement Window

The national average cost of labor to replace a window is from $200 to $700 per window. 

Labor costs are usually separate from the cost of materials. Here’s a breakdown of labor costs depending on the type of window or material used: 

• Small windows like hoppers and awning windows will cost $200 to $300. 
• Egress windows will be from $200 to $700 per window.  
• Sliding windows cost $150 to $250. 
• Casement windows are $300 to $800. 
• If you need a window well, it can cost up to $1500. 

Bottom line

Basement windows are susceptible to cracking because of the more extreme fluctuation in temperature, so it’s crucial to select your materials wisely. 

Though they require maintenance to prevent cracking and warping, having basement windows for light and ventilation is a plus.