Bump Out Window Cost (Uses & Benefits)

Are you looking to add some usable area to your house? Then one good option is to get a bump-out window, which is like a bay window – minus the angles. They can provide extra space in your abode – be it in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom.

But before you jump into this project, it will help to know more about the bump-out window cost first. I’ll discuss the cost of such home additions – and more – below.

What is the Average Cost of a Bump-Out Window?

Similar to any other bump-out addition, the cost will depend on several factors:

1. Desired Square Footage

Of course, the larger the window, the higher the cost.

According to an Angi article, you will need to shell out at least $5,000 for a two-foot bump-out window with a cantilever. This small area could easily make for a picture window or an island.

And, should you desire more space, you’ll need to pay anywhere about $17,000 for a 2-by-10-foot bump-out window. With this area, you can get an additional storage area – or a little nook, even.

A 3-by-10-foot bump-out window, which could help expand your porch or entryway, will set you back by $20,000.

If you wish to get a 4-by-10-foot bump-out window for a mudroom, you will need to pay about $30,000.

2. Location

The cost of hiring general contractors often varies according to location. For example, you could expect to pay cheaper in Detroit, where fees start at $3,500.

However, if you live in Boston or Denver, you will have to pay almost double the fee if you were based in Motor City. In both locations, a contractor will cost you a minimum of $6,000.

And depending on the project, the fees could go as high as $30,000 (Denver) to as much as $35,000 (Boston.)

Here are the ballpark contractor costs for other American cities:

• Chapel Hill, NC – $4,500 to $29,000
• Orlando, FL – $4,500 to $31,000
• Phoenix, AZ -$5,000 to $28,000

All in all, these labor costs will take 10 to 20% of the budget.

And while it may seem like a lot, it’s better than trying to do the project yourself. A bump-out window, while small, will require much skill and expertise.

For one, this project will require you to open your wall, make a cantilevered bump, and install supports, among many other things.

3. Building Permit

A new construction permit is required – no matter how small the room addition is. This will cover $400 to $1,500 of the total cost.

While a contractor may obtain this for you, you’ll need to know how to get a building permit if you wish to build a bump-out window yourself. To learn more about this process, watch this video.

4. Preparations

The contractors cannot just build a bump-out window without the necessary prep work. That may include removing concrete or the existing landscaping as needed.

And, unless you’re going to do it yourself, you will need to pay another $1,300 to $5,500 for the service.

5. Windows

The windows can cost as little as $3,500 – to as much as $15,000. Of course, the fees are dependent on the size or style. Wanting a skylight or a bigger picture/bay window, for example, will render the project costlier.

Case in point: Adding a bay, bow window, or seating area will entail an additional $800 to $15,000.

5. Components

Although bump-out windows don’t require a lot of components, you may need to spend more if it’s big enough to require an additional foundation.

Likewise, you may need to spend more on ductwork or roofing materials if you want a bigger window for your master suite.

Insulation is another issue since a poorly-insulated window can lead to faster heat loss/gain. So, to prevent this, you will need insulation – which costs $2 to $3 per square foot.

Furthermore, you’ll have to shell out more money should you go for the following component additions:

• Kitchen cabinets: $50 to $750 per linear foot
• Custom cabinets: $1,200 per linear foot
• Bookcase: $150 to $1,200 per linear foot
• Nook: $100 to $1,000 per linear foot

6. Finishing Items

There’s also the cost of fixtures or finishing items, such as the paint/wallpaper, to match your current living space.

For these, you’ll need to spend about $2 to $6 per square foot of paint. According to Home Advisor, wallpapering will cost you anywhere from $2 to $10 per foot.

Flooring is even more expensive, as this may cost you anywhere from $3 to $22 per square foot.

Wainscot or beadboard installation costs $5.50 per square foot, while baseboard installation costs $6 to $9 per square foot.

Likewise, you’ll also need to spend some money on exterior finishing. The siding, for one, clocks in at about $3 to $11 per square foot. Roofing, on the other hand, will cost you about $50 to $85 per square foot.

7. Connections

Depending on where you wish to put the bump-out window, you may need to spend money on wiring and plumbing for your master bath.

If you want to add some lighting to your bump-out window, you will also need to pay for an electrician’s service. Depending on the goal, you’ll have to shell out anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour of service.

Of course, you can avoid these additional expenditures by planning your bump-out project accordingly.

8. Cleanup

Again, unless you’re willing to clean the area yourself, you will need to spend $550 (or more) for the cleanup service.

This includes debris hauling and dirt scrubbing/cleaning, among many others.

9. Landscaping

If the project is done in a landscaped area, it will probably have to be re-landscaped after the project.  Again, you may do this, or you may pay a professional $500 to $2,500 for the service.

What Can You Do With a Bump-Out Window?

A bump-out window can do a lot for your home despite being micro addition. And depending on the size and location, you can attain the following:

Living Room

• Space for TV/home theater setup
• Window seat
• Bookshelves

Bedroom

• Sitting area
• Additional closet space
• Gas fireplace

Kitchen

• Extra countertop or prep area
• Expanded pantry/extra storage space
• Kitchen bump-out breakfast island

Bathroom

• Expanded walk-in closet
• Whirlpool or soaking tub
• Vanity or sink upgrade

Laundry

• Additional space for machines
• Storage area

Exterior

• Sunroom
• Mudroom
• Additional garage space

Benefits of Getting a Bump-Out Window

If you’re still on the fence about having a bump-out window, these advantages should convince you to get it right now:

1. Additional Space

Obviously, one of the best benefits of a bump-out casement window is the extra space you’ll get. For one, if you decide to get something as ‘small’ as 3 by 15 square feet, you’ll get a whopping 45 square feet in return.

According to the Spruce, this could lead to a 30% space increase in a small laundry room.

2. Easier Process

Full-room additions involve a lot of complexity (and some demolition too.) After all, the contractor will need to meddle with the foundation, wiring, plumbing, and whatnot.

While a bump-out window project may require some changes, they often are minor and easier to do.

3. Faster Renovations

As mentioned, bump-out projects are easier to do, so they’re faster to finish. Whereas a full-room addition will take 3-4 months, a bump-out window may only take a few weeks (or a month) to be completed.

4. Affordable

Homeowners like you may want full rooms, such as in-law suites, especially if your family is expanding. Unfortunately, this can cost you a lot of money. According to experts, the cost can range from $32,000 to $80,000.

And while a bump-out window may not provide much space, it can give your existing room additional ‘breathing room’ – for a lower price.

Furthermore, you can save on labor costs by doing the following tasks yourself:

• Painting
• Wallpapering
• Hanging drywalls
• Installing baseboards or wainscots
• Finishing items
• Outfitting the bump-out window

5. Improves Home Value

A bump-out window can significantly improve your home’s resale value – although it’s just a simple micro-addition. After all, it adds square footage and desirable features, such as a walk-in closet or additional sitting area.

A bump-out window project can also enhance your home’s aesthetics. This can come in handy if renting your abode out.

For example, listing your home on Airbnb can give you a revenue of $900 or more. This can help you pay off the debt/loans you may have taken out for your bump-out window project.

Conclusion

The cost of a bump-out window ranges from $5,000 for a two-foot addition, to as much as $30,000 for a 4-by-10-foot extension. These home addition costs often include permit, finishing, contractor, and electrician service fees.

As these are only ballpark estimates, the costs may fluctuate according to location.

Do you have more questions about bump-out window costs? Post a comment, and I’ll answer it ASAP!