How to expand a window in a brick house

Is it possible to increase the window opening in the apartment? Ways to expand a window

During major renovations, home redevelopment often occurs.
If you need to expand or modify a window opening in an apartment, you must understand that this is also a redevelopment, which means you need consent from the relevant government authorities to change the size and shape of standard window structures. Installing panoramic windows (increasing the window opening downwards) is a popular design solution, although quite expensive and labor-intensive to implement. Do not start renovations until you know for sure whether it is possible to increase the window opening in your apartment. Trust only professionals who follow the rules exactly so that everything goes smoothly and your neighbors are not harmed by your repairs.

In which buildings can windows be expanded?

Don’t think that the main task of officials is to put a spoke in your wheels. The regulations are aimed primarily at the safety and security of the building, but your actions should not destroy the harmony of the external appearance of the house.

Important rule! Any redevelopment in any building can begin if the load-bearing structures are not affected, if the utility networks and communications remain intact, without the slightest changes.

It is easier to obtain permission to expand a window opening in a brick house than in a panel house. In all panel buildings at the end of the last century, load-bearing walls and design organizations have a negative attitude towards any demolition of partitions in panel houses, especially if it is the dismantling of external walls.

Widening a window opening will not have a negative impact on a high-rise monolithic frame house. The strength of the structure will not be affected, but, nevertheless, you will not receive permission. Modern buildings have an interesting appearance, the cost of apartments here is higher, and any change will lead to disharmony.

You can expand a window in a private house without approval, but you still need expert advice for your safety. You need to be prepared for the fact that for the sake of a fashionable French window you will have to install an additional reinforcing frame.

What you need to know if you are planning to increase the window opening

Repairs often include not just a cosmetic component, but also global changes. This may include increasing the window opening. Some do this solely for the purpose of adding something new to the design of the room, while others pursue everyday goals: for example, to add light and air to their living space. One way or another, you need to understand that expanding a window opening is a serious undertaking, equal in importance to a full-fledged redevelopment. Therefore, such a process must be approached with all responsibility and understanding of the matter.

The main nuances of expanding a window opening

If there is a need to expand the window opening, you need to think carefully about everything, weighing all the pros and cons. At first glance, it may seem that there is nothing difficult about expanding the window. But this process is incredibly labor-intensive, and it can only be performed by professionals. It is impossible to expand the boundaries of a window without special equipment and skills.

In addition, the legal side of the issue cannot be ignored. The expansion of windows must be carried out according to special rules contained in the law. To do this you need to obtain the appropriate permission. Only after observing everything stated above can you proceed with your plans.

Under no circumstances should you expand the windows yourself; this can lead to deformation of the structure and pose a threat to the lives of other residents.

There are not many options for increasing the opening: either in width or in length. Both of them are technically difficult. Vertical “stretching” of a window is usually required when combining rooms, or a room with a balcony. In such a situation, the window sill with part of the wall can be eliminated, or the wall can be completely demolished. In this case, the battery is moved to another place. You need to know that:

It is prohibited to place the heating radiator on the balcony;
Even the external correspondence of the balcony to the living room will leave this room in the rank of non-residential;
The “partition wall” must be preserved.

Legally, it is most difficult to enlarge a window in the horizontal direction, since:

It is necessary to overcome a long “paperwork”;
Additionally strengthen the façade of the entire building.

It must be remembered that in most apartment buildings, the wall between the balcony room and the room itself holds that same balcony slab. Any ill-considered redevelopment will lead to the inevitable collapse of the building.

The process of expanding an opening or how the window size changes

The development of technical thought does not stand still, but in most cases, the expansion of window openings is carried out using jackhammers and a hammer drill. This method in itself is not bad, but there are a number of disadvantages:

Noise;
Lots of dust in the room;
Duration;
Labor intensity;
Inaccuracy.

Now experts are increasingly offering their clients to expand windows using diamond cutting. With its help you can:

Speed up the installation process;
Avoid wall deformation and microcracks;
Reduce the appearance of construction dust to zero;
Provide the new window opening with an ideal contour.

Diamond cutting can be used to work with any surfaces and materials: concrete, granite, brick, marble, etc.

Extending a window in a brick house

Expanding a window opening in a brick wall is the simplest option. But even here it is impossible to do without the permission of the relevant authorities. Only after careful planning can you be sure that the lintel over the opening will not collapse on the heads of its owners. Then you can begin dismantling. In place of the previous part of the window there should be another jumper, wider. It can be replaced by two welded corners made of durable metal. The window is then cut along the planned contour to the required size. Hollowing is done both from the inside and outside of the wall. All this also serves to ensure that during the “rebuilding” process unnecessary bricks and fragments do not fall out, and the opening itself does not crumble.

The nuances of expanding windows

Depending on the design idea, the expansion can be vertical or horizontal. Both options require a professional approach and consultation with design organizations. Do not carry out repair work yourself unless you have the appropriate qualifications.

Vertical expansion - combining rooms or a room with a balcony. The window opening is enlarged due to the complete demolition of the wall or part of the wall with a window sill. In this case, the heating battery is installed in a new location and there are certain rules:

You cannot move the radiator to a balcony or loggia. The only option is to place the battery on the opposite wall, inside the room.
After redevelopment, the balcony area of the apartment will still be considered non-residential and will be listed as non-residential premises in all documents.

Please note that in most multi-storey buildings, the wall between the room and the balcony holds the balcony slab and its demolition can cause extensive damage to the building, and casualties are not excluded.

Avoid the collapse of walls and ceilings! Experts insist: you can remove the window and door frames, but you don’t need to touch the partition itself. From the window sill you can organize either a table or a bar counter.

Horizontal expansion of a window opening is an increase in the window structure only in width. Whether it is possible to increase the window opening in an apartment in a similar way should be decided by specialists, since reinforcing elements for the facade may be needed. Entrust the calculation of parameters to trusted builders to avoid any cracks, chips and collapses.

Features of expanding the doorway

Expanding a doorway in a panel structure has its own characteristics. Before you begin the repair, you need to find out which wall is load-bearing. In most cases, these in panel apartments are external surfaces equipped with window frames. Changing the width of the passage in a load-bearing wall must be carried out in compliance with the following rules:

* Our specialists record all changes in a special form called “Inspection Report”.

* To make the structure reliable, after removing extra centimeters of the panel wall, the opening is strengthened by craftsmen with metal beams.

* Any changes in the design are recorded graphically, and dimensions are recorded. After this, the updated data is agreed upon by the BTI.

Having done all the work, including registering updates with the relevant authorities, our managers will calculate the price for the work to expand the opening.

How to safely expand a window opening in a brick wall?

Safety comes first, since without prior planning, the lintel with part of the brick wall above the window structure will collapse, since it will have nothing to support it. The primary task is to install a new, wider lintel. It is made from an I-beam steel beam or welded metal corners.

Installation of a new window lintel begins with cutting or gouging out a trench for it on the inside and outside of the wall. Such actions are necessary in order to prevent the collapse of bricks after removing the old structure.

More information about the correct expansion of openings in a solid brick wall in the following video:

Widening openings in non-load-bearing walls

It is much easier to enlarge window openings in brick walls of this nature. Partitions are thinner than load-bearing walls. Accordingly, expanding the entrance to them will require minimal labor costs. The work is carried out using almost the same technology as on load-bearing walls. The outline of the future structure is drawn on the surface of the wall, after which the brickwork is dismantled and the old lintel is dismantled. Above the enlarged opening, a longer lintel is installed, on top of which brickwork is laid. After the expansion is completed, a hidden work report is drawn up, which must be signed by representatives of technical supervision. After this, you can start plastering the walls. In order for the plaster to adhere to the metal elements of the structure, they are covered with a chain-link mesh.

Modern window enlargement technologies

In the twenty-first century, dismantling of old boxes is still done with a sledgehammer and a hammer drill. The only thing better than a jackhammer is diamond cutting. Its advantage is that it is suitable for all types of walls, the procedure is almost silent and dust-free. If this is not important, you can, of course, enlarge the window opening in an apartment using the dynamic impact method, but using a laser you can achieve smoother cuts.

Expanding a window using any method has the following steps:

removal from the premises of all objects that interfere with work;
high-quality protection for bulky furniture;
cleaning the window opening from dirt and dust;
dismantling the old window;
marking the boundaries for a new enlarged window;
punching through holes.

Working with a hammer drill can lead to damage to the integrity of the wall. The resulting chips and cracks will have to be repaired, which is a waste of time and resources. Remember that any increase in the window opening in an apartment or private house is a labor-intensive process and is always fraught with risks if the work is carried out without modern technologies and there is no clear plan. May your renovation go smoothly and your new window turn out perfect! Good luck!

Step-by-step action plan

First option

Let's consider the most common option - expanding the doorway in a brick wall. Before starting work, a reinforcing metal bridge must be installed above the opening.

We knock off a layer of plaster from the surface in the places where the expansion is designed and above the opening so that the lintel and the masonry above it are visible - 30 cm is enough.

We mark the future opening with chalk, stylus, or other material that leaves a noticeable mark. The width of the opening cannot exceed 2 meters because the redistribution of loads can become dangerous, or, if this occurs, then they install an additional support - a column.

If the lintel (purlin) turns out to be shorter than the width of the opening, it should be supported with racks while the work is being carried out to avoid accidental collapse.

It will absorb part of the load from the overlying structures, and you can work calmly. Its edges must extend beyond the boundaries of the future opening at a distance of at least 250 mm on each side.

Let us now consider the most popular option, when the frame is made of two paired channels No. 14-20, which are tightened together with through pins with washers and nuts.

Before installing a new lintel over the opening in the wall, seats are made - niches on both sides, immediately above the existing lintel.

The depth of the niche for installing the channel should be approximately equal to the size of the channel shelf, so that it does not protrude beyond the plane of the masonry and is subsequently hidden under a layer of plaster.

For reasons of strength, the number of studs should be at least three - with a diameter of 16 mm or more, the distance between the studs should not be more than 400 mm.

When tightening the channels for a uniform fit to the surface of the niche, an M-100 solution is placed under the walls of the channel, which fills the unevenness on the inner surface of the niche.

Holes with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the studs are drilled in the walls of the channels. The holes on both channels must be coaxial. The channel is installed in a niche and through holes are marked in the wall, which are then drilled. After this, the jumpers are installed.

Now you can begin dismantling the masonry to widen the doorway along the markings to the foundation or floor slab.

The expansion of an opening in a brick wall is associated with obtaining smooth vertical edges of the opening being broken, which is achieved by sawing out fragments of masonry with a grinder saw with a diamond blade.

Oh, and this is a thankless task - dust is everywhere, wetting with water will not help either. You have to work in a respirator. The cutting is done, it is convenient to disassemble the masonry using a hammer drill.

If the length of the lintel is less than the width of the opening and it seems to “hang” over it, then it must be dismantled.

The next step is to install the side posts that frame the opening and rest their upper end against a metal beam—the lintel. They are made from a corner of 75-100mm. The connection with the beam is fixed by welding in the corners at the junction of the stiffeners.

The racks must be rigidly fixed in the opening, for which they are connected to each other along the thickness of the wall with strip steel, to which pointed pins made of reinforcement with a diameter of 12 mm are welded into the wall.

At the bottom of the opening, a spacer is made from a 45-50mm corner or reinforcement with a diameter of 20-25mm, which is then hidden in the thickness of the floor. All metal elements are welded together, forming a strong metal frame - the so-called “clip”.

It is also possible to expand the doorway in a brick wall with reinforcement of the lintel from two corners No. 100-150. The corners are connected to each other by tightening strips and strips. Then everything is done in the same way as described above.

We strengthen the widened opening with a corner

Second option

With non-load-bearing walls and partitions, everything is much simpler, since this is a structure made within one floor and does not bear the load from the overlying structures. Read more about brick partitions in the article at the link.

Based on the design solution, the thickness of the partitions is taken to be much thinner and is built to the size of a quarter or half a brick. Labor costs when changing the size of the doorway are correspondingly lower.

I will describe the process in less detail, since the technology is the same and all stages are described in detail above.

Related article: How to hang a shelf on a plasterboard wall

Step by step and briefly it looks like this:

Marking on the surface of the contour of the future opening.

Dismantling the brickwork above the existing doorway, removing the old lintel.

We install a longer lintel over the widened doorway. Lay brickwork on top.

If necessary (for example, when the height of the partition is 4 meters), the newly erected section of the partition is attached to the ceiling with special embedded parts.

Sometimes, in critical structures, the thickness of the masonry is increased to one brick - all according to calculations and the dimensions of the room.

After completing the entire procedure for widening the opening and strengthening it, a hidden work certificate is drawn up, which is signed by a representative of the customer’s technical supervision.

Only after this do they begin plastering. In order for the plaster to adhere firmly and efficiently to the metal, it is covered with a metal mesh “chain-link” with a small mesh.

How to expand a window in a brick house, expert advice

How to expand a window in a brick house without damaging the wall.

In the modern world, with the development and improvement of window production, large, panoramic windows have become fashionable.

This applies especially to those places, buildings, structures from the windows of which beautiful views open, such as:

Forest, garden, green spaces;
Mountains;
Sea;
River;
Cityscape and so on.

That is, if you have a beautiful view from your window, then you want to expand the view as far as the building’s design allows.

Here I would like to remind you that any changes to the original appearance of the building, redevelopment, enlargement of door and window openings must be approved by special authorities.

A specialist from the supervisory authorities must assess the degree of deterioration of the building, all the risks associated with redevelopment, and so on.

The fact is that old buildings may not withstand reconstruction and literally fall apart or become deformed.

Which will pose a threat to the life and health of everyone living in this building. By the way, if you want to expand a window in the front part of an apartment building, then most likely you will receive a refusal.

And the point here is not at all in the technical condition of the building or in violation of the loads of the load-bearing walls. It’s just that such changes will lead to disharmony in the general appearance of the building.

Simply put, the facade of the building will not look aesthetically pleasing.

You can expand windows in a private house without approval. However, consult anyway, for your own safety.

Prepare for the fact that for the sake of a fashionable French window you will have to install an additional reinforcing frame.

General provisions

The expansion of a doorway, like the expansion of a window opening in a brick wall, is carried out based on the design of the walls.

According to the nature of the work, walls can be divided into:

Bearers - in addition to their own weight, they perceive and transmit to the foundation the loads from the structures above (floors, stairs, roof, etc.).
Self-supporting - rest on the foundation and bear the load only from the own weight of the walls of all floors of the building.
Non-load-bearing - they perceive their own weight only within one floor and transfer it floor by floor to other elements of the buildings. These include brick partitions.

Before starting work, you should decide on this issue. According to the architectural planning solution, the load-bearing wall can be located inside the apartment.

Therefore, any redevelopment, like reconstruction, requires an agreed upon project by a design organization, which makes all the necessary calculations and issues a project for you to work on.

This is not discussed, since it is provided for by regulatory documents, and it cannot be done at random, because it can lead to the collapse of the structure of the upper floors, injuries and prosecution.

Now let's move directly to our walls. There can be two options for expanding and further strengthening the opening in the wall: The first is expanding the doorway in a brick load-bearing and self-supporting wall (the principle is the same). The second is a non-load-bearing wall or partition made of brick.

Let us dwell in more detail and consider the technology for performing the work of both options.

When permission is received to expand window openings, the question arises of how to do this.

If the technical specifications allow, you can increase the window opening both in width and in height.

If you wish, you can combine two windows by making a panoramic window and thereby increase your view.

Previously, houses were built with small window openings to retain heat in the room.

And now large windows are in fashion, sometimes occupying almost the entire wall area. You can give your home a modern look by enlarging the windows. Where the size of the new opening will depend on the new layout of the room, on the size of the window profile.

And also on where the heating system, heating radiators, and so on are located. Most often, the batteries are located under the window, so you should plan to move them in advance.

Technical methods for increasing window openings

It is possible to expand window openings in a brick wall in several ways:

Impact-dynamic cutting. Punch the desired hole using various available materials, such as a hammer drill, an electric jackhammer, and so on. This method is not suitable for everyone, since you need to have great physical endurance to work with these tools. In addition, when expanding openings in this way, a huge amount of dust, brick chips, and other construction waste is released. Another important factor indicating the disadvantages of this method is the creation of strong noise when the tools are operating. If the house is an apartment building, then the neighbors may not like it.
The most effective tool for enlarging window openings in a brick wall is a modern cutting tool with diamond blades. With this method, the level of noise, dust, and debris is less than when working with a jackhammer. And the edges of the opening, when using diamond cutting, turn out smoother and neater.

Safety

Whatever tool you use to expand window openings in brickwork, you must not forget about personal safety.

When cutting brick, small fragments fly off, which can injure a person. Use personal protective equipment to protect you from injuries and scratches.

The worker must have:

Protective overalls;
Glasses, mask;
Respirator;
Mittens;
Headphones.

That is, it is advisable to cover open areas of the body to avoid injury.

Sequencing

Remove furniture and things that cannot be taken out - pack them hermetically.
Also, if possible, cover the walls and floors with film, this will protect them from dust and dirt.
Remove the old window frame.
Mark the boundaries of the new opening.

Before you begin to widen the openings in a brick wall, you should strengthen the upper part of the opening. This will prevent the wall from collapsing.

For example, you need to widen the opening half a meter to the left, you can’t just take it and cut out this piece of the wall. Since in this case the existing jumper will fall.

Accordingly, the masonry will collapse and the floor slab will sag. In order to expand the window opening in a brick wall correctly, you should build a new, wider lintel higher than the existing one.

Stages and nuances of the installation process

Lintels: 1. Reinforced concrete 2. Made of steel profile or angle. 3. Wedge brick. 4. Arched brick.

Having decided how best to make the window smaller - in height, width, or combining two options at once, the old frames need to be removed along with the frame. The opening is cleaned of dust and dirt, for which you can use a vacuum cleaner. Next, the wooden surfaces are primed with a composition that protects the wood from fungus and mold. In addition, the finished timber needs to be processed. All chemicals must not contain caustic vapors. Wood can be treated to ensure fire safety.

If the window is reduced from above, then grooves of the required size are cut out in the wall, onto which a beam made of timber or several is placed, depending on how much height needs to be reduced. When reducing the width, work is carried out from the window sill. The timber is prepared and assembled on the floor. To do this, holes are drilled in it for wooden pins that will hold the structure of the small window.

How to enlarge a window opening in a private house

You can increase the window opening both in length and width. You can also combine two adjacent windows by eliminating the partition between them. This will allow you to install one panoramic window, which will let in much more light into the house.

A house with large windows is the dream of many. The size of window openings in existing old-type buildings is often too small. On the other hand, the modern market offers a wide range of panoramic designs, which become a great temptation for the homeowner. However, it is worth considering that people's expectations may not always be realized in this particular project. The WINDOWS MEDIA portal will tell you how to enlarge the windows in your house.

One way to modernize an old house is to replace the windows facing the garden with larger structures. How large they can be depends both on the planned repair and on the capabilities of the profile systems.

Dreams of large windows occupying almost the entire wall of a building cannot always be realized. This should be kept in mind by investors and architects who realize the needs of clients in the renovation process. Windows have a limited size, exceeding which can pose a danger to the structure of the building and its occupants.

We increase the length of the window opening

If you do not intend to interfere with the structure of the building, then you can only increase the height of the window opening to fit the existing lintel. Thanks to the change, you can almost double the window surface in your home.

The limitation can be created by the radiator, which is usually located under the windows. If it is removed or moved, the new window may reach the floor. If, nevertheless, the radiator should remain in its place, but will be replaced with a lower one, this will make it possible to place the windows, for example, at a level of 50-60 centimeters above the floor. This modernization of the window opening will allow you to get panoramic windows through which you can admire the landscapes.

Option to reduce a window in an apartment building

Laying timber “Foot-cut” and “Dovetail”.

Before making a window, you will need:

bricks or foam blocks;
steel corner – 2 pcs. if you plan to make a small window, reducing its height;
cement mortar;
primer;
reinforced mesh;
primer;
drywall.

perforator;
saw;
hammer;
trowel, spatula and grater;
brush;
container for mixing the solution;
level or fishing line;
vacuum cleaner.

Increasing the width of the window opening

If changing the glazing height is not enough for you, then you can increase the windows in your house by expanding them. This is a more labor-intensive process that will require reconstruction of the window opening and installation of a new lintel. Its type, size and method of fastening to the wall depend on the width of the new opening and the weight of the structure above the lintel.

Sometimes reinforced concrete floor elements can be used as a lintel, but this issue can only be decided by the designer of the reconstruction project. Since the expansion of window openings is an intervention in the structure of the building, a building permit is required.

New jumpers are made in several stages. First of all, make a groove on one side of the wall, lay a steel beam-lining in it, and then repeat the manipulation on the other side of the wall. When both beams are secured, secure them with screws, anchors or welded cross members. Only when the new lintel is ready can you begin to expand the window opening.

The most progressive way to increase the window opening is diamond cutting technology, which is suitable not only for brick, rubble and natural stone, but also for reinforced concrete. This method allows you to increase the speed of work tens of times, and is also characterized by the absence of vibrations and a minimum of construction waste.

Expansion of the opening

So, removing 6 cm of the wall - namely, the size of a quarter of a brick - does not imply any measures to provide support for the lintel. It’s a completely different matter if you need to radically expand an existing window, combine two openings into one - or even cut an opening in the masonry where there was not one originally.

Cladding a window opening with brick is not always done in a house under construction. Sometimes a building is simply rebuilt, overhauled, and the expansion of openings becomes an integral part of the work. Therefore, this chapter will provide short instructions on this topic.
With a significant expansion of the opening, not only the window block is dismantled. To make a new, longer jumper, the old jumper most often has to be removed. The number one task that needs to be solved is to provide reliable supports for the new lintel.

Reinforcing an opening cut into brickwork with a steel lintel

Note! When the load-bearing capacity of the old masonry is in doubt, entire fragments of the masonry can be immediately removed along the length of the future lintel, and new slopes can be laid on the sides of the opening. If everything is fine with the masonry, then the side walls of the opening are simply trimmed. In this case, under the new lintel, first from the outside and to the middle of the wall, grooves are cut out, and their supporting part is leveled with high-strength cement mortar.

After the surface of the heels has hardened, a beam is installed in the grooves, wedged and supports are arranged. Next, the same thing is done from the side of the room, after which the wall is dismantled; the supporting posts are removed; the nests formed in the wall are sealed; and install the new window frame.
Of course, it is impossible to make beautiful brick lintels in such a situation - this is done during the process of building a house. When expanding openings, either reinforced concrete products or rolled steel are used. In private construction, the second option is most often used, which is why we focus on it.

Brickwork of a window opening

After the metal beam is installed, it and the brickwork above the window opening are jammed, and only then the dismantling of the old slopes begins. The lintel for a new large opening, combining two small old windows, is mounted in the same way. Only here, in addition to the side slopes, you also need to support the central partition.
After the grooves for the new lintel are cut out and the heels are cemented, the wall between the two openings is trimmed. It is completely disassembled, removing racks and supports along the way, after the lintel beams have been installed. If the wall is thick, then the lintel should consist of three beams: two along the outer contours, and one central, which is inserted from the side of the opening, from below.

The increase in window openings is not limitless

When planning to increase window openings, it is necessary to follow certain principles. Oversizing your windows over time can lead to unsightly bulges as well as problems associated with their use.

The segmentation of large glazing is determined by its design or fittings that support the opening and closing of the windows. A smaller number of elements in a window allows for a larger glazing surface. This helps improve visual contact with the surrounding landscape and reduces the cost of this window.

The structural elements of the window (frames) with fittings to support the movement of the sashes are the most expensive part of the window. If it is important to combine the interior with the garden without optical barriers, then it is better to choose windows with large sashes without structural divisions.

A large window without imposts may be blank. This ensures unobstructed visual contact with the garden area. Exit to the outside and ventilation of the room is possible thanks to the side opening terrace doors. A comfortable temperature in the vicinity of solid panoramic glazing can be provided by a duct heater or a heating double-glazed window. Restrictions on the permissible window size are aimed primarily at ensuring the durability of the structure and user comfort. Thus, before increasing the window opening, it is worth considering that the manufacturer will not always be able to satisfy the customer’s requirements. He must strictly adhere to his system catalog and can only implement large glazing designs within the permissible limits.

Is it possible to increase the window opening in an apartment and how to do it?

Is a narrow room dark even at noon? Is the view from the window too small? Do you want to transform your living room with fashionable French glazing? Then it’s worth increasing the window opening, but be sure to follow all the rules.

How to enlarge a window legally?

Expanding a window is considered a redevelopment that must be approved by the housing inspectorate. To avoid accidents, fines and expensive reconstruction, before making repairs, we recommend that you find out whether it is possible to expand the window opening in your apartment.

Such a transformation is more difficult to implement in a panel house, where all the walls are usually load-bearing. According to the law, redevelopment is possible that preserves the integrity of supporting structures and communications, their original configuration. It is almost impossible to modify a window in a monolithic frame structure. As a rule, this disrupts the harmonious appearance of the building, which is unacceptable.

It is not necessary to approve redevelopment in the private sector. But for the safety of residents, before repairs it is better to find out from professionals whether installation of a reinforcing frame will be required.

When an opening is located in the load-bearing wall of an apartment, a technical opinion on the admissibility of redevelopment is requested from the designer of the building, if the wall is not load-bearing - from the design organization.

In Moscow and the region, apartment buildings made of panels were developed mainly by MNIITEP OJSC. A technical opinion is also requested from the State Unitary Enterprise MoszhilNIIproekt. Project documents can be requested from a contractor who specializes in design and has SRO approval.

Coordination of window opening expansion

Coordination of redevelopment (including the expansion of a window opening) in most cases begins with the collection of documents that need to be submitted to the Moscow Housing Inspectorate to obtain permission to begin repair work. The main documents that you will need to submit in any case are the registration certificate of the BTI apartment, the redevelopment project, the certificate of ownership of the apartment and the application.

Documents for redevelopment:

In addition, approval will require permission from the State Unitary Enterprise GlavAPU (city architectural department), since by expanding the window opening you change the architectural appearance of the building.

The redevelopment project is developed on the basis of a technical opinion on the admissibility and safety of the planned work. A technical report can be ordered either from the author of the house project (if the wall in which the opening is located is a load-bearing structure) or from a private design organization. By the way, the second option will cost much less, but is not always available.

After you have collected all the necessary documents and received a redevelopment project, all these papers can be submitted for consideration to the Moscow Housing Inspectorate. You will have to wait for a decision on your issue within 45 calendar days, after which you will receive either an order to begin repair work or a refusal indicating the reasons for this refusal.

Order and refusal to redevelop:

You can try the refusal in court if you think that it was obtained as a result of an error, but the redevelopment permit will be valid for a year from the date of issue. If for some reason you did not manage to complete all the work within this period, you can apply to extend the redevelopment permit. The permit can be renewed an unlimited number of times, but not more than for a month.

In some cases, an expanded window opening must be reinforced with metal structures. Since it will not be possible to check the correctness of the reinforcement after finishing the opening, there is a need to draw up inspection reports for hidden work. These acts are filled out by a representative of the construction company, after which they are signed by a representative of the design organization. The design and construction organization must have the necessary SRO approvals to complete these documents. In addition, the completion of hidden work reports must be indicated in the repair work log.

Certificates of inspection of hidden work:

After all the work is completed, you will need to report this to the Moscow Housing Inspectorate, which will send an employee to your apartment to participate in the work of the acceptance committee. Also, representatives of the construction and design organization will participate in the acceptance of the apartment after redevelopment (if common property was affected, then a representative of the DEZ).

If all the work was completed in accordance with the approved redevelopment project, then the owner of the apartment is issued a certificate of completed redevelopment, on the basis of which changes are made to the technical passport of the BTI apartment. By the way, a BTI employee will also visit your apartment for measurements, and only after that the redevelopment can be considered completed

Ways to increase the window opening in an apartment

Independent unqualified redevelopment is a threat to the property and safety of household members; it is a risk of losing time, money, and materials. That’s why it’s so important to turn to professionals and consult design organizations. The window can be expanded in two directions:

vertically when a balcony is built into a room, when the wall or part of it with a window sill is completely demolished. The heating radiator is moved to a new location near the opposite wall in the room. After such repairs, the balcony area of the apartment is listed as non-residential in the documentation. The partition must be left if it restrains the base, transforming it, for example, into a bar counter.
Horizontally, the window increases in width, which may require the installation of reinforcing elements. Qualified specialists must calculate the parameters of “perestroika”. It is unacceptable for repairs to provoke chips, cracks in walls, or collapse of structures.

Opening in load-bearing wall

Before constructing the opening, a metal detector and electrical wiring identifier are used to determine the presence of metal structures and electrical wires in the thickness of the wall.

If detected, the electrical wiring is moved to a new location.

The doorway being installed must be located no closer than 300 mm from existing ventilation shafts and chimneys.

Two jumpers are bolted together

Sequence of work on constructing an opening in the wall:

Installation of supporting floor supports;
Removing a layer of plaster over the area of the planned doorway;
Accurate determination of the boundaries of the doorway and drawing its contours on the wall;
Drilling through holes along the upper edge of the doorway;
Grooving a niche for laying a lintel to ½ wall thickness;
Laying the lintel and pouring it with concrete;
Grooving a niche for laying the second lintel (after the concrete has hardened on the first) (The number of lintels can be more than 2 and equal to the thickness of the wall);
Tightening metal (steel) channels of jumpers together with bolts;
Drilling holes along the contour of the doorway at intervals of 20-30 mm;
Drilling holes to divide the area of the doorway into squares (8-12) depending on the area;
Cutting the outline of the doorway and squares with a “grinder” on both sides of the wall;
Knocking out with a sledgehammer;
In a reinforced concrete wall – cutting of reinforcement;
Grooving niches for laying wooden blocks for fastening the door frame;
Installation of vertical support channels along the slopes of the opening;
Welding (screed with bolts) with a load-bearing lintel;
Fixing with anchors in the thickness of the wall;
Leveling and plastering the contour of the doorway.

There is a lot of useful information about the most effective methods of cutting and drilling concrete, as well as about the tools used for this, in a separate article: cutting concrete.