Framing around a basement window.
NOTE: If you are using foam sheeting for your basement insulation, then you will have to glue on the foam sheeting to the foundation walls first before you begin your framing. Build sections “A” and “B” on the basement floor first and then nail them in place making sure that they are 1-½“inches to the right and left of the window opening.
TIP: putting a strait edge or a four-foot level flush against the basement window edge and marking a vertical line down to the basement floor will assure you of a perfect line.
Take a measurement from the end of the wall up to the edge mark of the window opening, and subtract one and a half inches. This will be your measurement for the top and bottom plates for section “A” measurement. Follow the instructions in Framing Basement Walls and build the walls “A” and “B” as per instructions.
Set up the walls in place ( 1-½” away and to the right and left edge of the window opening) and nail them to the floor joists and the basement floor. Make sure to plumb plumb each section before nailing them.
Now you have two walls with an opening where section “C” will fit.
Next , measure between walls “A” and “B” to get the length of the top and bottom plates of section “C” and
cut three plates to that measurement and stack them on top of each other and place them between walls “A” and “B”
Measure from the top of the three plates to the bottom of the window opening and cut as many studs as you need (See Wall section “C“). Nail as many as you need at 16”inch on center to finish the bottom part of section "C". (Usually two are enough).
Do the same at the top for the header. Nail cripples if you end up with more then 6”inches of space between the header and the top plate. If you end up with less space, use 2x4 fillers.
Now all you have left is to slide the whole wall section between walls “A” and: B” and nail it to the floor, ceiling and walls. Cut a two fillers to fit between the header and the sill.
That is it for the wall with a basement window.
You can stand back and appreciate what you have just accomplished.
