dropping a window by 30cm (possible )

[jags]

Hi all

Started my reno today and in 5 hours i managed to remove the kitchen and bedroom cupboards and half the bathroom, so i'm very happy .

While doing so i realised that the kitchen window is too high to use as a bar /service area .

Is it possible to remove the window and then remove three courses of bricks and re-install the window and brick up where the gap will be above the window .

As the window is wooden and wide and high enough there is no point in replacing it if i do not need to .

i have attached a pic and any help would be appreciated.

[les88]

it looks that the plumbing is in the way and will be removed. This will disturb the bricks under the window. I would remove the window and drop it and brick up above it. I would suggest that the window is held in place by frame ties cut them of with a grinder.

[joe greiner]

New brick above the window will need a lintel. Might be able to suspend from the existing lintel with hanger rods (some welding required). But if the exterior is rendered, could be more expeditious to fill the area above the window with timber construction, and render the outside to match. All things considered, a new higher window might be simpler.

Joe

[ex-chippie]

Hi Jags,

Easily done,just cut your frame ties/nails with a hacksaw blade and wedge your window inwards evenly and slow. Once the window is out , replace your lintel/ three coarses of bricks and then remove the lower bricks. By the look of it, you will need to get the pipework lattended to. Cut down the jack studs below the window, replace the frame sill, refit the window (wit the moisture barrier on the sill) level and plumb, then attack your brickwork.

Best of luck, Jason.

[jags]

Hi guys

Thanks for the help and sorry for the late reply ,so many job so little time .

I have not had the time to have a crack at this yet but from the advice given i do not think it will be to hard .I flipped a door frame around so the door would open the other way on the weekend so good practice .

My plan of attack once the plumbing has been moved is to remove all the trim around the window cut the wall ties ( this should be fun the door i removed had large noggins locking it in place between the two courses of bricks)

Once i have removed the window hopefully without destorying it i was going to remove the three courses of bricks .

Reinsert the window and mark the spot to place the new lintel .

Them remove widow and insert lintel and brick above the window

( i was also thinking i could use gyprock insted of bricks maybe and then use a nice piece of wood on the outter wall as there are no bricks above the window on this wall currently and this might look nice )

Then reinsert window .

( As this is a double brick wall and the window will act as a breakfast bar from the kitchen is it possible to bring the window out and rest it on the outer brick wall i have seen this done and it looks great

Thanks again for all the help hopefully as my knowledge grows i can return the favor .

Rob