Hello to everyone. I am getting underway with a two car garage to en suite bedroom project here at the house, and I am pretty confident in my abilities to understand 95% of the scope involved. One area of question, however, is this: In adding a bathroom, I wish to position it in a corner of the space, utilizing part of an exterior wall. In the new space, we would like a window, perhaps some glass block or other obscure glass to allow light in. We plan to take advantage of the exterior wall being on the south side of the building. The exterior is brick veneer – typical southern brick ranch – over conventional framing with tounge and groove – sheathing?, siding, I am not certain of the correct term here – anyhow, it is wood. Finally, the question. Is putting in a window/glass block ensemble a difficult task with the brick involved? Obviously I can cut a rough opening, through the brick and all, reframe as if it were a window going into regular wood siding and install a window in a fairly easy manner, but how much will it weaken the structure just by removing enough brick for a window? a normal sizes window, nothing crazy.Do I need some sort of steel beam/header at the top of the window to hold up the brick? Any thoughts that would help me convince my wife that this will not cause the entire house to fall down will help. Also, since I have your attention, I am framing a new floor on top of the concrete slab. 2×12 joists with 3/4 plywood and then floorcovering. some of the space under the floor will be used to route plumbing, etc. Is there a recommondation for an insulation/moisture barrier to go between the slab and the framing. Is treated lumber a bad idea, good idea? A waste of money? I have never seen evidence of any flooding in the five years we have lived here, but I may try to put an emergency drain down there also, just to be safe and waste a day or so. Sorry to be so long winded. I am sure some of you have great suggestions and references. Thanks so much. Dave |
Replies
I fit's a one-story hbouse and there isn't much brick above the window, why n ot remove all the brick streaight up and replace it with siding? It only works if the space above the window is a foot or so ... more than that looks trerrible. Or, while the inside wall is opened, slip an angle iron up behind the brick to create a lintle.
I would use pt lumber for the floor framing, just for peace of mind.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.