WE want to update our basement by adding and egress window, installed where an old coal chute used to be. The spot is sealed up right now, but since the seam where the chute was sealed up is still a bit visible, I thought it would be a perfect place for a new window well.

I am a little worried about water getting in, though.

Should we seat the window well to that it is above the ground's level, or should we create a separate barrier to keep water out?

I would definitely make the window a bit above and then you also need drainage down in the egress area, hopefully it already is?

The picture of the egress kit looks great. Every one I have seen is made with that steel that looks like the walls of a utility shed.

Would installing one of these raise the value of a home?

You will certainly need to have a separate drainage on that area and place it a bit above.