What window well means
A window well is the metal, plastic or concrete enclosure dug out around a basement window below grade, keeping soil back and letting in light.
Also called area well, egress well.
Where it matters on a waterproofing job
Wells without a drain or cover fill with water and leak through the window. For egress windows, the well itself has size rules, so size the well with the window, not after.
What the model code says
- An area well for an emergency escape opening must have at least 9 square feet of floor area, with at least 36 inches of projection and width. (IRC 2021, Chapter 3)
- Wells deeper than 44 inches need a permanent ladder or steps. (IRC 2021, Chapter 3)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for window well before you quote.
What it costs
The egress window installation cost guide has the typical job at $4,150 and the usual range at $2,600 to $5,650. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The egress window installation cost calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Egress window installation cost calculator
- Cost guide: Egress window installation cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free waterproofing resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 3, Building Planning (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.