I'm in the early stage of finishing my basement. On the area of that will be finished, one wall has two simple standard basement windows that I'd like to replace with a vinyl window. I have a poured wall, current window appears to be a 4 piece steel liner with a simple drop in glass; not very efficient or aesthetic. Question is: How do I remove the current window. It looks like the bottom or sill plate was installed first over the cement, then the sides, then the top. I haven't discovered any fasteners so I t assume the unit is simply pressed in between the concrete and the floor header. Any tips on how to remove the steel liner?

I'd like to sound proof a rec room in the basement directly below the bedrooms of our bungalow. We have hardwood in the bedrooms over conventional mid-50's sub-floor decking on joists and stringers. At the moment, I have removed the ceiling tiles from the rec room to begin renovations. I have read that in order to do a good soundproofing job, you have to seal off all spaces what sound can travel through. I really don't want to get into drywalling the rec room ceiling if I don't have to as there are electrical connections and HVAC baffles that I'd still like to have access to. Are there materials and/or is there a way to put batts of something between the joists and then hang a suspended ceiling, killing enough noise to play a piano, stereo or TV downstairs and not carry too much noise to the bedrooms? Thanks in advance for any advice. Howie