Converting window

the_only_one · 08-01-2012, 10:49 PM

I have very little experience with carpentry and any DIY tasks but I'm wanting to try this on my own. I recently bought a 50 year old house. In one of the rooms a bathroom was added to an outside wall. They didn't remove the window that was already there so now you can see the drywall through the glass. I was hoping to remove the window and possibly convert it into a built-in wall book case.

Again, I have very little experience and everything I've been finding is just how to replace the window with another, but I was wondering what the best approach was if I just wanted to remove it entirely. Anything I should be aware of or is it just basically remove the casing and then the nails securing the window?

joecaption · 08-02-2012, 11:40 AM

There should never be a storage area built into an outside wall.
The window needs to come out, A 2 X 4 added if 16 or 24" wide insulation will not work, sheathing and some form of house wrap added over it then repair the siding.

What type siding is it?

the_only_one · 08-02-2012, 02:40 PM

It's a brick house. The bathroom was already added on before I even moved it. You can see drywall pressed up flat against the other side of the window.

goosebarry · 08-02-2012, 03:24 PM

I think the OP has an outside wall that after remodelling became an inside wall with a window in it that does not go all the way through, but is covered by drywall on the previous exterior surface.

Do you know any more about the wall construction? Is just brick, or brick and block, or wood framed with full size brick facade, or brick with interior wood wall?

Once you get the window out (easier said then done) you'll have a nice should be structurally sound opening to build a bookcase. Keep life simple and keep the opening the same size.

GBrackins · 08-02-2012, 03:42 PM

a photo or two would be nice

the_only_one · 08-02-2012, 03:50 PM

Wood framed with brick facade. I know it had a exterior storm window at one point but that was removed when they added on. Now all that's left is the wood window.

hand drive · 08-02-2012, 09:29 PM

it seems the obvious is to take out window, re-frame, insulate and sheath and then put brick over the hole. Done

08-01-2012, 10:49 PM	#1
the_only_one Newbie Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	Converting window I have very little experience with carpentry and any DIY tasks but I'm wanting to try this on my own. I recently bought a 50 year old house. In one of the rooms a bathroom was added to an outside wall. They didn't remove the window that was already there so now you can see the drywall through the glass. I was hoping to remove the window and possibly convert it into a built-in wall book case. Again, I have very little experience and everything I've been finding is just how to replace the window with another, but I was wondering what the best approach was if I just wanted to remove it entirely. Anything I should be aware of or is it just basically remove the casing and then the nails securing the window?

08-02-2012, 11:40 AM	#2
joecaption Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,829	Converting window There should never be a storage area built into an outside wall. The window needs to come out, A 2 X 4 added if 16 or 24" wide insulation will not work, sheathing and some form of house wrap added over it then repair the siding. What type siding is it?

08-02-2012, 02:40 PM	#3
the_only_one Newbie Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	Converting window It's a brick house. The bathroom was already added on before I even moved it. You can see drywall pressed up flat against the other side of the window.

08-02-2012, 03:24 PM	#4
goosebarry Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 215	Converting window I think the OP has an outside wall that after remodelling became an inside wall with a window in it that does not go all the way through, but is covered by drywall on the previous exterior surface. Do you know any more about the wall construction? Is just brick, or brick and block, or wood framed with full size brick facade, or brick with interior wood wall? Once you get the window out (easier said then done) you'll have a nice should be structurally sound opening to build a bookcase. Keep life simple and keep the opening the same size.

08-02-2012, 03:42 PM	#5
GBrackins Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Fairhaven, Massachusetts Posts: 2,354	Converting window a photo or two would be nice __________________ Gary "You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

Converting window