Adding windows to a garage wall

[191185]

Hello,

I have an attached garage, the outside is finished with siding and everything, house was built in 2003.

The inside of the garage is just the studs.

I was thinking of adding 2 large windows on one wall .

Can anyone give me some rough ideas how much something like that would cost ?

Pro's and Con's of doing it ?

I am not worried about people breaking in, I would much rather have the view of my backyard.

 

[cdestuck]

You should be able to get some stock windows with nailing flange at Lowe’s for 150 each or do. I’ll guess another hundred will get you vinyl siding trim and wood for headers and stuff like some felt to cover flange with. Nice weekend job. Improved lighting in garage vs loosing some wall space in side. Im guess guessing you have vinyl.

 

[191185]

Yes, Vinyl.

Would a person normally get a permit, or need a structural engineer to approve, or anything crazy like that ?

Or is it really just cut some holes in the wall, put the window in and button it up ?


I wouldn't be doing this myself, I would hire someone though .

 

[Jhoff310]

shouldn't need a structural engineer. A permit may be required based on your local building codes.
For a contractor to come in and do it right, I would say you would be in the ballpark of 800-1000 per window. Thats time,material, and labor. You didnt say if the inside of your garage was finished or not, so there are some variables.

 

[Copymutt]

Very basic carpentry. I can't imagine any HOA or municipal codes needing to sign off. You can do it yourself, just read up on headers, how to flash a window/door.
Only basic tools needed, saw,hammer,level, nails or screws, shim stock, caulk, recommend Ice,water shield for flashing.
Jim

 

[Trey T]

it might be better to get some photos of the wall (interior + ceiling; exterior + whatever above it). w/o an inspection, my guess is less than $5K.

 

[6768rogues]

Very basic carpentry. I can't imagine any HOA or municipal codes needing to sign off. You can do it yourself, just read up on headers, how to flash a window/door.
Only basic tools needed, saw,hammer,level, nails or screws, shim stock, caulk, recommend Ice,water shield for flashing.
Jim

You can also put that header up against the top plate and fill in below it or raise the window up to it if you like them higher. I would remove the siding, put in a window with a flange and use j-channel or integral j-channel. Then put the siding back on, cutting around your new windows.
Most codes require a permit for anything that is structural, which this framing change is. That said, only the most picky municipalities will even know you did it if done on a weekend when they are not at work. I have done it and I could do it start to finish in 5 to 6 hours.
At our NY house, we are in the country and no one cares. At our FL house, there is a HOA and someone notices if you fart outdoors.
You could call some siding/window suppliers and ask about “dead stock.” That is stuff ordered and not picked up or whatever and the distributor is stuck with it. I have bought brand new dead stock windows for pennies on the dollar. Then build to suit the window.

 

[Adk Mike]

I never put a window on a wall facing West. All you get is afternoon sun when your trying to work

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

If the studs are carrying weight, the weight has to be re distributed. The weight has to be re directed while you tear out the existing studs and build your header, king studs, jack studs and so on. Most often if you touch a load bearing wall permits are needed. Check with your municipality as to what triggers a permit process. It's going to be very. Visible when you start tearing off your siding to get that windo w in there. Best to do it right the first time.

 

[CombatNinja]

it might be better to get some photos of the wall (interior + ceiling; exterior + whatever above it). w/o an inspection, my guess is less than $5K.

$5K WTF

This will cost you about $350 and take about a day, less if you have competent help. Grab a buddy and a twelve-pack and get to it.

 

[191185]

I never put a window on a wall facing West. All you get is afternoon sun when your trying to work

Good point .. the wall I was thinking was facing west, mainly because it overlooks the nice backyard ..

the inside of the garage is not finished, just studs.

 

[fteufert]

Use copymutt's drawing.

You can cut the studs and do all that framing inside the garage without even touching the outside at first.

Find a window that fits without altering too much.

Drill holes in the corners from the inside, cut the siding and exterior sheathing.

Install the window

Some J channel and caulking and you are done

90% of the cost is the window
J channel is cheap

 

[jetnow1]

How large a window do you want- if you measure between your studs to get the distance,
subtract 3 inches for the jack studs and get the window width to fit you will save yourself
a fair amount of work. Depending on local snow loads and window width may require that the jack studs be doubled, your local building dept. will be able to tell you if it is. Definitely get a permit, it will protect you from any stupid errors if you do it yourself of if the contractor is less than he should be. Most new construction windows are available with built in j channel, make sure you get new construction and not replacement windows.

 

[Falcon67]

I never put a window on a wall facing West. All you get is afternoon sun when your trying to work

They sell shades, works well. And reflective film, Low-E glass, etc, etc. Put the window where you want it.

Copymutt has it - just go to any home center and get a book on basic carpentry. Simple framing job.

 

[6768rogues]

In western NY, with a 35 lb./sq.ft. snow load, it is permissible to have a header up to 3’ with metal brackets and no jack studs. 3’ to 6’ requires single jack studs, 6’ and over requires double jack studs.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Lot of good info already, the only thing I can add is to use proper adhesive flashing tape (Grace Vycor, etc) over the nailing flange before installing trim.