How long does it take to cut and install an egress window in a poured concrete foundation in New Brunswick?

A complete egress window installation in a poured concrete foundation typically takes 2-3 days of on-site work in New Brunswick, though the total project timeline from permit application to final inspection spans 3-6 weeks when you factor in the permit process and inspection scheduling.

The on-site work breaks down into clear phases. Day one focuses on exterior excavation and concrete cutting. The crew excavates the soil outside the foundation wall down to footing level where the window will go, which typically means removing 1.5-2 metres of earth depending on your basement depth. Once the exterior is accessible, the concrete cutting begins using a diamond-blade wall saw. Cutting through a poured concrete foundation wall — typically 200-250mm (8-10 inches) thick in NB homes — takes 2-4 hours for a standard egress-sized opening of roughly 48 by 36 inches. The cut section, which weighs several hundred pounds, must be carefully removed.

The steel lintel is installed immediately above the opening to carry the load from above. The lintel is typically an angle iron or steel channel sized to the opening width, embedded into pockets cut into the concrete on each side of the opening. This is the most critical structural step — the lintel must bear on solid concrete at least 150mm (6 inches) on each side of the opening.

Day two involves setting the window frame, installing the window, waterproofing the exterior of the new penetration with membrane and sealant, placing the window well liner, and backfilling with clear crushed stone for drainage. The drain pipe at the base of the well is connected to the interior weeping tile or sump pump system. Interior finishing around the window — shimming, insulating the gap between the frame and concrete with spray foam, and trimming — typically wraps up on day two or the morning of day three.

Day three (if needed) covers final exterior grading, window well cover installation, interior trim and drywall patching, and cleanup.

The timeline can extend beyond three days in certain situations common in NB. Concrete block foundations (prevalent in 1960s-1980s homes across Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John) take longer because blocks must be carefully removed and the opening reinforced differently than poured concrete. Fieldstone or rubble foundations in pre-1960s heritage homes are the most challenging and may require 4-5 days plus structural engineering. If the installation includes electrical work for the bedroom (outlets, lighting, smoke detectors), add another day and a separate electrical permit.

Seasonal timing matters in NB. Schedule egress window installations between May and October when the ground is unfrozen and excavation is straightforward. Winter installations are possible but more expensive — frozen ground requires mechanical breaking or thawing, which adds $500-$1,500 and extra time. The busiest period for NB basement contractors is May through September, so book by March or April to secure your preferred timeline.

The total cost for a complete egress window installation in a poured concrete foundation in NB runs $2,500-$5,000, and the permit process through your municipal building department (Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John) or Regional Service Commission adds 1-3 weeks before work can begin.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations