How much do contractors charge for basement window replacement in New Brunswick?

Basement window replacement in New Brunswick typically runs $300–$800 per window fully installed, covering both the window unit and labour. That said, the range can stretch considerably depending on what you're dealing with — a straightforward swap of a standard hopper window is a very different job than cutting a new egress opening in a poured concrete foundation.

Here's how the pricing breaks down across the spectrum:

• Standard hopper or slider replacement (same opening, no concrete work): $300–$500 installed
• Egress window upgrade (enlarging the opening for a bedroom window well): $800–$2,500+ per window, depending on foundation type
• Full window well installation (if adding egress in a walkout or below-grade situation): Add $500–$1,500 for the well and drainage

Foundation type makes a big difference in price. Poured concrete foundations — common in post-war bungalows across Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John — require a concrete saw or core drill to enlarge an opening, which adds $500–$1,000 in labour alone. Concrete block foundations are somewhat easier to modify. Old stone foundations (think Loyalist-era homes in Uptown Saint John or downtown Fredericton) are a different beast entirely and need a mason's assessment before anyone quotes you.

Window selection also moves the needle significantly. A basic vinyl hopper from a local supplier runs $150–$350. Step up to a triple-pane unit with a low-E coating — which makes a real difference in a New Brunswick basement given our -25°C winters — and you're looking at $350–$600 for the unit alone. Given that NBC 2020 (mandatory for new applications as of May 1, 2025) requires Tier 2 energy performance, any contractor doing permitted work will be spec'ing to those standards anyway.

On the permit question: a straight like-for-like window swap in the same opening generally doesn't trigger a building permit in most NB municipalities. However, if you're enlarging the opening — especially to meet egress requirements for a bedroom — that's structural work and you'll need a building permit. In Moncton, that goes through the City's Planning & Development office at (506) 856-4375. In Fredericton, contact Development Services at (506) 460-2020. If you're in a rural area outside town limits, your Regional Service Commission handles permits — RSC 11 covers the Fredericton rural area and New Maryland, RSC 7 covers rural Moncton and Shediac.

One thing many NB homeowners overlook: before finishing any basement or investing in new windows, test for radon. New Brunswick has some of the highest radon concentrations in Canada — roughly 1 in 4 homes exceed Health Canada's guideline of 200 Bq/m³. A long-term test kit costs $30–$50 and could save you from sealing up a basement that needs a sub-slab depressurization system first ($2,500–$5,000 if needed).

This is a project most experienced window installers or general contractors handle routinely. If egress enlargement is involved, make sure your contractor has experience with concrete cutting and confirm they're pulling the required permit. You can browse local contractors in the New Brunswick Construction Network directory to find professionals in your area.