New windows for the kitchen

We have started work on taking out the existing kitchen windows and replace them with a set of three windows with the center one over the sink. Here is a plan for what we are thinking about for the windows.

The cabinets will still need some work to determine what they will look like. On the far right we are planning on having a free standing unit that may look like the drawing below. That space is where we might put the microwave.

The first step in putting in the windows was to remove the existing wall where the windows will go down to the studs. You can see there used to be a larger window in this location. You can also see the old water line, drain and vent for the sink.

Here is a picture a little further back. As the studs are removed to allow a header to be put in a temporary 2x12 brace is put in along the top to support the roof loads

After all of the studs have been cut off a header and jack studs are put in place. As usual, everything is a little tight so the header needs a little persuasion to get in place.

The waterlines, drains and vent for the sink had to be moved to the new location. You can also see that there is a vent for the HVAC that was moved from the original location in the floor to a spot that will be under the sink cabinets.

Next up, out came the windows. The two pictures show the window getting removed from the inside and the sheet of plywood attached to the outside that is designed to keep out some of the cold.

Here is the beginning of the new framing for the windows. In the pictures you can see the vent for the sink that travels under one of the windows and ties into the vent that used to support the tub that was once there when it was a bathroom. You can also see the electrical outlets that were spaced at a couple intervals in the back. These will be used to power any outlets in the cabinets and the dishwasher that will be located next to the sink.

 Here is an overall picture of the kitchen. You can see the three windows fully framed out. You can also see the cabinets that were pulled off the wall and into the middle of the room. In the original process of getting them removed they were quite beaten up.

 So Kristen dismantled them

And I set about building a new temporary sink cabinet using the original countertop that was located in downstairs bathroom.

Here is a picture of where we are now after everything is all picked up. Next up will be to put some windows in this weekend