I’m sharing all the details about enlarging a window in an existing wall including the process for installing larger windows, the price and the end result.
I’m always curious about how much things cost and whether or not different ideas are even possible… So, hopefully this will help out those of you who are curious about enlarging a window.
Before we dive in to the process to widen the window, let’s look at the before!
Before Photo of Kitchen Window Size
After Photo of the Enlarged Window
I still pinch myself that our kitchen has come so far and, although it’s not my dream kitchen, I appreciate and love it so much.
After we started demo-ing the kitchen, I had the idea to replace the window. To help visualize what it would look like to enlarge the window, I used metallic tape and taped a window size that I liked on the wall. The window replacement size is shown below with the original windows still in.
The original windows always bugged me because they weren’t centered on the kitchen sink. Once we determined that we were going to replace the window in the existing wall, we knew that we wanted to have it centered at the same time.
Enlarging a Window Opening
The original window size was 38” x 36″ and the new window is 70” x 36″.
We specifically wanted a window that would match with the existing windows in our house. I really liked the idea of a French casement. I thought that with French casement, we would be able to hand BBQ stuff in or out the windows and also possibly add a bar on the outside of the window on the patio. So, we ordered a French casement window for the kitchen.
I will say that now that we’ve had the new window installed for 4+ years, the idea of the window being a pass-through and it actually acting as a pass-through don’t really match up. The counter and sink are in front of the window, so to reach through the window to hand something out to someone outside, it’s a bit of a reach and not very useful. That being said, I do think the French casement is pretty and I like how easy they are to open to let the breeze in, but I don’t think I’d pay more for them knowing what I know now.
The process for widening the window is more intense than the process for just replacing windows in a brick house. We knew that going in but weren’t as prepared for it as we should have been.
Process for Enlarging a Window in a Brick House
- Take out existing window
- Take out drywall around window on the inside
- Put up a support beam on the inside (shown above)
- Have plumbing rerouted
- Have electrical lines moved
- Put header in
- Add 2×4 framing
- Tack up plywood on the inside to protect kitchen
- Start working on taking out bricks to enlarge the window opening
- Put new window in
- Cut and place brick to fit around new window
- Mortar brick
- Weatherproof window
- Add drywall inside around window
- Seam, mud and finish drywall
There were around three guys here doing the job each day and it took almost four days. I big majority of the time was spent taking the existing brick out carefully. Apparently our brick length and color can’t be sourced, so each brick had to be chiseled out carefully so that it could be reused. Since we were enlarging the window, we didn’t need all the bricks but some broke as they were trying to dislodge them. Our exterior windows have a soldier style casement brick detail too, which uses a bit more bricks than just a normal brick pattern.
As we were watching them take the brick out, they exposed so much of the exterior wall, that I asked how hard it would be to add some outdoor sconces. Now, I know that it’s super easy to add electrical outlets and sconces when you have exposed walls but I didn’t back then. I’m happy to say that they told me that it was an easy job to do so I ran up to Lowe’s and grabbed these modern patio lights. For under $15, they really can’t be beat when you need a small modern patio sconce.
Cost to Install a Window in an Existing Wall
We ordered a fiberglass window in the french casement style and it was just over $875. The labor was right around $1400. Our total for this project came to $2275.
The price did not include finishing the trim work on the inside of the window because that’s something that we felt comfortable doing ourselves and saving a bit of money on.
If you are considering enlarging windows in your house, go for it! It was a big investment for us and one that we just weren’t sure about at the time. Honestly though, it’s the focal point of our kitchen and the reason our small kitchen feels light, bright and big. Honestly, this is one of our best renovation decisions to date.
Check out the full kitchen reveal for all the details on the rest of the space.
If you want price breakdowns of other projects we’ve done, then check out some of these:
- Cost to Install Wood Flooring
- Replacing the Double Front Doors
- Price for New Gutters Installed
- Asbestos Removal Cost
PIN FOR LATER: Cost for Widening a Window
The after makes me want to go: aaaaahhhh! I so love it. What a difference! It might be a big expense but it was totally worth it.
I know, right? I can’t wait to see the finished space. It’s pretty close, but the cabinet doors aren’t finished yet.
What a difference! I think you got a great labor price for the amount of brick work that was involved. A big investment, but when it’s something that will last the lifetime of the house and will never go out of style, definitely worth it!
I know, right?! I thought the price was pretty good. We had some ups/downs during the process, so I politely mentioned that I should get free electrical wiring added to the outside of the patio. I got it, but I think the contractor would rather not work with me again. Lol.
How did you find a contractor to enlarge the window, what words did you google? Or did you just hire a general contractor?
Hi,
If you are using one of the large window companies (Pella, etc.) then they have contractors that they work with. Otherwise, a general contractor works too. I like to vet by word of mouth first and then get a bid and feel it out in person.
Looks great and this was very interesting and helpful info for me! I think we are eventually going to enlarge some windows in our basement when we convert unfinished space into bedrooms.
Thanks Anni! I think siding would be cheaper if you have that instead of brick, but the overall look is so worth it!
Oh I think that was such a good call! We did some windows when we first bought our house and it was the best thing we spent money on by far. Good light just changes everything. I can’t wait to see how this space turns out!!
When you are in DIY mode, it’s so hard to actually pay for things! But, I think this was definitely worth it!
I love the outcome! You guys did a great job! My husband and I are planning a kitchen reno and we’re on a tight budget so we’re planning on doing most of the work ourselves. Our sink window is much like the one in your before picture and I really want a larger one put in but we’re worried about cost so this was definitely helpful. I’m a little confused about what goes on with the brickwork though. We have an odd brick that I don’t think can be matched and I worry about this part of the process. How much of the brick is actually removed? Is it just enough of an opening for the window to go in? And what do you do about the exterior ledge? Would you mind clarifying for me? Thanks in advance!
Hi Amanda,
Thank you! So, removing brick is a really tough process from what I observed or atleast removing it without damaging the brick.
Our windows have a soldier style brick pattern that the window sill sits on. So, when they did the demo work, they had to remove enough bricks completely in tack so that they had enough bricks to mimic the soldier style window sill that the other windows had in it. If you don’t have that added detail, then you probably have less to worry about with the demo process.
As far as how much brick is removed, more bricks than just what the window size were removed. They placed the window and then re-mortared the brick around it.
I hope that helps! For us, there was no way this would fit with a DIY project (but we don’t have that skillset). BUT, for a professional, it’s definitely doable and the change is crazy awesome!
OK. It looks like we have the soldier style sill as well; I just didn’t realize that’s what it’s called. We actually found several bricks that match our house laying around our property so maybe we can use those for the sill. We were worried about the labor cost but I think after seeing the transformation it made in your kitchen, it’s definitely worth it. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond and for being an inspiration!
Of course! Good luck on your reno! We love our window and think it was the best decision ever. Hope you feel the same.
Hi. I realize this is a really old post. But I also have a blog and people comment on old posts all the time so…hi! I just wanted to say: thank you for this! You stated near the end that you shared the cost breakdown because you saw a lack of information online. And this was EXACTLY the info I was looking for! Thank you! Also the amount of time and effort this took was eye-opening! I’m embarking on a crazy reno project, and this post helped. Thank you! (I’m so replacing all of our uppers with windows and open shelving. I’m certain I’ll regret that some day but whatever. Light! Space!)
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for your comment! I don’t think you’ll regret the windows and open shelving! Seriously, we love how ours turned out. Thanks again for your comment. Good luck on the renovation!
I have a question about the costs. You mentioned the cost for the window and labor. Did you also have to hire an engineer?
No, we didn’t. It’s pretty standard here to just put in a larger header to accommodate going up in size for the window.