I am remodeling a basement that is built with concrete block walls. I have to provide a means of egress. There are existing windows on the gable end of the house that are 32” wide. I would have to cut the block down 3 1/2 rows to allow me to fit double hung windows along with window wells outside. The existing windows are set in the top two rows of block, therefore there are no lintels over them. Current grade outside is a couple of inches under the windows. The gable end wall is 34 feet long X 7 feet high. The windows are spaced eqidistant from the center beam, about 16′ from window center to window center. Outside the house is a large heating/cooling unit that sits center between the two windows. Will cutting the block down 3 1/2 rows ruin the integrity of the wall?
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Probably not. Can you make a sketch and post it?
Will not wreck the structure of the wall at all. You will probably have to come up with a means to get rid of the water that will end up in the window well though. As well as an escape route for the animals that fall into the well.
May want to cut it all the way down to the footer and put in a Bilco precast set of steps and a door.