Is it possible to raise the height of an existing windowsill?

Question

We are widening our countertops and there is a window that hangs approximately three inches below the counter. Instead of lifting the entire window up, estimated cost $500/$800, can we just raise the height of the windowsill?

Answer 1

You could do that, but it will probably cost about the same. To do this, a contractor will have to take out the window, open up the wall on the inside and outside, take apart the framing for the window rough opening, rebuild it to the size of the new opening, install the window, install siding on the outside, and drywall and trim on the inside, and paint or stain as necessary. in fact, it might be more expensive this way, as you'll have to buy a new, smaller window, instead of reusing the old one.

Is it possible instead to order a bathroom vanity cabinet base that matches the cabinetry you've selected? These are usually shorter than kitchen bases, and might give you enough clearance to put a counter top under the existing window without having to move it.

You may also be able to get a kitchen wall cabinet that is short enough to allow a countertop to be put on top of it, and let the carpenter build up a platform under it to allow for a toekick space. We did something like this in our kitchen, and it worked out great.