An egress window turns a basement room into a legal bedroom: a way out in an emergency, and a way in for firefighters. BPR Remodeling (Utah Contractor License #13276859-5501) cuts and installs egress windows across Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Summit and Wasatch counties, usually as part of a basement finish or a basement rental suite.
When You Need an Egress Window
- You are finishing a basement and adding a bedroom
- You want to rent the basement as a separate unit
- An existing basement bedroom has a small window that doesn’t meet code
- You are buying or selling, and the basement “bedrooms” don’t count without egress
Utah Egress Requirements
Utah cities use the International Residential Code. For a typical egress window:
- Net clear opening: at least 5.7 sq ft (5.0 sq ft for openings at or below grade)
- Clear height and width when open: at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide
- Sill height: no more than 44 inches above the finished floor
- Window well: at least 9 sq ft, at least 36 inches wide and 36 inches out from the wall
- Deep wells: a permanent ladder or steps when the well is deeper than 44 inches
Your city’s building department has the final word, and we design to its rules.
What Installation Includes
- Layout and permit: we check the wall, utilities and drainage, prepare plans and pull the permit.
- Excavation: we dig the well area outside.
- Concrete cutting: the opening is saw-cut cleanly, with a header added when the opening requires it.
- Window and well: an energy-efficient window, a galvanized or composite well, drainage and a well cover.
- Finishing: interior trim, drywall returns and exterior cleanup.
- Inspection: we schedule it and walk you through the result.
Egress Window Cost
Most egress windows along the Wasatch Front run about $3,500 to $7,000 installed. Wall thickness, depth, digging access (lawn vs. concrete), the size of the well and interior finishing make the difference. On materials, our published prices for an egress window with well and cover are $1,200–$2,000 at builder price versus $2,000–$3,500 typical retail.
Builder Price for Utah Homeowners
Through December 31, 2026, a limited number of homeowners can remodel at builder price with no markup on materials, typically 40–60% below Utah retail on the material portion. In return we photograph your project, put a small BPR yard sign out, and may show the finished work to a few future clients at times you approve. Reviews are never required.
Egress Window FAQ
How much does an egress window cost in Utah?
Most basement egress windows along the Wasatch Front run about $3,500 to $7,000 installed, depending on wall thickness, how deep the well is, digging access and interior finishing. Your written quote prices each part separately.
Do I need a permit for an egress window?
Yes. Cutting or enlarging an opening in a foundation wall needs a building permit in Wasatch Front cities. We prepare the plans, pull the permit and schedule inspections.
Does every basement bedroom need an egress window?
Yes. Under the residential code Utah cities use, every sleeping room needs an emergency escape and rescue opening, such as an egress window with a proper window well.
How long does egress window installation take?
Most egress windows are installed in one to three days once the permit is approved and the window has arrived.
Related: Basement finishing · Basement finishing cost guide · Rental remodeling for landlords