Enlarge a basement window and closing in 2 others.

[Zephyr]

Hey everyone,

I'm starting to toss around ideas for finishing my basement. I'm stuck on windows. I have 2 small 12 x 20 windows that are under my deck that I am thinking of framing closed, and 1 other 12 x 20 window that I want to make larger to let in more light.

This would entail cutting the foundation to make it larger. Yikes! The window in the wall in question runs parralel to my joists, so I'm not worried about weight or anything like that. Am I better of renting a saw that I can cut the foundation wall with, or should I get a diamond blade and cut it with my circular saw. I know a rental saw would probably take the beating better, but, can I get one that I can operate 7 feet off the ground? Does a circular saw and a nice $40 blade have a chance of cutting thru my foundation wall?

oh, and any advise on closing in the 2 other windows? they have a metal frame that looks like was in place when the foundation was poured. I was thinking of just pulling out the glass and framing the opening with PT lumber and putting a board on each side of some insulation

Dave

[DerbyDad03]

Do you know if the foundation has rebar in it?

See here:

[Edwin Pawlowski]

How thick is your foundation? That circular saw is not going to get through. You'd have a better shot with a rental, an even better shot at it by calling a pro and paying to have it done. That is not easy work. At work, we tried cutting just a groove in concrete and burned up two saws.

For the windows you are blocking, if you want some light consider glass block.

[DerbyDad03]

-- For the windows you are blocking, if you want some light consider glass block.

That's what I did. I got a price for 4 windows from the estimator-guy who I think priced them on size alone. The guy who actually installed the windows spent hours trying to get the metal frames out of the foundation. Based on the time he spent on these windows, I got a real good price!

BTW...they can install vents in the windows...mine are like a single pane jealousy window with a screen and removable interior storm.