So there is this hole...

[squid]

Hi all, This is my first of many posts as I recently purchased my first home. It needs a lot of updating! I think the best place to start before painting and such is this odd decision the previous owner had to place a "window" A/C unit clear though the front of the house! What would be the best course of action to repair this strange "hole"? I know the drywall and wood siding will have to be replaced but would that be sufficient? How should I go about making sure it looks as though it was never there from the inside? Does it need insulation or any sort of support structures? We've already had to replace a few siding boards on other parts of the exterior so I think we should be able to replace that outside section okay but the inside has me perplexed. Please forgive the improper terminology. I'm a biologist and know very little of construction lingo

 

[squid]

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[Snoonyb]

Hi all, This is my first of many posts as I recently purchased my first home. It needs a lot of updating! I think the best place to start before painting and such is this odd decision the previous owner had to place a "window" A/C unit clear though the front of the house! What would be the best course of action to repair this strange "hole"? I know the drywall and wood siding will have to be replaced but would that be sufficient? How should I go about making sure it looks as though it was never there from the inside? Does it need insulation or any sort of support structures? We've already had to replace a few siding boards on other parts of the exterior so I think we should be able to replace that outside section okay but the inside has me perplexed. Please forgive the improper terminology. I'm a biologist and know very little of construction lingo

Enjoy the site.

You'll need to find another format to post your photos.

 

[oldognewtrick]

to House Repair Talk!

You can attach pics from either a phone or desktop, just scroll down from the reply box to Manage Attachments and follow the prompts.

 

[bud16415]

I saw your photos ok but had to copy and paste them.

Start by removing the unit and then the trim and then maybe the inner framing he put in if it was to trim out the hole for a tight fit on the AC unit. Once you are flush with the wall studs you will need to add in some new framing so you have a place inside to attach drywall so it will be flush with the inside wall and a piece of sheathing on the outside and then whatever kind if any vapor barrier and then new siding to match. The best way would be to remove some of the siding around the patch so the new would weave in with the rest and you wouldn’t have a bunch of end cuts in a line. I doubt I would do that though and just patch in the hole. It all depends on what degree of perfection you are going for. If the walls had insulation in them I would add some from the inside before closing the hole. Tape and mud and sand , prime and paint inside and out.

Post pics after you get it opened up and you will get better help.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[nealtw]

Remove the unit and molding around it remove some siding on the outside so you can match in new with longer pieces.
If there is framing inside the holes you will need another layer to attach drywall and sheeting , 2x4 or 2x6 what ever matches the framing of the wall.
You only need the piece on each side, top and bottom do not matter.
If there is no framing there just slide a piece in each side a little longer than the hole so you can screw thru the dry wall to hold it in. Screw thru the sheeting on the outside to hold it there also.
Fill hole in sheeting with plywood or boards what ever you can find that matches the sheeting, repair the tar paper, behind the paper above out side the paper below if the joints are not a one foot overlap tape it with red tuck tape.
Replace siding as you discussed.
Fill the space with batt insulation from the inside. If the house has vapor barrier behind the drywall, do you best to repair that and screw a piece of drywall in, match the thickness you find there.