Swapping Windows And Adding Built-Ins (Possible Living Room Plans)

doreene

I think the idea you have is great! I like the picture (first one) of the windows smaller and built ins. Are you going to add a fireplace(electric) in that area as well?

Justin

Honestly, if you can hang an interior door, you can learn to install a window…or at least replace one. Try searching for how-to videos from This Old House. I know they’ve shown dozens of times on the show how to do both replacement and “new construction windows”. Moving one shouldn’t be too much different, though it depends on how old it is and whether it comes out in one piece or not. If it was built in place (not pre-made), that could get tricky.

The main points (for a new window, anyway) are learning to frame it correctly (header, jack studs, etc.), shim it right so it’s plumb (i.e. not cock-eyed or out of level in any direction), and correctly sealed (self-sealing membrane, tyvek, tar paper, whatever and lots of silicone in the right places). It’s also easier done as a two-person job (one outside and one in).

In your case, the masonry work will be the hardest and you really don’t want to mess up under a window or over it (it probably needs a metal lintel) and get leaks that rot the outside of the house behind the stone. Didn’t I see an “outside wall” in that sun room you want to remove/rebuild? Could you steal some stone from that wall?

Since you have that other bathroom where you’re stealing the window and putting in a cheap replacement, why not make that your test run? If you can do the replacement window (same size, no studding changes, etc.), maybe you’ll feel comfortable about taking on the larger project in the living room?

Dawn

Kristi – I can totally relate to “hitting the wall” after taking on a major project, although I’ve never tackled refinishing wood floors, at least not yet. So no apologies are necessary! I love the idea of the 2 small windows above built-ins, not only will it add some interest to the room but also some storage to display accessories whether in plain view or hidden. Besides, it will give some privacy on that side of the house where you have planned for a ramp. Bravo!

Marci

I think your inspiration photos are truly………inspirational! Who wouldn’t want a wall of built ins like that? When you’re done at your house, you’re more than welcome to take a vacay in my little part of the world and do the same here. I think maybe I’m not skilled or strong enough to take on that kind of a project on my own. You have the greatest ideas! And, just wanted to tell you, your post is the one I look for FIRST when I open my blog reader. Your voice is a “can do” voice in my ears. You go, girl!

Marci aka HotFlashDesigns

Krissy

How fortunate to have the windows from the bathrooms to use in your new living room. The inspiration photos really give a good idea of what you can do. It’ll look great!

Gilmer Gal

That will look really, really good. Kristi, you can replace the window. My husband and I replaced windows all along the back of our previous home, and I think even I could do it.
What are you going to do to the window facing out into the sunroom? Our other bathroom had windows that faced out into our old office (was the back porch, but we added a room). This is what we did – took out the old window and, since we wanted some light coming into the room, we used faux glass blocks (only about 1-1/2 inches deep, about 8×8). Looks good from both sides. Under the window on the office side, we built in some shelving and it looked nice. 2 of my bathrooms in this house are windowless and I don’t like not having an outside light source. I’ll post photos on FB because for the life of me I can’t figure out this Windows 8 nightmare!