DIY Network

Dark, Drab and Disappointing / Installing an Interior Window From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-308F

Homeowner Lisa Cabus hated her dark, drab foyer and tackled a tile tear-up herself. She chipped away at the dated ceramic tiles with a hammer and screwdriver. When the sub-floor began to splinter and chip, Lisa realized she was in over her head. Having requested that husband Rand help tackle the project by adding an opening in the hallway wall, Lisa found that Rand felt uncomfortable demolishing part of the wall not knowing if it was load-bearing. The two called on DIY to the Rescue to help them update the hall and create a space that says "welcome" to all who enter.

The crew plans to:

• Add eco-flooring
  
• Install a picture window
  
• Turn a cramped closet into an airy alcove
  
• Build a seat bench in the alcove
  
• Add wainscoting to the walls
  
• Add new light fixtures

That's a long list for a small hallway! So with the clock ticking, the crew helps the couple get started on the window installation.

Tearing up the tile did not go as smoothly as planned.

Lisa Cabus would like to do something to expand this tiny hallway and make it more welcoming.

A space with potential.

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Interior Window Installation

One of the ways to brighten the hallway is the installation of a large picture window. Here, host Karl Champley and homeowner Rand Cabus tackle the wall tear-out and window installation.

Materials:

Utility knife
Tape measure
Level
Chalk line
Reciprocating Saw
Drywall saw
Hammer
Drill
Safety glasses
Window
Nails
Screws
2 x 4s
Wood putty
Paint (for touch-ups, as needed)
Nail gun
Trim gun
Chisel
Shims
Latex caulk

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

1. To center the window on the wall, find the center point of the wall by dividing the entire wall width in half.

2. Measure out the hole to be removed and mark the wall with a chalk line or a pencil. When installing a window be sure to measure your hole at least one and one-half inches larger than your window size. This allows room to align the window with shims.

3. Use a utility knife to score over the chalk line or pencil marks.

4. Use a hammer to punch out the marked area of drywall (figure A). Do not risk cutting through an electrical wire by using a saw.

5. Use hands to pull remaining drywall away (figure B), then use a drill to drill through to the other side of the wall and mark the corners of the first opening (figure C).

6. Mark the other wall with a chalk line using the drill holes as your guides, then use a reciprocating saw or saws-all to cut the drywall and studs.

7. Cut and nail 2 x 4s inside the wall opening (figure D) to frame and secure the window casement.

8. Center the window in the opening, then check for level and make sure the window is flush (figure E).

9. Add shims (figure F) to level the window horizontally and ensure that it's vertically plumb.

10. Once the window is securely in place, cut the shims so they are flush with the frame. They are easily removed using a chisel and hammer.

11. Secure the window to the timbers using three-inch wood screws.

12. Add window trim (figure G), caulk around the window, cover nail holes with putty and paint.