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We're building in a builder specific neighborhood. All builder owned until we close.
The contractors that poured our foundation ended up with the basement window frame unlevel.
The window guys installed the basement window anyway (apparently they had a lot of difficulty since it was so uneven..).
After meeting with our builder, they said they were going to have the window fixed. The solution is/was to cut out the concrete frame/window and use a wood frame/new window.. We were told it would be trimmed similar to regular windows.
This for an unfinished basement. We plan to finish it eventually, but it's not something the builder does.
I've tried googling multiple times and just haven't found any information about it being done this way or how it might look.
They cut the window out a few weeks ago and haven't done anything to it since. And as of yesterday, they boarded it up a bit, which might just be to block it off for now since they're moving along upstairs, but it's been open the last few weeks. I know we can talk to the builder and ask for more information, but I wanted to post here to get people's thoughts on how they might accomplish fixing it.
Is it as simple as creating a wooden frame within the concrete frame? Can you just put a screw into the concrete to keep it in place? Will the window being framed this way potentially cause issues down the road? Anything else we should be thinking about in terms of this issue?
It sounds like they are going to build a custom window for the location. If so, it can only be replaced with a custom built window. Take good care of it. Keep it painted and dry. You might ask that they build it out of pressure treated wood or some fungal resistant wood. Otherwise, you are getting a much better window at no extra cost. Celebrate.
You can probably make them enlarge it to a much bigger window. They pretty much have to do whatever you ask within reason. When it comes to windows, bigger is always better IMO.
Last edited by Coldjensens; 11-28-2017 at 10:21 AM..
Openings in poured concrete walls can always be "off" a tad; so they're always done with "room for adjustment". However, when wood frames are used within the wall forms they can move when the concrete is poured- all without knowing until the forms come off.
Judging by the pictures I'd say it will be a rather easy fix. A concrete saw could be used to "square" the opening- allowing the originally spec'd window to be placed.
Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill- S#!T happens. How they go about "fixing it" and communicating with you will determine an amicable result.
Well the cutting/fixing of the unlevelness has already been done, hence the big cut and blocked off opening in the photos.
They've also said they're going to use wood to frame in a new window. I just didn't know if that can be an issue in a basement or how it might look since I couldn't find anything similar via my google search.
Also didn't know if using a wood frame on concrete was difficult to do or would lead to any potential issues in the future.
We're not making a big issue about it. And they've already told us they're going to fix it.
Yes, standard procedure for installing a window within a concrete opening would be to "frame" within the opening with PT 2X. This is usually done with TapCon screws and is sealed with some type of caulk/sealer to prevent water from leaking between the wood and concrete. The window is attached to the wood frame. It too is sealed to the wood for a leak-proof seal.
Yes, standard procedure for installing a window within a concrete opening would be to "frame" within the opening with PT 2X. This is usually done with TapCon screws and is sealed with some type of caulk/sealer to prevent water from leaking between the wood and concrete. The window is attached to the wood frame. It too is sealed to the wood for a leak-proof seal.
The concern (again) is that the window being installed there is the same
...same size & design & brand & RO etc as the other cellar windows going in.
Well the cutting/fixing of the unlevelness has already been done, hence the big cut and blocked off opening in the photos.
They've also said they're going to use wood to frame in a new window. I just didn't know if that can be an issue in a basement or how it might look since I couldn't find anything similar via my google search.
Also didn't know if using a wood frame on concrete was difficult to do or would lead to any potential issues in the future.
We're not making a big issue about it. And they've already told us they're going to fix it.
Thanks for the replies everyone.
Wood is a better material than vinyl for windows. Even with the crappy wood they use now. Metal would be better or composite. Wood does require more maintenance but it lasts longer if you take care of it and can be repaired.
Location: Finally the house is done and we are in Port St. Lucie!
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Wood frame and concrete/block/brick has been done for centuries. You can use screws in concrete and as stated above, caulking to keep all moisture out.
The question to ask the builder: will it be a standard sized window that would be easy to replace should anything happen in the future?
The concern (again) is that the window being installed there is the same
...same size & design & brand & RO etc as the other cellar windows going in.
Technically that doesn't matter. No home has all the same size windows; and since this is an unfinished basement there is no requirement for a certain size. However, with that being said it would behove the builder to install the window that was spec'd for that place since that was the agreed upon window in the original contract. But, if the builder finds that the best solution is to use a different size window it would be in the best interest of all parties to have an agreement of such a change.
Window units come in so many different size combinations now that it would be almost "impossible" to say it's a "non-regular" type window. And a national builder certainly isn't going to go outside their regular vendor for a "special" window.
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