Increase size of windows on garden level - rear

We have a 3 story in park slope and were considering the ubiquitous blowing out of the back wall on the garden level to let more light into our kitchen. Given the amount of cost associated with such an exercise we are starting to think of other options to get more light in.

Has anyone had experience of enlarging the vertical height of the 2 windows that are already in place down to the floor. I’m assuming this wouldn’t need steel/structural work given the existing lintels would be sufficiently wide already.

I trawled through the forum and didn’t see anyone explicitly talking about this process and the type of permitting/contractor that would be required. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

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Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

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wow – the example in the cut are stunning – some great ideas.

petraalexandra | 5 years and 1 month ago

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Neo, not sure if this is what you’re referring to, but The Cut had a good example of something similar here:
https://www.thecut.com/2018/01/landmarked-19th-century-brownstone-sunny-refresh.html?utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=fb&utm_medium=s1

We’re also trying to do something like this as well to save costs. If it helps, we’ve been using these 2 pins as Inspo:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/752734525208172244/?nic_v1=1a0ino%2BJxnj%2FZvY%2FbK2qK3SyLvucStJi0HrT2Dfp5P9G%2BokSpFQivOXSuVPPB7rd42

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/752734525208166381/?nic_v1=1ajRnwURar4OpEKeJ9W1sxH2xmCSPT3QWrPX2l8JMoyR3QWUZfLLVemREJsMOY8x5M

Good luck!

NeoGrec | 5 years and 1 month ago

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To reduce costs, some renovators install a custom transom (at top or bottom, depending on desired function) in combination with a large window. I saw a great example of this recently either on this site or maybe Remodelista. Can’t find it now — sorry!

Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

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Thank you, that is great to see and hear.

Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

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You assumed correctly that the masonry opening for a window can be increased downward (but not upward) without touching the structural lintel. The bricks that get knocked out will need to be cut and dove-tailed back in and a sill will need to be cut and installed at the bottom of the opening before the installation of a door or window and depending on the existing surface- sometimes coating. Not a big job, but it generally requires more than one trade.

We have made many doors like this one to replace a window. About five courses of brick were removed to install this: [102 Gates](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s1/:brownstoner:RiTi:102gates.jpg.jpg)