skip to main content

Windows Remodeling

no room around windows

last year

Trying to figure out, if there is a work around this! We ordered casement windows, for brand new openings in our new kitchen (cabinets are in the house, to be installed next week).

We really wanted a seamless look (not sure of the name) around the window, where we do not need to add any molding around the window. The goal was was to have a window return (I think that’s the name) all the way around.

Windows are installed and it seems we ordered the wrong ones, it has at least 2 layers around it. At this point I am not sure what can be done. We don’t want to add molding and the contractor said there’s nothing to be done because it sits flush with the wall. Any advice is appreciated. There’s a picture of the
true window and what we wanted to achieve.

Featured Answer

Chris

last year

Panic mode disengage 🙃. Exhausting process, but looks lovely. Thanks for the update.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Chris
last year
Hi. So Sorry. Ordering windows seems to be more complex than imagined. Ours didn’t fill the whole area and the contractor had to make the drywall bend into the casing. In the kitchen where the backsplash is, they wanted to fill the extra with tile( instead they added a tiny bit of trim that filled the gap up to the tile). Wondering if all your new windows are anywhere near where a tile backsplash could help if it surrounds the windows?
ci_lantro
last year
last modified: last year
The inspo picture has drywall returns. You don't have space for drywall returns but you could use drywall L bead around the frames....IF allowed by the manufacturer's installation instructions. A bunch of the new drywall will have to come down and be replaced. L bead to frame the opening. The new drywall will have to be cut much more precisely. None of that 'close counts' slap dash biz.

IF the mfg allows---many people don't realize that the casing around doors and windows does more than cover gaps & shims. The casing serves to keep window & door jambs from going squirrely and helps to stiffen up the framing around the weak links (openings). Particularly important with windows/ doors that have real wood jambs.

Drywall returns around windows--not a fan. Owned a previous home with them. If you forget that you have a window open & you get wind driven rain inside---well, you get the picture. Drywall repairs get added to the To Do list.
Related Discussions
x-post from Windows. HELP re sealing around windows and sill pans
Q
Comments (4)
I would try to get something in there like the dental tool and loosen it. Maybe brake it up into small pieces shop vac'ing with a crevice nozzle at the same time. If that doesn't do it, at least if you could drill some holes in the foam with a long bit to make channels, that could work as well. I think sill pans are most critical with brick veneer and stucco exteriors, probably not so much with lap sidings. If your windows are flashed properly, you might be okay unless you have brick or stucco, then you definetely need a place for moisture and water to channel out over the sill pan.
...See More
Help me avoid the ABB club!
Q
Comments (5)
I would go up to the bottom of the cabinets, but not to the ceiling. I think the to the ceiling thing is more effective where there is a lot of wall space. I would not wrap around the wall to where the outlets are. I am not sure about the grout. Can you wait until the tile is up to chose your grout color? You might have a better sense of how the unusual cuts look at that pint and be better able to assess whether you mind having them highlighted a bit by grey grout.
...See More
Can we re-flash around windows without pulling the windows out?
Q
Comments (4)
Good point by Todd. OSB will swell rather easily, which can create other issues. Most notably I'd be worried about the adhesion of the new seals... Definitely have some in depth inspection done on that if it has not been done yet
...See More
How wide should I make the trim?
Q
Comments (18)
I replaced two window sills so far. They were only attached to the apron, so it was easy to pull them out from under the window after cutting all the caulk. They were installed by the builder in the early 1980s. I think building a new sill (stool?) is easier than extending an existing line cleanly. If you want to keep the drywall, I would just top align a wide top piece to make it level with the door, an put a similar wide apron at the bottom. You could add a thin 1" trim to the sides if you like. I have a design similar to the one you want, however I added an extruded trim piece to top and sides. You could do just the extruded trim piece on the sides and still stay consistent with your plans for whole house window trim. There are several ways you can vary that style and have the perception of consistency. The thin drywall pieces are a pain to paint, especially a contrasting color with 3/4" or deeper casing. An alternative is to wainscot the whole wall up to the top of the door casing, and design trim to integrate the outlet. You can get an extension box to pull the outlet out as much as you need to.
...See More
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
last year
The layers don't have anything to do with the difference you are seeing in the picture and your application in all likelihood. More likely has to do with the wall depth that is pictured vs. yours. The poster above detailed out what can be done to accommodate a drywall return.
millworkman
last year
Fairly simple as outlined by the two posters above me. Kind of frightening that your "contractor" says nothing can be done with the windows however.
3onthetree
last year
last modified: last year
It looks like your windows were ordered with the optional extension jambs to fill the width of your 6" (nominal) exterior walls. The inspiration picture does not have those so they are able to provide a site-built jamb that returns into the window.

However, looking at your rough opening, it appears that the main wall framing was left larger than this specific window's requirements and the drywall was installed up to this opening (if remodel then fitting in old size, if new construction maybe delayed in getting windows or a change in window size?). Then 1x framing was added to make the rough opening smaller to accept the window. So, if the window was removed, you could cut back this extra furring 1/2" to allow drywall (new full sheets as ci_lantro explains) to butt up against the window jamb extensions for a non-cased look.
Chris
last year
Any updates? How did it go?
Aleia K
Original Author
last year
Around the bathroom windows - we added the tinest trim around the window. I have the countertop people coming with this week and we will either bring the marble to the window (they said they can bevel it), or we add the tinest trim like the bathroom. We debated about the case bend, but we are too far along and we know the contractor will charge an arm for the change. Will def keep this in mind for any other windows. Here is a picture of the bathroom if you can make out the trim, they didn't paint the trim yet.

Related Stories

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: A New Family Room’s Natural Connection

By Becky Harris

Stone and wood plus earthy colors link a family room to its woodsy site and create a comfy gathering spot

MORE ROOMS A Room with a View: Designing Around a Panorama

How to Decorate When the Room's Best Feature is Outside

DECORATING GUIDES How to Decorate Around Arched Windows and Doors

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Follow these strategies to celebrate those curves

LIVING ROOMS New This Week: 5 Comfy Living Rooms Arranged Around a Fireplace

By Mitchell Parker

See how designers combine furniture and accessories while celebrating a fiery focal point

LIVING ROOMS New This Week: 5 Living Rooms Designed Around the Fireplace

By Mitchell Parker

Overcome one of design’s top obstacles with tips and tricks from these living rooms uploaded recently to Houzz

LIVING ROOMS Living Rooms That Don’t Revolve Around the TV

By Simon Farrell-Green

In these spaces, the television takes a back seat to conversation, relaxation and aesthetics

LIVING ROOMS 5 Stylish New Living Rooms Designed Around a Fireplace

By Suzanne Ennis

See how designers combine finishes, furnishings and fireplaces to fill living rooms with light, warmth and character

LIVING ROOMS The Most Saved Living Rooms Around the World in 2022

People are loving multifunctionality, custom cabinetry and indoor-outdoor connections in living rooms this year

NEW THIS WEEK 4 Stylish New Living Rooms Arranged Around a Fireplace

By Mitchell Parker

See how designers handle this classic focal point with multiple seating pieces, curated color palettes and other details

WINDOW TREATMENTS The Art of the Window: 11 Shades That Add Style to a Room

By Jess McBride

Expand your view of the popular window treatment with these ideas for styles, materials and patterns

Sponsored

More Discussions

Retrofit a skylight into existing roof

7

If you could change one thing...

13

Exterior Inspo Please! New Windows…

1

hey there I’m looking for someone to install exterior shutters

0

What windows Suggest

4