How To Choose and Add a Basement Egress for Your Home

The law requires homeowners to add an egress to their basements as points of exit in potential emergencies. There are many models from which homeowners can choose, such as bulkheads, full-height entrances, or window wells, and each has its own merits and disadvantages. Read more about different types of basement egress below, and start planning for installation, whether you’re finishing your basement or simply want to improve your emergency exit options.

Do You Need a Specialist?

Most licensed general contractors can install egress and obtain the necessary permits. The contractor you hire may need to collaborate with the professionals below:

• An engineer to design structural modifications 
• A landscape contractor for yard excavation
• A masonry contractor to cut the foundation and potentially add concrete stairs

Experts can help you to navigate the permit process, and make sure you abide by local regulations.

Egress Windows: Best for Basements Partially Above Grade

Egress windows are an excellent choice for basements that are partially above grade. They serve as emergency exits and allow natural light to enter the space.

Pros of an Egress Window

Egress windows offer several advantages:

• Increased natural light in the basement
• Improved ventilation
• Relatively simple installation, especially if you’re replacing existing utility windows
• They don’t require a new header installation

Cons of an Egress Window

There are a few potential drawbacks to consider, including those below. 

• Can allow water in if you don’t install correctly
• May require a window well, which increases complexity and cost
• Not useful if you’re moving large items in and out of the basement

What’s Involved

Follow the steps below to install an egress window that’s safe and weatherproof.

1. Cut a rough opening in the foundation or wall.
2. Patch and prepare the edges of the opening.
3. Install a window buck for proper anchoring.
4. Fit and secure the window.
5. Flash and trim the window according to manufacturer instructions.

Code Requirements

Egress windows must meet specific code requirements to keep you safe without the need for special instructions. Read more below.

• Easy to open from the inside without tools or special knowledge
• Maximum sill height of 44 inches above the finished floor
• Minimum opening area of 5.7 square feet
• Minimum width of 20 inches and height of 24 inches

Good To Know

Consider the variables below when you’re selecting an egress window. You should also consider your aesthetic and functional needs. 

• Casement windows that open 90 degrees are frequently the best choice
• Composite or fiberglass frames are especially moisture-resistant
• Double-hung and sliding windows may need to be larger to meet code requirements
• Tilt-and-turn windows offer versatility for ventilation and egress

Total Cost of an Egress Window

Installing an egress window can cost between $2,712 and $5,824, depending on factors such as foundation type, window style, and any necessary structural modifications. Accounting for these variables will help you to budget accurately.

*Cost data in this article sourced from Angi.

Window Wells: Best for Egress Windows Below Grade

If the egress window sits below grade in a basement, you’ll need a window well. This excavated area offers access to the window and can make the basement more comfortable.

Pros of a Window Well

Window wells offer several benefits, including the following:

• Allow for egress windows in almost any basement configuration
• Bring natural light into below-grade spaces
• Can increase the overall value of your home
• Create an open and inviting appearance
• Provide an opportunity for landscaping and improved views

Cons of a Window Well

Consider these potential drawbacks:

• Increases the complexity and cost of the egress project
• May need regular maintenance 
• Requires proper drainage to prevent water accumulation

What’s Involved

Follow the steps below to install a window well. These will help you to prevent issues such as water intrusion or structural weakness.

1. Excavating the area outside the egress window
2. Installing drainage systems such as a gravel pit, drainpipe, or dry well
3. Securing the window well to the foundation
4. Backfilling with gravel and soil
5. Adding safety features such as covers or built-in steps

Code Requirements

Window wells must have the following features to serve a safe and effective escape routes:

• A cover for safety
• Built-in steps or ladder if they’re deeper than 44 inches
• Minimum clear area of 9 square feet for escape
• Must be at least 36 inches from the foundation wall

Good to Know

Make sure you consider the following points when planning your window well. These can enhance the performance of your system:

• Choose a cover that’s sturdy and easy to open from the inside.
• Consider prefabricated kits for easier installation and code compliance.
• Make sure the window can open fully without obstruction.
• Plan for proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.

Customize the Design

Customize your window with the strategies below. This can make your window an attractive highlight rather than exclusively a safety feature: 

• Add features such as low shrubs or railings near walkways.
• Create tiered steps for easier access and to eliminate the need for a ladder.
• Incorporate plantings to improve the view and create a more natural appearance.
• Use materials such as cedar timbers or precast concrete blocks for a unique look.

Drainage is Key

Proper drainage is necessary for any window well installation, and will prevent damage. Follow the steps below to make sure your drainage system is working correctly.

• Consult with your contractor to determine the best drainage solution for your specific situation.
• Consider your climate, landscape grade, and roof pitch when planning drainage.
• Include a few feet of gravel at the base of the well.
• Install a drainpipe that’s connected to the foundation drain or a dry well.

Total Cost of a Window Well

Installing a window well for a below-ground egress basement window adds about $50–$200 per cubic yard in excavation costs, plus another $50 to $300 for permits. A professional land excavator typically charges between $50 and $200 per cubic yard to install your window well. You may also need a window well cover to prevent soil moisture build-up and keep pests and bugs out of your basement, which will cost around $600.

Bulkhead Doors: Best for Storage and Utility Access

Bulkhead doors, also known as cellar doors, give your basement direct access to the exterior. They’re an excellent option for homes that require frequent access for storage or utilities.

Pros of a Bulkhead Door

Bulkhead doors offer the following advantages:

• Accessible for people with mobility concerns
• Enhance the utility of a basement environment
• Feature full-size stairs for easy entrance and exit
• Ideal if you’re moving large items in and out of the basement
• Provide a separate entrance for basement apartments or home offices

Cons of a Bulkhead Door

Bulkhead doors come with certain drawbacks, including the following: 

• Don’t usually allow natural light into the basement
• May infringe on property-line setbacks in small yards
• Require about 30 square feet of yard space
• Susceptible to leaks if you don’t properly maintain them

What’s Involved

Follow the steps below to install a bulkhead door:

1. Excavate the area for the stairs and landing.
2. Cut an opening into the foundation wall.
3. Install a header or lintel above the opening.
4. Frame the opening with bucks.
5. Install precast concrete stairs or pour them on-site.
6. Mount and seal the bulkhead door unit.

Code Requirements

Bulkhead doors must meet the following standards for code compliance:

• Adequate lighting for safety
• At least as wide as any door at the bottom of the stairs
• Easy to open from the inside without keys or tools
• Proper drainage to prevent water accumulation

Good to Know

If you’re thinking about installing bulkhead doors, consider the following: 

• Doors are typically made of steel, but polyethylene and polycarbonate options are available.
• Regular maintenance, including caulking and sealing, is necessary to prevent leaks.
• Some companies offer precast stairs with attached bulkhead doors for easier installation.

Make Them Weathertight

Follow the steps below to make sure your bulkhead doors are weathertight. 

• Caulk all seams where the bulkhead meets the foundation and house.
• Inspect and maintain seals annually.
• Properly bolt the header to the house framing and foundation.
• Use high-quality, exterior-grade sealants.

Total Cost of a Bulkhead Door

The cost of installing a bulkhead door typically ranges from $500–$3,000, depending on the size of the opening, what type of door you choose, and any necessary landscaping or drainage work. These factors influence the overall expense.

Full-Height Entrance with Stairs: Best for a Separate Apartment

A full-height entrance with stairs is ideal for basements that you’ve converted into separate living spaces, such as rental units, in-law apartments, or home offices.

Pros of a Full-Height Entrance

Full-height entrances offer several benefits, including the following:

• Allow easy access for people and large items
• Can include windows for natural light
• Include a separate mailing address

Cons of a Full-Height Entrance

Full-height entrances may include the drawbacks below.  

• Require significant yard space (30 square feet or more)
• May need to be on the front or side of the house
• May require zoning variances in some areas
• More expensive than other egress options

What’s Involved

Follow the steps below to install a full-height entrance:

1. Excavate the yard area.
2. Cut a full-size door opening in the foundation.
3. Install a lintel to support the house above the opening.
4. Frame the opening and install an exterior-grade door.
5. Pour concrete stairs or install precast steps.
6. Add proper drainage and waterproofing measures.

Code Requirements

Full-height entrances must meet the specific requirements below. These will keep your entrance safe, accessible, and fully compliant with building regulations: 

• Entry door must be 36 inches wide and 80 inches tall.
• Guardrails and handrails must have four steps or more.
• Stairs must be at least 36 inches wide.
• The landing at the base of the stairs must be 6 inches below the basement floor level.
• Treads must be 11 inches deep, and risers should not be more than 7 3/4 inches tall.

Good to Know

Consider the variables below when you’re planning a full-height entrance:

• Adding a roof or awning can help to better protect against the elements.
• Adequate drainage can prevent water intrusion.
• Installing footings under the walls can prevent frost heaving in cold climates.
• Proper lighting offers safety and convenience.

Total Cost of a Full-Height Entrance

The cost of installing a full-height entrance typically ranges from $5,000–$35,000, depending on the complexity of the installation, the materials you use, how much excavation you need, and any necessary landscaping or drainage work.