DIY Network

Convert a Window to a Door: Interior Demolition From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-211

	In this week's episode of Weekend Remodeling, host Fuad Reveiz will show you how to transform an existing set of windows ...
	into a beautiful new entryway!
	Exterior doors come in a wide range of choices. For this particular project the homeowners chose a three-panel door that matches the rest of the house.

Host Fuad Reveiz begins the project by clearing and preparing the room, including removing the window.

This is an intermediate level project and rated 4 on a "difficulty" scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult.

Materials:

Pre-hung 3-panel door
Bricks
Mortar
Shims
Miscellaneous lumber (including OSB plywood)
Nails
Screws
Trim
Caulk
Paint

Tools:

Chop saw (with a diamond-tip blade)
Trowels
Joint tool
Flat pry bar
Tape measure
Level
Utility knife
Reciprocating saw
Gloves
Mask
Safety glasses
Hammer
Chisel
Drill
Nail gun
Painting supplies

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Note: The first order of business is determining what type of door to install. Drawing a layout of the new entryway will help you figure out what designs look the best, but since there are literally hundreds of choices, drawing them all by hand may not be practical. For projects like this, you may want to consider using one of the computer programs on the market that can change out multiple images of doorway styles at the press of a button. These software programs can make the task of choosing a design quick and easy, and it can give you a good idea of what the finished project will look like.

Reveiz started this project by working from the inside out, which means the interior demolition is first -- then he'll move outside and open up the wall.

	Figure A
	Figure B

1. Begin by removing all of the furniture in the room. A mess will be created during this project, so everything must be removed from the room.

   Tip: It's always a good idea to consult an architect or a structural engineer before starting any large-scale structural changes to your home.

2. Once the room is cleared, it's time to remove the window blinds or shades and balances (figure A).

3. Prepare the trim around the windows by scoring the paint with a utility knife where the trim meets the wall (figure B) and in the 45-degree corners as well. This makes removing the molding with a pry bar much easier.

4. Pry the top piece off and then the sides.

   Note: Be careful not to damage the wall too much, since you'll want as little repair work as possible.
   

   	Figure C
   	Figure D

5. The bottom window sill (figure C) for this particular project proved to be a little more difficult, and it came off in pieces.

6. To remove the baseboard also score along the top and in the corners. Since the board is mitered in the corners, cut it in the middle with a reciprocating saw and then pull it loose with a pry bar. Now it can be removed by lifting up and pulling it out.

   Note: You'll want to keep the baseboard in good condition because you'll reuse it after the door goes in.

7. Next, mark the wall on both sides of the window using a level, and then cut the drywall with a utility knife. After that bust it up to get started, and then you can pull it off in a couple of large pieces (figure D).

8. Now the insulation comes out.

9. Since the outlet won't be needed anymore, Reviez checked to make sure the power was off and then removed the plug and the box.

10. Push the wires through the floor into the basement where they'll be joined together in a junction box where you can get to them.

With the interior demolition complete the project is already starting to take shape. In the next segment, Reveiz will move outside and start opening up the wall.

RESOURCES :

Masonite Doors
Website: www.masonite.com