An exit from a basement is a highly desirable feature. The cost may out way the return depending on the age, value and quality of home it is being installed on. Depending on the depth of the basement the cost runs about $10,000.+- for an area-way.I am not familiar with Prince William County but Fairfax County requires an egress to finish a basement. You might consider just a egrees window and not a walk-up area way. The cost for a egress window is considerably less.hink of it as a small, narrow patio outside the basement on the same floor level. You would have to dig down as deep as the basement and about 4 feet away from the house and put retaining walls on all three sides, then you can pour a concrete floor at the same level as the basement, create an opening into the basement.