Cutting brick for window install?

[mike]

I want to put a double-hung window in my garage for a window unit AC. Am handy enough with framing and sheetrock but the exterior veneer is brick. I have been quoted $250 to cut the opening. It seems simple enough but I realize that its one of those things you better get right the first time. The opening is going to be about 36" x 48"

Any tips on this? Do you have to use wet blade equipment or would a good circular saw with a diamond blade do it? The other windows in the house have a row of bricks turned on edge at the window sill. Is it easy enough to mortar those in?

I know this is probably brick and mortar 101 to lots of you. I'm looking for advice on that would help convince me whether I should attempt this on my own

Mike in DFW

[Glenn]

Yeah, 250 don't sound too bad. Grab it before he changes his mind.

[RicodJour]

Cutting the brick is the easy part. You'll have to support the brick above the opening while cutting the opening and you'll have to install a steel lintel to carry the load after the opening is completed.

At least as important as the brickwork is the flashing. Relying on caulk is asking for trouble.

If the $250 included cutting the brick, installing the lintel and flashing, then I'd hire it out.

R