Garage to workshop questions

[MarkP1964]

Hello
I'll be moving soon and intend on turning the garage at the new property into a proper shop/studio.

That garage has a metal up-and-over door in poor condition, no windows, and has vinyl siding. Inside is bare studs and wood exterior walls.

I'd like to add windows and replace the garage door with double doors on hinges. The garage door opening has metal cladding over what ever wood frame is there. Also insulation and interior walls.

What is the best way to cut the siding for window openings? Any advice on framing in the door way?

What's the best way to cut the vinyl siding to create window openings?
Other thought or inspiration how to proceed appreciate

 

[CraigStu]

I cut a hole in my garage to install an AC unit. I went real slowly and did the old measure twice, cut once. Sometimes it was measure 3 times. I cut the vinyl siding 2-3" too small to start and went to full size carefully. Some was cut w/ a multitool, some was cut w/ metal snips. I got J trim and fudged it into position. You are doing it backward, J trim AFTER siding vs before, so it takes some time. I fastened it as best I could but honestly some of it was mainly attached w/ construction adhesive. To frame the window opening, I reached down below between the outside osb and the inside drywall and screwed and glued 6" pieces of 2x4 to the inside of the existing studs. The top of those pieces was positioned so a horizontal 2x4 glued and screwed on top was at the correct height for the opening. Same at the top.

 

[The Cobbler]

working backwards installing windows & doors makes it tougher to make it rain tight . it can be done, it's just a bit more awkward . taking some of the siding down and reinstalling it is an option , especially fo you're doing larger windows
I might come back later & post more, not much time right now. maybe someone will beat me to it .