DIY Network

Room with a View From "Home Transformations" episode DHTR-109

	Working in a cramped area cuts down on Paul Kukuk's productivity. He needs a home office that offers space -- and peace and quiet.
	To offset some of the cost of obtaining quality materials, host Michael Ray Wisely and homeowner Paul Kukok visit a salvage yard.

The Kukuk family not only welcomed a third child recently, but dad Paul has also been asked by his company to open a home office. Paul will need some peace and quiet in which to work -- a tall order with three kids under the age of five. The Kukuks have a small garden shed in the back yard that would be suitable -- but is badly in need of renovation. The space is dark and fairly cramped, with little ventilation and no storage.

In this first installment of a three-part transformation, host Michael Ray Wisely will guide the Kukuks through the demolition of an old window, and the installation of the new.

Materials:

Chalk line
Measuring tape
Pry bars (large and small)
1/4" drill bit, 12" long
Jab saw
Multi-purpose reciprocating blade
Stud finder
Pencil
Dust mask
Eye protection
Circuit tester
Wire nuts
Hammer
2 x 4 x 8 stock
Reciprocating saw
Level
Miter saw
Framing nail gun
Framing nails
Hammer
Drywall
Single-edged glass scraper
Sandpaper
Sanding bar
Wood filler (optional)
Paintbrush
Primer/sealer
Wire brush (optional)
Utility knife
Mini flatbar
Pliers
Paint scraper
Circular saw
Speed square
Drywall square
Saw horse(s)
Staple gun/hammer tack
Flashing paper
Exterior caulking
Rubberized flashing (bituthene)
Insulation
Shims
3" exterior screws
Window casing
Cordless drill
Paddle mixer
1 x 4 x 8 rough redwood
Surform file
Keyhole saw
Joint compound
Low expanding foam insulation
Topping compound
Drywall tape
Trowel
Drywall knives
Sandpaper

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

1. Mark the center of the wall, then measure two feet from the center mark.

2. Adhere tape to wall to mark window boundaries.

3. Use hand drill to create a hole in each corner of boundaries.

4. Connect lines to duplicate window shape on interior wall. Then, mark the position of the studs and use reciprocating saw to cut interior drywall. One the frame is cut, remove the drywall in pieces.

5. Locate any electrical wires behind drywall. Cap the wires at the source.

6. If working with a load-bearing wall -- as in this example -- you'll need a temporary support in place before removing any studs. As a quick fix, nail a 2 x 4 to the ceiling. Attach 2 x 4s to the temporary ceiling support beam and floor (figure A).

7. With the weight of the wall supported by temporary bracing, it's safe to remove the exterior wall using a circular saw (figure B).

8. To install a header in the sidewall of the shed where the window will be installed, use a 4 x 4 to span the missing studs. Nail the header to the vertical king studs.

9. Next, install jack studs along the sides of the opening to support the header. Once the header is strong enough to support the weight of the wall, it’s safe enough to remove the ceiling support.

10. Add another 2 x 4 to the bottom of the opening to create a windowsill.

11. Weather proof the opening with flashing paper, then install the window and shim it square.

12. Use a utility knife to cut shims flush with surrounding surface (figure C), then install a rubberized flashing material around window (figure D).

13. Apply foam insulation around the interior of the window (figure E), placing properly sized strips of insulation between wall studs (figure F).

14. Add drywall around window. Tape seams and apply mud. Sand smooth, apply a second coat if necessary, then add primer and paint.

15. Finally, add decorative window casing (figure G) around the windows on both the interior and exterior.
    

    ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
    	Room with a View