How much does it cost to cut a concrete foundation wall and install an egress window in a Moncton basement?

Installing an egress window in a Moncton basement typically costs $2,500 to $5,000 per window, including cutting the concrete foundation, the window unit, the window well, drainage, and waterproofing. The final cost depends on the foundation type, the size of the opening, soil conditions, and whether you are enlarging an existing window or creating a completely new opening.

The process involves several distinct steps, each contributing to the total cost. Concrete cutting is the most labour-intensive portion — a concrete saw cuts the outline of the new opening through 8 to 10 inches of poured concrete (or through concrete block, which is common in Moncton homes built in the 1960s through 1980s). Cutting a new opening in a poured concrete wall runs $800 to $1,500 for the cutting alone. Concrete block walls are somewhat easier to cut but require more careful finishing and a new structural lintel above the opening. If you are enlarging an existing small window, the cost is less because part of the opening already exists.

The egress window unit itself costs $400 to $1,200 depending on size, style, and energy rating. Casement-style windows are the most popular for egress because they provide the largest clear opening. In Moncton's climate, you want a double-pane or triple-pane window with a minimum Energy Star rating — basement windows are below grade and exposed to cold soil temperatures, so a poorly insulated window creates significant heat loss and condensation problems through NB's long winters.

The window well is required whenever the egress window sits below the exterior grade level, which is almost always the case in a basement. A galvanized steel or high-density polyethylene well costs $200 to $600 for the unit, plus installation. The well must be large enough to allow a person to climb out (minimum 21.5 inches of clearance from the window to the well wall) and must have proper drainage at the bottom — either a gravel bed draining to the weeping tile system, or a small dedicated drain pipe. Without drainage, the well fills with water during rain and snowmelt, creating hydrostatic pressure against the new window and potentially flooding through the opening.

Moncton-Specific Cost Factors

Moncton's sandy and silty soils actually work in your favour for egress window installation compared to other NB cities. Sandy soil is easier to excavate for the window well than Saint John's heavy clay, and it drains more naturally. However, Moncton's sandy soils can also shift under foundations, so the contractor must ensure the new opening does not compromise the structural integrity of the wall — particularly if the home has any existing settlement cracks. A structural lintel (steel or concrete) above the opening is required to carry the load from above, adding $200 to $500 to the project.

The waterproofing around the new opening is critical and often underestimated in cost estimates. The contractor must apply a waterproofing membrane around the entire perimeter of the new window, tie it into any existing exterior waterproofing (if present — many older Moncton homes have none), and ensure the window flashing directs water away from the opening. Budget $300 to $600 for proper waterproofing at the opening. Skipping this step in NB's wet climate is a guaranteed leak within the first spring thaw.

A building permit is required in Moncton for egress window installation, typically costing $75 to $200 with a processing time of 1 to 3 weeks. The best time to schedule this work is May through October when the ground is unfrozen and exterior excavation is straightforward. Get at least three quotes — NB pricing varies 30-40% between contractors for identical scope. New Brunswick Basements can match you with experienced local contractors for free estimates.

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

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations