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January 16, 2008
Adding a window in back parlor?
We're thinking of adding a window in the back parlor of a traditional brownstone, between the two tall but narrow windows that are there. (there's a wide wall space in between, and the back of the house gets far less light than the front.) Has anyone done this, and have any suggestions, warnings, or recommendations of someone who'd be good at safely and carefully creating a new window in a brick wall?
Comments
If you are talking about putting a window in the back wall of the house, I'm sure it can be done, but you want someone who knows what they are doing to do it. This is not a handyman job. I'm not an expert, but you may need to add some type of support above the window to keep the wall - a weight bearing wall I'm assuming - structurally sound. I don't think its a huge job, just one that needs to be done right the first time. I'm sure any licensed contractor can do it for you.
Posted by: guest at January 17, 2008 10:10 AM
We knocked down the back wall on the garden level and put up sliding glass doors. We had an architect draw up the plans. A steel beam had to be put up for support.
Posted by: luvtocook at January 17, 2008 11:12 AM
We had three windows and are currently widening the center window so that french sliding doors can go between the side windows. A structural engineer and architect were involved(for other reasons too) but it doesn't seem to be too complicated. At this point there is a big opening where the window and brick have been removed. Beware of what they might find that can lead to other work-rotting wood, etc. Definitely not a handyman job.
Posted by: Jane at January 17, 2008 11:43 AM
We did the same thing in our English basement. We wanted a big picture window across but that was going to be too expensive. It was much cheaper just to add a third window which really opens up the room. We love it. Used Design Tech but I don't think I'd recommend them. They ordered the wrong size windows and messed up some other things as well.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at January 17, 2008 11:52 AM
Hard to see how you can add one new window between two old ones and have it look right - although maybe you aren't picky about that. Though I'd keep the aesthetics in mind if you ever plan to sell.
I would think installing a wall of windows, with or without windowed door(s) giving access to the outside, would look better, though bound to be way more expensive. Though the idea of adding door(s) between the windows, as noted above, might actually look OK.
Posted by: guest at January 17, 2008 2:25 PM
I added a window last summer to the back of my house, didn't file (didn't know it was required), and it was a relatively straight forward process. I hired a mason who took care of the opening (steele support included) and then hired someone to touch up the interior to match existing. So, if you follow the same steps, and add a couple at the beginning if actually needed (drawings, etc) you should be well on your way.
Posted by: guest at January 17, 2008 2:33 PM
You can add a new one and have it look right by either matching or replacing the two old ones. It's very easy.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at January 17, 2008 2:45 PM
2:33, What kind of idiot company did the work for you and didn't tell you that it needed to be filed?
Posted by: guest at January 17, 2008 8:18 PM
2:33 here..I acted as my own general contractor and hired sub contractors as needed. My homeowners insurance covered any liability. The various contractors I hired did raise the issue of 'filing'; but since none of my architects I spoke with thought it was required I thought it was OK
Posted by: guest at January 17, 2008 10:16 PM
Definitely make sure it's done by someone who knows what he is doing, and not a handyman. When we bought our house, there was a little window (for a very small bathroom) on the ground floor, which we decided to replace. Turned out it had been done improperly, no lintel or support, and the brick wall under it had completely deteriorated. We had to have it all rebuilt. So even a tiny window cut improperly can do great damage.
Posted by: guest at January 18, 2008 11:28 AM
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