He is correct , remove both windows as 1 unit.

how about split the sheetrock the long way?

how about split the sheetrock the long way?

No way - twice as many seams - and they are butt joints.

i get that... it just didnt seem as insurmountable as the notion of removing a window to discover you cant get the sheet through it anyway either because of elevational changes on the outside or hitting the floor at an angle with no room to get the rest of the sheet through.

So my goal is to remove both windows whether I do it separately or as one unit, but I just don't know how without damaging the windows. I want to be able to remove them so that they can be fully reinstalls whether that's as a single unit or 2 separate windows being removed uninstalled together

Look at the insides of the frame, on the sides. You should see some fasteners, remove the fasteners, pry out window.

The windows have been joined together at the factory. The contractor will remove them in one unit.

I don't think Hallett knows what he's talking about.

If I were finishing a basement that did not have a door to the exterior, I would be looking at adding one if at all possible. Sheetrock won't be your first challenge to get down there,

Based on the pictures posted I don't see masonry style window brackets used to attach the window to the framing lumber on the interior side. I would agree with Hallett & Co. that the window was most likely attached to the wood framing using vinyl window flanges then bricked over. Removing that window without removing some brick will make re-installation more difficult. Meaning that there is no way to integrate that unit to the weather restive barrier (to the extent the building has one) as it was originally. But you can remove it.

Your post raises another question. If you can't get drywall down through the house and none of the windows are large enough and you are finishing this space off what is your second means of egress? That is a code requirement for any finished basement. While the casement window you noted is large enough (based on your dimensions to meet egress) if it is greater than 44" above the floor that disqualifies it.

Have a carpeted room above? Remove the carpet, cut a section of sub floor out - drop drywall through. Reinstall sub-floor and restretch or replace carpet.