[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by sphelps

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Unfinished basement
Remove two bedroom size windows
Fill in area
Stucco outside area where filled in
Install new window on other side of basement (hopefully use one of the removed windows)
Building permit required

Thanks

first I would see if this is something that the builder shopuld be responcible for fixing, if not then check with your lawyer about your title insurance and so on.

what is to close the actualy house or the window well because it is atached to the house. if it is the window well then remove it and cut 5cm off each end reinstall about 3 hours work no cost.

if it is the house then title insurance should cover it as the survay doesnt jive with the actual layout. My guestimate would be 2500 to 5K if you hire it out. looking at it I would be tempted to remove the windows and fill it up myself with cinderblocks and morter. as for putting the new window in... how is alberta with home owners permits? I get permits and do my own work which still has to be inspected, I just read up on what I have to do and do it right the first time. I have yet to fail an inspection out of 5 permits. (two electrical, 2 plumbing and one structural)

now of course you have to decide if you are capable of doing the work and or if you want to or even have the time. for instance, I will do small mud repairs of drywall but I will hire out mudding of a room as the cost is worth the lack of mess and fustration to me

a good idea would be to get a few contractors in.. ask them how they are going to fill the holes, ask if they have to install a lintel in the new window hole they cut. you shouldn't need a permit to remove and fill in the two windows there but ya you should need one for a new window but ask them and see what they say. find out what they would charge just to install a window. if you knwo anyone who does this kind of work find out whats involved, go to the mike holmes forum and ask about it in the basement forum (that forum is a welth of info, and a lot of strait up contractors and people in the know would problably give you more info that you could hope to get here. they all push hiring a pro, but thats cuz half them on there are contractors of some sort, but they have helped me with some stuff I had a hard time finding any info on.

I don't know where everyone is getting there ideas of finnishing the basement but I don't see that in your question. if you do want to completly finnish the basement then some people are dreaming of how cheap they think it can be done. I have a 1000sq^ft basment that I am renovating and I am over 35K with only 1/2 of it done. I have finnished a bedroom and a family room with a wet bar so far. I still have the bathroom, laundry room and back entry to do yet so I am looking at another 10 to 15K and thats with me doing all the work myself. you can double what I have spent and have yet to spend by getting some one else to do it.

a basic 1000 sq ft basment finnish with one bathroom should be in the range of 25 to 35K, if you have champain tastes then your looking upwards of 50K

Steve