Cutting out approx 2' x 2' hole in wall

Cutting out approximately 2' x 2' hole in wall so I can install an air conditioner in my bathroom....

I'm not a contractor, nor have I ever done anything like this before... I know basically what I have to do, but want to make sure that what I'm doing is right... I'm a single Mom with no man around the house & the summer heat in PA is melting me I have to do something... fast.

Here's the plan...

1. Going to mark off the hole to make sure it is level and square.
2. Going to cut into the wall with a Sawzall. There is vinyl siding on the outside.
3. Going to frame the inside with 2" x 4"s. (not sure if that's the right size).
4. Going to leave a 1/4" gap on the outside of the framing to allow for the a/c to tilt downward.
5. Install A/C and Waaa Laaaa it should be nice and cool when I hop out of the shower

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

Welcome to the forums!

It is probably a bit more involved than you realize. More than likely your wall framing is on 16" centers. If the wall is load bearing, you must install a header supported by 2xs to carry the weight of the 2x you will be removing.

The sawsall will butcher your vinyl siding - it should be removed and when it's reinstalled you will need flashing to seal off the opening and channel to accomadate the siding when it's reinstalled.

 

Thanks Mark! I should've known it wouldn't be that simple

I have a recommendation tho for all you DIY'ers - put an ad in your local paper. I know where I live, Smalltown, PA, we are in dire need of the "handyman". You know men, who do little odd jobs here and there. We have enough contractors around here who won't give "little jobs" the time of day.

Just my two sense... and thanks again

 

I'd be suprised if there aren't any handymen for hire in your area.

Ask around, maybe check some of the little sales papers like tradin post.

 

I've tried Mark. That's why I'm here. I have no recourse but to do this myself or hire a contractor

 

Before you just hack into the wall with a sawzall, you HAVE to make sure there are no pipes or wires behind the drywall. Mark the wall where the opening will be. Then score the wall with a utility knife. Once you get started, start pulling the drywall right off so you can see what is back there.

 

I've done several A/C's this way, and it has always worked well:

I've basically made a window opening (created a sloped sill, jamb, face trim, etc) that is made just the right size for the window AC box to fit into. You have to consider the vents on the sides of the AC box to make sure they are not obstructed (which can happen if you have a wide wall, for example). It requires removing the vinyl siding first, as mentioned previously. Then I cut the opening the right size for my sill and window frame... frame it in properly, install the sloped sill and window frame, insulate around it, trim it inside and out... then install the AC box, and install the AC unit.

I've found that vinyl siding often partially covers up the vents on the sides of the AC box, which means it is impossible to caulk the siding to the AC box on the sides. Making a window opening that is just right seems to work a lot better, IMO.

 

There were just 2 windows put in about 2 years ago - near to the space where I want to put the hole for the A/C, so there are no wires, etc. It'd be nice if I could find an A/C that would fit a 10" x 12" opening (My bathroom windows are sliders )

Thanks Chip.. I appreciate the advice

 

Good advice I'm sure X, but with my limited knowledge of carpentry I need to keep this simple. Thanks tho