If you want to use your basement as an office, bedroom, or other living space, you have to install an escape route in case of an emergency.Before you start building, make sure you know what the codes and requirements are for the area you live in.You will need experience with renovations, carpentry, and construction to do this project on your own.
Step 1: Determine how big your window should be.
You can find local codes on the subject.The bottom of the window opening will need to be less than 100 cm from the floor.Some basement rooms don't need an egress window.The basement bedrooms are not allowed without one.Follow the procedures to get the building permits if you need them.You will need to get permission from the local utility companies to dig so that you don't damage the buried lines.
Step 2: You will add a window if you dig an oversized window well outside.
It needs to be at least 36 in (93 cm) wide and extend out from where the window will go.It will need to be no more than 114 cm deep.If you want to get as close to the window as possible, dig the hole about 6 in (15 cm) deeper.This will let for a window ledge.Most codes will allow you to install a window if you put a ladder or steps in the window well, as long as you dig it well deeper than 44 in.
Step 3: You should mark your cut on the inside wall of the basement.
Measure the outline of the window using a measuring tape.To mark each side, use a grease pencil and a straight edge.If you are placing it parallel to the floor joists, make sure you leave at least 6 in (15 cm) of space between the window and floor.Part of the wall can rest on the floor joist.If you don't have a grease pencil, masking tape can be used to mark the outline of the window.
Step 4: The bottom cutting line has a pilot hole in it.
It is a good idea to use a drill bit that is long enough to go through the wall.Make sure the drill is level.You can mark the window with the pilot hole as a reference point.You need to drill completely level.
Step 5: You should mark the cut on the outside.
Measure the bottom line of the window with a grease pencil and use the pilot hole as a reference point.Take a look at the sides and top of the window.To check your markings, use a level and straightedge.
Step 6: If the window will be on the floor, build a support frame.
A temporary support frame can be built out of 2-by-4s back from the basement wall.The top plate needs to be screwed to the joists.The frame needs to be at least as wide as the window so that you can put a stud under each one.It should be wider if you have a room.
Step 7: Dust can be contained by hanging plastic sheeting along the frame.
Dust can be kept out of the area you will be cutting.It should be secured with a staple gun along the temporary frame and in the ceiling.If you want to keep the dust out of the tent, use a plastic sheet that is at least 8 feet wide.You can create an extra-tight seal by making slits in the sheeting.
Step 8: Use a concrete saw to cut a hole in the window.
The concrete saw has a diamond blade.Make a first pass around the perimeter and only cut about 4–2 in (0.64–1.27 cm) deep to create a straight grooves that will guide your next cuts.Renting a concrete saw is possible.Renting a diamond blade is a good idea.Gloves, a dust mask, and hearing and eye protection are required when operating a saw.
Step 9: You created a grooves along the wall.
Make another pass around the perimeter of the window, cutting deeper until you get halfway through the wall.You can focus on applying pressure to cut deeper if you make a grooves.The cut is halfway through the wall.The cut from the other side will be completed by you.
Step 10: Cut through the other side of the wall the same way.
Go around the outside of the window first.You must pass along the grooves until you meet your cut from the inside.If you want to keep the area clean, you can cover it with a tarp.
Step 11: Remove the blocks where the hole will be with a hammer.
Start at the top-center and work around the edges.Don't loosen the blocks that are in place.Start by breaking out the core of the block and then break away the rest.
Step 12: To smooth the sides of the hole, chip them with a brick chisel.
A brick chisel can be tapped with a hammer.Make sure the opening is big enough to fit the window frame.The edges do not need to be perfect.To fit the window, they need to be smooth.
Step 13: The bottom blocks should be filled with concrete.
The concrete can fall if the newspaper is put into the blocks first.On top of the newspaper, fill the blocks with concrete and smooth out the top with a trowel.To create a barrier, cover the concrete with plastic.If you don't fill the blocks with newspapers, you will end up using more concrete than you need.
Step 14: Attach the window frame with screws or nails.
The deck screws are pushed into the concrete below by partially drive 3 in.Attach the top of the frame to the ceiling plate.Attach the sides of the frame to the walls with concrete screws.To avoid shattering the blocks, drive the concrete screws into the mortar joints of the wall.
Step 15: To seal the frame and walls, apply an exterior caulk.
To create a waterproof seal, use exterior caulk.To seal the crack, squeeze a bead of it between the window frame and the concrete walls.If there are gaps larger than 4 in (0.64 cm), you should put a foam backer rod in between.
Step 16: The temporary support frame needs to be removed.
You can now disassemble the temporary support frame.The window frame is going to support the joists.The easiest way to start is by removing the frame.The rest of the frame can be laid down.
Step 17: Lift the window and put it in the frame according to the instructions.
Installation instructions are specific to the window.To seal and waterproof your window, you will need to screw or nail the metal fins into the frame and caulk around the edges.Depending on the window you purchased, the installation procedure is different.Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the exact procedure.The window must be nailed into place.
Step 18: You can fill the well with gravel by installing a drain pipe in the window well.
There is a hole in the bottom of the window well that can be used to install a pipe.To facilitate drainage, cover the base of the window well with gravel.If your window well is on a slope, you can dig a hole for the pipe that leads the water away from the window, rather than connecting it to the exterior drainage system of your home.