We are installing windows with a RO of 8’1″ W x 4′ 0 1/2″ H in new construction in a daylight basement.  We have a 3′ 6″ concrete knee wall and have 8′ high ceiling height in the basement.  Does anyone have a suggestion on what the minimum width of a header we can install over this window?  Or does anyone know if steel will work?  We’ve had suggestions of putting one row of blocks around the entire perimeter of the house; which we don’t like.  Also another suggestion is to cut the concrete wall by 6″.  Help anyone!