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 1-½inches 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 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.
Now you have two walls with an opening where section C will fit.
Next , measure between walls A and B at the top and bottom to get the length of the top and bottom plates of section C.
Cut the plates to measure and stack them on top of each between wall A and B
Measure from the floor joists or backing (which ever may be the case) to the top of the plates and cut two studs to that .
measurement.
Nail the two studs (F and G) on the diagram that you have just cut, even between the ends of top and bottom plates of wall C.
Measure from the floor joists to the top edge of the basement window opening, and transfer that measurement to both studs, measuring from the outside of the top plate. Now mark another line 1-1/2inches above the last mark.
Measure from the basement floor to the bottom of the window opening and transfer that measurement to both studs of (Wall section C), measuring from the bottom of the bottom plate.
Make another mark 3 inches below the last mark and measure from this mark to the inside of the bottom plate. This is the length of the short studs. Cut the short studs and nail as many as you need at 16inch on center. (Usually two are enough).
Measure the inside width of the window rough opening (section C) and cut four 2x4s at this measurement for the header and rough sill ( the width of the window opening- Wall section C). In addition, star nailing them first to the short 2x4s, one at a time and then to the studs of section C.
Do the same at the top for the header. Nail cripples if you end up with more then 6inches 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. That is it for the wall with a basement window
You can stand back and appreciate what you have just accomplished.
Top To Basement Window
