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How to add a window to an ensuite bathroom wall?

Hi! I’m not sure if anyone here will be able to offer any advice but thought it was worth a shot! We are relatively new to renovating so this will be the biggest project we’ve taken on. We’re currently renovating our ensuite. This wall is an exterior wall on the rear of our house..would this make it a load bearing wall?? We’re wanting to put in a slimline window and niche with the window above the niche and both around 1400mm in length and 400mm each high. The wall itself is 2400mm x 2400mm. If it is indeed load bearing would we need to do separate headers for both the window and niche or would one at the top be sufficient to bear the load and then just have studs (cripples) in between…also what size header/s would you suggest? I’ve added some photos of the wall, into the roof and then a picture of what we’d like it to look like..any advice would be appreciated!

Cheers
Marni

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EricL

Hello @marni82

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your bathroom renovation.

Since the modification requires structural work, I recommend engaging the services of a registered builder so that the wall modification is done safely and in compliance with construction rules and regulations.

In regards to the wall modifications, it is difficult to tell from the pictures what thickness the headers are suppose to be so that its capable of holding the weight of the wall. The sides of the wall will also need to be reinforced. All these elements need to work together in order to support the wall with the window in place. This is where the builder comes in as they are familiar with these situations and are capable of calculating the timber needed to support the wall. I'm sorry that I can't provide you with more information, but I suggest leaving this particular part of the renovation to the professionals.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

marni82

Hi Eric! I thought that might be the case but thank you anyway for your help!

Cheers

Marni

Dave-1

Good Evening @marni82

I am also heading towards a builder/carpenter that has a lot more knowledge on what will be required. A header will definently required and will require supports for itsellf that then transfers the load and it fast gets into a realm where a professional should be the one making the call. It will look a pretty swich bathroom tho when you finish and I would love to see a project posted up 🙂

Dave

marni82

Hi Dave! Thank you for your reply! Yes I think after all the advice we should just consult a builder also! Oh it’s going to be a massive difference from where we started and I will definitely share when it’s finally complete! Thanks again 😊
Cheers

Marni

Nailbag

Hi @marni82

Providing accurate advice from a community POV is not possible with regards to load bearing materials and dimensions.

For this project you will need to submit plans for a building permit. If you get a draftsperson to draw the plans up, it can incorporate the structural framing and specs for your window as that wall does appear to have several load bearing aspects. Once approved you can then decide on what you can do from a DIY perspective or the requirement of a carpenter. But if you decide to DIY the project, just bear in mind there will be a framing inspection before the internal cladding can be applied.

Nailbag

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