Why is there a high cost associated with cutting basement windows?

February 1, 2026

2026 Concrete Cutting Costs on Basement Egress Windows

A lot of homes in Canada are upgrading to egress windows, and this involves a steep cost to cut the concrete foundation of the home. Many homeowners quickly look for the most affordable options, the options with the most 5-star reviews, and some may even ask their neighbors for references. We hope that his blog will be informative to help you knowing what is associated with those costs and areas you can use to interview potential contractors for your basement window upgrades.

Average Cost Range

This price can vary greatly based on the areas you live in, with many contractors setting the local price in the area. In most residential projects in urban areas, concrete cutting for a basement window typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,500+, depending on complexity. Know that these costs have been compaired to 5 local reputable contractors in Alberta that are well know for cutting and supplying basement windows in 2026. These prices are subject to change.

This rough estimate generally covers the specialized cutting work but may not include window installation, framing, or finishing. You may also be able to ask your contractor about additional discounts for completing additional windows at the same time, or if you are willing to excavate the window well in advance of concrete cutting.

Key Factors That Affect the Cost

1. Concrete Thickness

Basement foundation walls vary in thickness, commonly ranging from 6 to 10 inches. Thicker concrete requires more time, specialized blades, and heavier equipment, which can increase the cost.

Ideally, a combination of concrete cutting equipment can be used, but an experienced concrete cutter should recommend using a wall saw using larger blades in a remote control setup that protects the foundation of your home and can create a strait stable cut.

2. Reinforcement (Rebar or Mesh)

If your foundation contains steel rebar or heavy wire mesh, cutting becomes more labor-intensive. Reinforced concrete increases blade wear and cutting time, which impacts pricing.

3. Window Size

Larger windows—especially egress windows—require more cutting, more setup time, and often additional steps such as excavation. Bigger openings equal higher costs.

You will also want to confirm if your window installation contractor carries additional sizes of windows our imports them at an additional cost. Many window install contractors will only carry the basic egress windows to help them cut costs on their business.

4. Access to the Work Area

Easy access to the foundation wall helps keep costs down. Tight spaces, limited clearance, or obstacles such as decks, fences, or landscaping can increase labour time and setup requirements. Additional concrete sidewalks in front of the window access area will cause additional cutting costs.

If there are restrictions on the work area, you will want to consider asking the window install contractors if they have the equipment in-house to work safely around the restrictions without taking additional risks on the foundation of your home. You may also incur additional costs if the contractor must rent or outsource some of the work.

5. Interior vs. Exterior Cutting

Some jobs require both interior and exterior cutting to achieve a clean, precise opening. Exterior cuts may also involve soil removal or protection of surrounding areas.

6. Water Control & Dust Management

Professional concrete cutting uses water to control dust and prevent silica exposure. Managing runoff water or protecting finished basements may add to the overall cost—but it’s essential for safety and cleanliness. Ensure if the contractor must cut from the inside of the home, that there is a plan agreed to for slurry clean-up and that proper vacuums are being used to collect slurry.

Additional Costs to Consider

Concrete cutting is only one part of the project. You may also need to budget for:

Excavation and window well installation
Structural lintels or supports
Window supply and installation
Permits and inspections (especially for egress windows)
Interior finishing or exterior restoration

A reputable contractor can help coordinate these steps or work alongside your renovation team.

Why Professional Concrete Cutting Matters

Basement window openings are structural cuts. Improper cutting can cause cracking, water leaks, or long-term foundation issues. Hiring a professional concrete cutting company ensures:

Precise, clean cuts
Structural integrity is maintained
Proper safety procedures are followed
Faster completion with minimal disruption

In most cases, professional cutting saves money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or rework. Our parent Company is currently the number one concrete cutting company in Western Canada and completes basement windows within the province of Alberta - they do offer complimentary estimates with a free site visit.

Final Thoughts

Concrete cutting for a basement window is an investment in your home’s comfort, safety, and value. While costs vary, understanding what influences pricing helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.

If you’re planning a basement window project, always request a site visit and a detailed quote. Every foundation is different, and accurate pricing starts with seeing the job firsthand.

Get a quote in your area:

Click Here or call 403-225-4445 to get a free site visit and quote in Calgary Alberta and the surrounding area.

Click Here or call 708-415-5599 to get a free site visit and quote in Edmonton Alberta and the surrounding area.

For additional Information:

Please note that all of our information from our blog is collected at the time from inhouse and online sources. This information is subject to change and CanWest DIamond Products is not responsible for incorrect or outdated information. We always recommend asking contractors, getting multuple estimates on your project, and completeing your own research for the window requirements in your area.