dream project - enclosing stoop; window and door help?

[ccross6032]

Hi there! 

I recently purchased my Kreg jig system and have a dream project. Recently I have had a package stolen off my stoop when the mailman left it in plain sight. I have had other packages stolen historically... just frustrating. i am thinking about enclosing my stoop and making a bit of a "mudroom". The postman/fedex/whomever could open the mudroom door and leave a package, locking the door behind them. The exterior door to my home would remain locked. 

I saw this inspiration pic and was hoping I could build 2 windows and 1 door. I know mortise and tenon construction would be better for longevity, but I don't have the tools available. I'm thinking that I'd use lexan instead of glass. 

My image inspiration is attached. I have never built a door or window before and again, don't have a lot of tools, any guidance or encouragement appreciated :)

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi there Sir, building a door or a window is a pretty straight forward depending on the tooling that you have.  Not knowing what you tooling is I would suggest that the most simple method as well as most likely the cheap way out is to visit some used building outlets in you area for both a window and a exterior door that is already set in a door frame.

However if you still wish to build your own there are methods of doing so with just a table saw and or even simple hand tools such as a hand saw, hammer and a couple wood chisels.  A router and a few router bits are helpful but not necessary. If you have a kreg jig then the process is much more simple.

Should this be your desire to build you own, send me some demensions of the window height and width, and the door width.  I can then draw you some plans and method as to how to proceed.  It is labor intensive but also a great learning experience.  Otherwise by getting a used door and window your big challenge would be the framing of the porch walls for the door opening and the window(s) openings.  A photo of both inside and out of your porch would also be of help.  thanks

[ccross6032]

Thank you so much Jay!

Not that it matters a bit, but I am a Miss and not a Sir :) I really would like to build this myself for the learning as you point out .. realizing it would be much easier to go out (and probably cheaper) to buy a prehung window and door. tools i have: circular saw, chop saw, hammer, pretty basic stuff. in addition, the kreg jig of course. 

I would love to take you up on your generous offer of help. I will get to some measurements today..... thank you!

[Jay Boutwell]

So sorry about referring to you as a Mr.  I didn't look at your profile before I replied to your post. I will be willing to assist you with taking care of your building. a photo or two of the porch would be helpful as well.  thanks

ccross6032 said:

Thank you so much Jay!

Not that it matters a bit, but I am a Miss and not a Sir :) I really would like to build this myself for the learning as you point out .. realizing it would be much easier to go out (and probably cheaper) to buy a prehung window and door. tools i have: circular saw, chop saw, hammer, pretty basic stuff. in addition, the kreg jig of course. 

I would love to take you up on your generous offer of help. I will get to some measurements today..... thank you!

[Justin]

Miss, (see Jay, bonus points already!)

Make sure you check with local building codes.  I know that sounds easy, but it may change the entire project before it starts.   Worked on a friends house and we had to take down an entire railing system, not for structural integrity issues, but the city said it was extended too fair from the front of the house. 

[Jay Boutwell]

Having worked on many buildings both commercial and residential,from remodels to new in many jurisdictions I am well aware of the govermental controls that are levied to control what you do .

This is the reason for asking for photos and measurments as I do not know what the project will require. The person is asking for help and the first thing that needs to be done is to see if it can be done and how much would need to be done. If it is determined that it can be done then a plan will need to be submitted to the planning-building code authorities of the jurisdiction of which the building is sitting. Based on the plan it is then determined if a building permit is needed and if they will or will not issue a permit.

The request was for how to build 2 windows and a door of which I fully intend to do should I received the  information needed to build a door and 2 windows.  Even if they are unable to build the project due to restrictions they will still have the information on how to build a door and window.  What is the bonus points?

Justin Everett said:

Miss, (see Jay, bonus points already!)

Make sure you check with local building codes.  I know that sounds easy, but it may change the entire project before it starts.   Worked on a friends house and we had to take down an entire railing system, not for structural integrity issues, but the city said it was extended too fair from the front of the house. 

[Jay Boutwell]

Miss CCross.  In keeping with my promise to provide you with some help here is a simple window that is single pane and a designed to fit into a frame opening of a wall.  It is made using 2x4 commom lumber.  If this is what you are looking for and still wish the door please advise and I will be more that happy to supply you with directions to build a simple door based on the equiptment that you have.

[ccross6032]

hey Jay!

this is amazing.. and exactly what I was looking for! I am sorry that I haven't followed u with you - during the workweek I leave when dark and get home when dark... making pictures challenging. tonight I'll go out and take some measurements for you and again.. thank you!

[Jay Boutwell]

Not a problem,  you are most welcome and glad this is what you are looking for.   I know what you mean about leaving when dark and getting home when dark.  Anytime you get the photos will be fine.
 
ccross6032 said:

hey Jay!

this is amazing.. and exactly what I was looking for! I am sorry that I haven't followed u with you - during the workweek I leave when dark and get home when dark... making pictures challenging. tonight I'll go out and take some measurements for you and again.. thank you!