How Can I Design Basement Stair Walls With Windows?

Basement stair walls with windows can add light to a drab basement. When you design this basement window look, consider the basement's natural factors, like temperature, humidity, sunlight or lack thereof, human factors and basement style before deciding how your stair wall and windows will look. Design with your wallet and household's happiness in mind.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Wood studs
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Window glass
• Window caulking
• Handheld saw
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Study your space. Consider the natural environment near your basement stairs, especially if you live in a temperate climate that sees variations in temperature, precipitation and humidity. If you have a walk-out basement, consider how much sunlight shines on the stairs, especially during long summer days. Basement stairs often separate big changes between the upper floor and basement environments. Also, do you have children who will run up and down stairs? Your design should reflect the enjoyment and safety of everyone in the household.

2. Sketch a design with pencil, paper and a ruler. Is there a wall already or are you just starting from stairs? Draw and label dimensions for every part of the wall and window. Studs, for example, are normally spaced on 16-inch centers, according to homeadditionplus.com. Knowing square footage of every component gives you an idea how much of the materials you should buy. Also, search for your local building code for construction design standards, available by state at reedconstructiondata.com/building-codes.

3. Budget supply and tool purchases. How elaborate will the stair wall and window be? Choose quality supplies and tools that are within your expendable income. If you need to save, track how long you should set money aside before proceeding with the project.

4. Purchase materials at your local home improvement store. Such materials should include wall studs, hammer and nails, blanket or spray insulation, drywall, window glass, possible window molding and window caulk. Bring the sketch to the store because most improvement stores sell materials by the square foot. To cut wood and drywall, buy a jigsaw or handheld saw. Take advantage of paper or online coupons offered by major home improvement stores.

5. Move items upstairs, to another room or far from the stairwell that may get dirty from cutting wood, drywall or any other materials you use.

6. Purchase a mask or respirator and goggles to protect you from dust and debris while building the wall. Also, protect your ears with plugs or headphones when using loud electrical equipment.

References

• Reed Construction Data: Building Code Reference Library
• Home Addition Plus: What is the Standard Stud Spacing for Framing Walls

Resources

• Lowe's Building Supplies: Promotions
• The Home Depot Savings Center: Top Online Deals