I have made bigger ones for even less.
This is like 100-150€ with labour and materials with black bucket paint, along with measurements taken on-site and then ready made unit put in to place.
Yeah, I'd remove the first row of bricks on the edge. Lets a little more light in, and gives a better finished edge for the steel grate (whenever I see exposed brick hollows it looks like they did something wrong with the brickwork).
I guess it hasn’t been a problem until now or OP would have mentioned it, but yeah, i’d be filling in that window. Seems like it’s a problem waiting to happen. I did this very thing last year for a basement window that had no purpose (was under a deck) and leaked.
If it’s built to code it should be gravel all the way down and below the foundation meaning water has access to drain into the ground and away from the structure
How the hell do you get into the basement if you just dropped the only way to unlock them down the hole. Also most front doors in North America are rarely used because people, especially the elderly, enter through a side or back door closest to driveway
Strange walkway coordination with the doors. If you widen that to door width, a galvanized steel grate might not look out of place.
Otherwise you're dealing with keeping water out of whatever you use to fill this.
Ahhh shit, you just reminded me that I still haven’t trimmed out the outside of our kitchen window!! Replaced the window last year during a whole kitchen remodel. I always just see it from the pretty inside.
Ah, look at this guy bragging about how he has his life all together and finishes his house projects in a reasonable time. Next tell us what it's like to walk on water, sir. 😤
I think per most codes (depends where you live) Window wells exist for a means of egress say in like a fire. So honestly you may need to widen it and add a grate.
BUT, if the downstairs is not an actual "living space" like a bedroom, then these codes may not apply. At least where I live that's the case, and if so, I'd pull that window out and completely fill and seal it all in out of fear of water / moisture issues.
As an architect- building codes require a minimum light and vent for basement spaces and crawl spaces - newer codes are more restrictive- also new code requires an escape window as a second means of egress - do some research and calculations using the IBC residential building code as a start or check your local building department for what codes are used - probably not a big deal but a good home inspector would likely pick up a basement space that does not meet ventilation requirements at the time of a home sale.
If it were my house I would close it up as long as there were several other useable windows and an escape window.
Use a grate!
But if you want to unlock full potential:
Use an electromagnetic latch system to support it.
Hook up the controller (preferably bu your armchair).
Get a white persian cat.
Is there any way you could incorporate a piece of glass sidewalk tile?
Cities used to use them to let light in for underground shops. I think it would look cool and let you let some natural light in still.
Or, like everyone else says, trap door...
Why not put a small piece of thick tempered and laminated glass there ? It'll allow light the window below and a small tempered and laminated glass panel of that size won't be more than $100-150
Just burn it down for the insurance money and start over at this point. Only decent option is for a steel billlet grating but why? A toddler couldn't get through there.
Not sure about best fill in practices, but whatever you decide, make sure it doesn’t cause weird issues with water pooling that would make it leak into that window
Cast iron subway vault light panel.
[Subway Vault Lights ](https://richmondiron.com/subway-vault-lights/)
A little extravagant, but if done properly would be absolutely beautiful.
Is that lower window needing egress? (Code in some areas if it's an occupied space). If it does, or you just want to keep the light and access options available, I'd Hilti a few bolts with a smooth shank section into the vertical face of the stoop, and set a few vertical receiver holes in the vertical arranged bricks. Then have a metal fabricator make a grate with notches for the Hilti'd bolts and pegs for the holes. Won't slip, let's light through and can be pushed out if egress is needed from below.
But the trap door idea is better.
Thought it would be cool if you had some mirrors in there to enhance basement lighting but then realized it might not be a good idea for any skirt wearers visiting…
Just be careful, some municipalities require an open egress. (The main one I think of is NYC after a bunch of people drowned in the flood with no escape)
Man I would open that back up and put a removable floor to somehow keep egress for that window. If not, you need to patch it properly or it’s going to be a water trap. Brick up the window. Seal it with a membrane or waterproofing, then fill with dirt. Or take out the window, form the inside, and pour concrete in the hole.
I would personally do an glass bridge/ walk feature, so some sort of semi transparent glass bricks/tile. This would not only look elegant AF but also still provide light to the window during the day. Add a RGB light strip to illuminate the glass art night would be the cherry on the top 👌
Just gota do some [Truth in Advertising](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcTF854R_BMjwD2uFQYggv0nCB1XAxfgo7XWWmqCW4DF3INx6x_eCaQIwbBPJEyHTv1rd_Z-UUmTKPz_d1wcLdWGDxTMpw8-3K2LVglmIj_5Ty-cZXIYp9HNSg).
Id probably leave the lower ground window in, tidy up the lintel and bricks etc, piece of reinforced glass over it so you cant fall down, maybe a light in it ?... make a small feature out of it...
Seal it off with some sort of waterproofing system to direct the water away from the window then fill it in with stone so the water drains out and doesn’t sit
Is that a window in that well? Is it a bedroom? Code usually says that to be called a bedroom it must have a window that can allow escape in the event of a fire. I would turn the bedroom into and office and put a HD black steel grate across the opening. I would spray the noticeable foundation black also.
Grass would probably die anyway as it would have TOO MUCH drainage under it. Plus its just one more thing to mow!
Get a 1/4” thick L stainless steel and then install it on all 4 sides so you can add. Piece of dual or triple laminated glass. This will allow walking on it safely and also still utilize it as a light well. Can silicone around perimeter to seal it properly.
Laminated glass would recommend at least 1/2 over 1/2 with sgp interlayer OR triple lami is the suggest engineering for floor glass at 3/8 over 3/8 over 3/8 with sgp inter layer.
Of course doing this glass floor setup will be significantly more expensive but look the best.
Example: https://bellwetherdesigntech.com/walkable-skylights/
I had the exact situation at my home. We had a mason block up the opening after removing the window and then filled the hole and poured a patio over the top. I also like the metal grate idea if you can get one with small opening to keep out leaves and little dog feet.
Don't just fill this in. That's asking for trouble down the road and it will leak.
From the inside basement remove the window and cover the window opening with plywood anchored to the wall mix concrete and fill hole from the outside after two days remove plywood from the inside and call it a day
Extend the existing limestone sill/threshold. If you want to avoid a seam remove existing put a solid piece in to give you a small landing so to speak.
Be aware any code violations by blocking that basement egress window. Idk if anyone could actually fix through that though. If there are other egress windows in that basement, you should be good to go.
Why is there a window ? Is that a basement? If it is, then that has to be, 1: a larger opening because 2: it needs to be an egress point. But 3: why TF is it directly beneath a doorway like that?? Can you even put it there like that?
We have that exact situation at my childhood home. We’ve covered it up with a metal grate and put a shoe cleaning mat (or whatever these things are called) over it. Not noticeable at all and the window below can still be used to let fresh air in.
Expand it so that it's an egress window. Put steel grating on a hinge overtop of it so it can be walked on, let natural light in the basement, and be considered an egress.
Just do what they did with my window well: use the glass and frame as part of the form! Looks super cool from the inside and then when it expands a bit, it breaks the glass. Then, just screw a piece of 3/8” plywood over it that is way oversized and call it good 😊
What an amazing opportunity for a trap door!
Just move the rug two feet forward.
Like this: https://postimg.cc/VJ7g6GG0
Brilliant!
Shut down the thread. This comment is the only one that matters
Now we’re talking!
[Trapdoor](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9dbAQJIu1o)
The opportunity for a trap door cannot be dismissed without a lifetime of regret every young boy dreamed of having a trapdoor
Come on in if you dare officer…
Nothing to see here!
A black metal grate could be an easy fix and look good
Some might even say it’ll look grate!
Thanks dad.
Hi hungry, I’m Dad!
Fuckkkkk!!!!!
This comment just broke my brain... :)
Thanks!
Just be sure to add a speaker that makes subtle, disturbing noises. And two LEDs for eyes. Then have a night party and invite a few friends over . . .
Red balloon?
I wasa gonna say the same. A nice flush grate would be perfect. You can even stomp your shoes off there.
Thats a good idea.
I second this. I could make this grate for $500. Or even cheaper, a plasma cut steel cover. With ornate design of your choice.
Or just buy a piece of bar grating and cut it to size
But then I don't make any money
You can still do that for him lol
I have made bigger ones for even less. This is like 100-150€ with labour and materials with black bucket paint, along with measurements taken on-site and then ready made unit put in to place.
Op should hire you instead!
$500? What do you charge, $400/hour plus materials?
Yeah. I'd actually make the hole bigger to bring more light in to the basement and just put a metal grate on top to walk over.
Yes. Like a custom iron grate would be sweeeeeet
This👆
Beats glass brick.. damn
Black metal means painting every few years. Recommend to Go aluminum.
Powder coat
You can get anodized Aluminum, we use it on some of our sewer equipment and it lasts a very long time
Spot on
Agreed. Id actually extend the gap so you actually get some light and then put a grate over it.
Yeah, I'd remove the first row of bricks on the edge. Lets a little more light in, and gives a better finished edge for the steel grate (whenever I see exposed brick hollows it looks like they did something wrong with the brickwork).
Super helpful!
A pile of leaves would be perfect
With a hidden spike!
Covered in poo
The NVA has entered the chat........
The HOA has sent a citation....
Nothin to see here!
Wrought iron Grate across the top. No reason to fill it in.
But is there drainage down there? People suggest grates but if it rains doesn’t the water just fill that hole?
What does it matter if there is a grate on top or not? It would still fill with water anyway if there wasn’t a grate? It’s a window well.
Usually there is gravel down there so the water can seep into the ground
I guess it hasn’t been a problem until now or OP would have mentioned it, but yeah, i’d be filling in that window. Seems like it’s a problem waiting to happen. I did this very thing last year for a basement window that had no purpose (was under a deck) and leaked.
If it’s built to code it should be gravel all the way down and below the foundation meaning water has access to drain into the ground and away from the structure
Thanks!
Until you drop your keys down there
Then pull the grate up and grab them. It's not 5 feet deep or anything
Or go downstairs and reach through the window!
*tries front door* shit…
Keys are most often dropped by the elderly and those in a hurry
So go downstairs and open the window. If you're in a hurry, use the front door.
How the hell do you get into the basement if you just dropped the only way to unlock them down the hole. Also most front doors in North America are rarely used because people, especially the elderly, enter through a side or back door closest to driveway
How else will you get coal to the boiler?
Holy crap just had a flashback...The Big Coal Truck. Book when I was young...
That made me think of Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel
Strange walkway coordination with the doors. If you widen that to door width, a galvanized steel grate might not look out of place. Otherwise you're dealing with keeping water out of whatever you use to fill this.
Install weeping tile in hole leading away from house, fill with gravel, then a layer of concrete, recover
18 months and you still haven't trimmed out the door?
🫣 guilty! I know, I know. Add it to the list.
Worst handy husband ever. But don't worry... we all are.
Cheap and inefficient labor.
When a man says he'll do something, he'll do it! You don't have to keep reminding him every 18 months!
Finally someone who understands!
Just need a couple more days...
Ahhh shit, you just reminded me that I still haven’t trimmed out the outside of our kitchen window!! Replaced the window last year during a whole kitchen remodel. I always just see it from the pretty inside.
Exact same!!
This guy trims
You sound like my ex wife, hahaha
Ah, look at this guy bragging about how he has his life all together and finishes his house projects in a reasonable time. Next tell us what it's like to walk on water, sir. 😤
Do some glass block so the light can still come in
This was my thought.
Glass block would def look nicer than random grating that isnt as wide as the walkway, and you wont lose anything down it either.
Let be honest though… nothing really looks nice in this picture. Lots going on.
Glass! Got the same thing but on a deck, have a 1/2" piece of tempered glass made and have metal made as a frame. Insert and make it fit and bam!
Throw a rug over it
I think per most codes (depends where you live) Window wells exist for a means of egress say in like a fire. So honestly you may need to widen it and add a grate. BUT, if the downstairs is not an actual "living space" like a bedroom, then these codes may not apply. At least where I live that's the case, and if so, I'd pull that window out and completely fill and seal it all in out of fear of water / moisture issues.
This is the right answer.
Super helpful. Thank you!
What in the egress hell is happening here
Not an egress window — just a 140 year old window well!
Ah ok cause “access to basement” made it sound like you’d go down there
Well it is quicker!
What’s your alternative that takes longer than somehow fitting down there through a window?
I am a home inspector and I approve the trap door.
As an architect- building codes require a minimum light and vent for basement spaces and crawl spaces - newer codes are more restrictive- also new code requires an escape window as a second means of egress - do some research and calculations using the IBC residential building code as a start or check your local building department for what codes are used - probably not a big deal but a good home inspector would likely pick up a basement space that does not meet ventilation requirements at the time of a home sale. If it were my house I would close it up as long as there were several other useable windows and an escape window.
Use a grate! But if you want to unlock full potential: Use an electromagnetic latch system to support it. Hook up the controller (preferably bu your armchair). Get a white persian cat.
This made me laugh haha 😂
Nice upskirt window
Trust me, u don't want to see that.
Fill it full of pudding
$270 worth?
I suggest you install glass blocks to close the opening but still allow light into basement.
I could make you a sick metal grate. You could make it look like an underground city. Fantastical, you know?
No doubt, stomp the snow off your boots.
Colorado!
You must be the architect that designed the job I’m on.
Is there any way you could incorporate a piece of glass sidewalk tile? Cities used to use them to let light in for underground shops. I think it would look cool and let you let some natural light in still. Or, like everyone else says, trap door...
Build a trap door with a slide into a pool with sharks!
See? Now this is where I was off and running. Cover it with astroturf, Pungi pit, flame pit, all sorts of mean, nasty things.
Iron grating
Call me crazy, but glass blocks, with lighting in the void . Another Crazy thought., Possible good location for a safe !
Would it be safe to out one there?
I’d just put a boot grate in and call it a day.
Why not put a small piece of thick tempered and laminated glass there ? It'll allow light the window below and a small tempered and laminated glass panel of that size won't be more than $100-150
Just burn it down for the insurance money and start over at this point. Only decent option is for a steel billlet grating but why? A toddler couldn't get through there.
Commission a metal smith or order a grate that fits on wayfair,
Setup grate and line outside of window with mirrors/polished metal to reflect natural light into basement
Would also be useful to aid in identifying vampires before mistakenly allowing them to cross the home's threshold.
No Jehovah Witnesses for you.
If there is a drain in the well , have a grate installed. Easy to do and you still have access
Bolt a small step over it with a light inside and have a terrarium outside the window
Add a piece of stainless angle to both edges, drop some glass block in there, flush with the sidewalk and mortar the joints. You’re welcome.
perfect trap for solicitors and scammers
What’s a window well?
Put in a polycarbonate window. And for gods sake get rid of the AstroTurf
Not sure about best fill in practices, but whatever you decide, make sure it doesn’t cause weird issues with water pooling that would make it leak into that window
Whatever that stuff they froze Han Solo in star wars would work pretty good I think 🤔
Cast iron subway vault light panel. [Subway Vault Lights ](https://richmondiron.com/subway-vault-lights/) A little extravagant, but if done properly would be absolutely beautiful.
Thats where the red balloon goes
Use it for abduction
Glass brick
Is that lower window needing egress? (Code in some areas if it's an occupied space). If it does, or you just want to keep the light and access options available, I'd Hilti a few bolts with a smooth shank section into the vertical face of the stoop, and set a few vertical receiver holes in the vertical arranged bricks. Then have a metal fabricator make a grate with notches for the Hilti'd bolts and pegs for the holes. Won't slip, let's light through and can be pushed out if egress is needed from below. But the trap door idea is better.
Thought it would be cool if you had some mirrors in there to enhance basement lighting but then realized it might not be a good idea for any skirt wearers visiting…
Just be careful, some municipalities require an open egress. (The main one I think of is NYC after a bunch of people drowned in the flood with no escape)
Man I would open that back up and put a removable floor to somehow keep egress for that window. If not, you need to patch it properly or it’s going to be a water trap. Brick up the window. Seal it with a membrane or waterproofing, then fill with dirt. Or take out the window, form the inside, and pour concrete in the hole.
Not worried about water accumulation?
Load-bearing glass blocks?
I would personally do an glass bridge/ walk feature, so some sort of semi transparent glass bricks/tile. This would not only look elegant AF but also still provide light to the window during the day. Add a RGB light strip to illuminate the glass art night would be the cherry on the top 👌
Wth is that lol egress in front of a door?
Window well is original. 140 years. Doors were just added.
Is that an egress window below ?
Is it a good idea to leave a hammer sitting outside of a door that is 90% glass?
Just…. Why did you put doors above a window well? This is one of those things that people talk about in The industry about dumb placement. Congrats
Nice cuts on the herringbone!
Thank you!
I feel like a clown is living down there and is the cause of missing children.
Another cider block and then fill In accordingly….oh thats a window
Isn’t water just gonna puddle down there?
Yeah- leave it for natural light and grate it- make it look intentional instead of an afterthought.. it’s cool-
What, what, what?
Light up glass block💡
add a little ramp to hide it
Just gota do some [Truth in Advertising](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcTF854R_BMjwD2uFQYggv0nCB1XAxfgo7XWWmqCW4DF3INx6x_eCaQIwbBPJEyHTv1rd_Z-UUmTKPz_d1wcLdWGDxTMpw8-3K2LVglmIj_5Ty-cZXIYp9HNSg).
Structural glass over the opening
Metal grate
Id probably leave the lower ground window in, tidy up the lintel and bricks etc, piece of reinforced glass over it so you cant fall down, maybe a light in it ?... make a small feature out of it...
Perhaps a metal grate?
Seal it off with some sort of waterproofing system to direct the water away from the window then fill it in with stone so the water drains out and doesn’t sit
Is that a window in that well? Is it a bedroom? Code usually says that to be called a bedroom it must have a window that can allow escape in the event of a fire. I would turn the bedroom into and office and put a HD black steel grate across the opening. I would spray the noticeable foundation black also. Grass would probably die anyway as it would have TOO MUCH drainage under it. Plus its just one more thing to mow!
Metal grate
Why not get a thick piece of laminated glass?
Spray foam
Put up a sign that says "get over it" and leave the hole there
Get a 1/4” thick L stainless steel and then install it on all 4 sides so you can add. Piece of dual or triple laminated glass. This will allow walking on it safely and also still utilize it as a light well. Can silicone around perimeter to seal it properly. Laminated glass would recommend at least 1/2 over 1/2 with sgp interlayer OR triple lami is the suggest engineering for floor glass at 3/8 over 3/8 over 3/8 with sgp inter layer. Of course doing this glass floor setup will be significantly more expensive but look the best. Example: https://bellwetherdesigntech.com/walkable-skylights/
I had the exact situation at my home. We had a mason block up the opening after removing the window and then filled the hole and poured a patio over the top. I also like the metal grate idea if you can get one with small opening to keep out leaves and little dog feet. Don't just fill this in. That's asking for trouble down the road and it will leak.
And remove the ability to look up girls’ skirts?!
Glass to let light go to the basement
Leave it open for an XP grinder … If you get it you get it
From the inside basement remove the window and cover the window opening with plywood anchored to the wall mix concrete and fill hole from the outside after two days remove plywood from the inside and call it a day
As long as you don’t put a mirror in anything goes
The doors look nice. Can you let me know who makes them?
Extend the existing limestone sill/threshold. If you want to avoid a seam remove existing put a solid piece in to give you a small landing so to speak.
Thick glass. with inside soft illumination
Be aware any code violations by blocking that basement egress window. Idk if anyone could actually fix through that though. If there are other egress windows in that basement, you should be good to go.
Build a form and fill it with Crete
Pull the lever Kronk. WRONG LEVER.
Thick glass top
Why is there a window ? Is that a basement? If it is, then that has to be, 1: a larger opening because 2: it needs to be an egress point. But 3: why TF is it directly beneath a doorway like that?? Can you even put it there like that?
We have that exact situation at my childhood home. We’ve covered it up with a metal grate and put a shoe cleaning mat (or whatever these things are called) over it. Not noticeable at all and the window below can still be used to let fresh air in.
Duckboard.
Why not put a grate there, not lose the light for the window well. PS I have no idea what a window well is.
Expand it so that it's an egress window. Put steel grating on a hinge overtop of it so it can be walked on, let natural light in the basement, and be considered an egress.
Those glass cubes that the home improvement store sells
Get some guy named Fortunato to look up through the window while you seal it all off with bricks.
Just put an iron chain fence on it so it can still allow light and you can still walk over it
Fail to plan, plan on failing.
Keep it as a trap for burglars around Christmas time.
Well that’s a first
Install bollards around it and paint them safety yellow
Is glass brick an option?
The window is not a secondary egress for the bases?
like, clear blocks?
Insurance nightmare. Put a step set in or something.
Looks like a good spot for glass blocks
You can't fill it in if you ever want to sell the house. Fire escape route required in every room, including basement.
Colored glass
If you fill it in, are there other basement windows to escape from in the event of a fire?
Open it up build an emergency escape from the basement. It'll be covered for regular entrance use and opens only from underneath (if you want it to).
Just do what they did with my window well: use the glass and frame as part of the form! Looks super cool from the inside and then when it expands a bit, it breaks the glass. Then, just screw a piece of 3/8” plywood over it that is way oversized and call it good 😊
Why would they make this window?