Door to window / window to door

[johnad]

what I would like to do is to swap a door and a window around
I have a utility room with the back door leading off and the kitchen with just a window so it will involve taking out the kitchen window and removing the section of wall below leaving the lintel in place then having a door and window section made up to fit.
Then removing the existing back door from the utility room bricking up the bottom section and fitting a window to fit the opening .
So I'm assuming the lintels will both be ok
Is it ok just to remove the lower section of brickwork ?
Brick up the lower half of the doorway ?
Do I need building controll ?
The kitchen will remain the same and the utility room will then be used as a downstairs bedroom so apart from moving a couple of water pipes from under the window no other services / electrics need to be touched
Advice needed please

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Done a similar job myself last year- only difference being the 'lintel' above the (leanto) kitchen window was supported by the rafters (brickwork below having mysteriously vanished). So structurally you're OK though have a look at the state of the brickwork below the window (the bit you are going to remove to make a doorway) before you attack it with a bolster- if it looks a bit shaky you'll be better off with a disc cutter- either straight cut or use a grinder to take out the beds so you can tooth your new wall in.

However, new windows/doors are notifiable UNLESS fitted by a FENSA or similar registered firm. If you get a FENSA bunch to do it they'll just fit to your requirements- if you get Building Control involved you MIGHT have to look at improving wall insulation- in fact rereading the post unless you're in a modern build I'd recommend you improve wall insulation (presumably you're redecorating?) anyway to make the space a bit more comfortable.

There's also something about a window within x mm of a door has to have toughened glass (or laminated, can't remember which)- again FENSA fitter or BCO should keep you right whichever route you go.

And make sure your new bedroom window can be used as a fire exit otherwise anyone in that room could be FUBAR if you have a kitchen incident!