For many years, replacement basement windows were extremely limited and quite boring. Homeowners would simply buy whatever was being sold at the time and often dealing with minor leaks, cold drafts, etc. Today, windows for the entire home, even the basement have become more like artwork than ever before. Thanks to science, technology, and better materials, windows look better, function better, and cost less.
If you were to look at most basement windows in homes built during the 1970s and before, they were nothing more than a small rectangle not even large enough for a person to fit. However, newly built homes are being designed with actual windows in the basement that allow natural light in while providing energy efficiency and security. In addition to different windows being used for new homes, people living in the homes with the smaller windows are making updates, one being to have new basement replacement windows added that look and function better.
Of course, new building code now requires that any basement replacement window be an egress, which means it is large enough that a person could fit through if there should be a fire or some other danger whereby the individual needed to escape. According to the International Residence Code, basement replacement windows must have a minimum width of 24 inches, as well as a minimum height of 20 inches. Even if your home were older, if it had been built to code than purchasing a standard or ready made replacement window to meet new egress laws would be easy.
Now, if your home is older but unfortunately was not built to code, you still have viable options for basement replacement windows with something custom made. In this case, a building contractor would create a larger opening within the wall to meet current codes and then create a replacement window to fit. Of course, if possible the opening could be made to the size of a standard window, which would be a more affordable option. Because something such as this involves serous work, it would be essential for you to hire a professional contractor, one who comes with years of experience and solid references.
For basement replacement windows, code states that if the basement has a bedroom, there would need to be a minimum of one window within the bedroom, as well as at least one egress window outside of the bedroom. Even if you had a separate room divided from the rest of the basement used as a closet, sewing room, or something other than a bedroom, because it is a divided space, code would still require a basement replacement window that meets egress code.
Along with choosing to have one or more windows added to the basement, if would also be beneficial to choose a high rated glass. With this, you would enjoy the benefits of an energy efficient window so your monthly utility bills decrease. However, if you were to choose double or triple pane glass, an intruder would have a much more difficult time gaining entry to the interior of the home.
Although the exact cost for a basement replacement window would depend on size, materials, style, and contractor, on average you would expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,000 per window. Now, if you are handy and have friends or family that could assist and the opening does not need to be expanded, you could purchase a window kit and finish the job for about $500.
