Bricking up doorway.

[EddieJT]

To increase counter space in my kitchen, I've had the idea of removing the back door shown in the photo and bricking up to the level of the window next to it. Then remove both door and window and replace with one big window. I still would have patio doors for access/escape from back of house.

Any tips or advice from you guys at the early stage? I've done some brickwork before but never tackled window frames.

Conveniently, neither side of the wall I'll be building will be visible; the outside will be covered in flashing, and the inside will be hidden by kitchen units and tiles. With this in mind what type of block/brick should I use? And any recommendations for insulation?

Thanks.

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[Alastairreid]

Is it brickwork under the weatherboard?

 

[EddieJT]

That's a good question; I will have to investigate.

 

[stuart45]

There's a fair chance it's timber studwork.

 

[EddieJT]

Yes, could well be actually. What would be the implications?

 

[Alastairreid]

Will be a far simpler process if it is timber, you wont need a lintel for a start.

Possibly what you have:

Weatherboard.

Battens.

builders paper.

Plywood.

Timber frame.

Insulation.

Dpm.

Plasterboard.

 

[EddieJT]

Oh that's good then.

Regarding lintel, I'll be keeping whatever lintel is currently above the door and window anyway won't I?

And when fitting the new window, is there some legislation beuracracy about me doing it myself? Do I need to get a FENSA certified person to do it?

 

[stuart45]

DIY you need to go through Building Control. There probably won't be a lintel as such, the studwork will form a trussed purlin.

 

[EddieJT]

I see. So am I ok to remove the current door frame, or is it providing support for what's above it?

 

[stuart45]

The timber above should be self supporting, but check.

 

[EddieJT]

So by checking, am I looking for something "lintel like" that spans more than the width of the whole window/door slap?

 

[stuart45]

Yea