Doors and Windows - Need info on replacing old sliding door with windows

We have a very narrow family room that opens up to a kitchen, large fireplace and 7' 10" sliding door. We only have one usable wall to place a tv or furniture. We would like to remove the old sliding door and install a wall and window. Is this a do it yourself type job? Besides removing the old sliding door I don't think it is something for the average DIY. Any idea of pro cost? Here is a pic of the room:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22289775@N05/2222845860/

Thanks,
Mel

It is not that hard to remove the old door and wall it up. Building a wall to match is pretty basic carpentry, 2x4(or 2x6) frame, insulation, drywall on the inside, sheathing/siding one the other. How difficult depends on what the siding is. Bricks are obviously not a DIY job, if you want it to look right. But I would consider keeping a door there even if it is made smaller. Getting large furniture, appliances into the house can sometime be tough, without a handy door at least 36" wide. And consider the need for an emergency exit.

Like Just Bill, it's basically not that difficult of a project, with the possible exception of the siding. And I agree with leaving a door in the wall for access to the patio that is outside. The opening is framed at 8' wide -- you could put a 3' swinging door anyplace within that opening and wall off the rest. (Personally, I would put it at the end nearest the kitchen.)

One problem that installing a window will present is getting one that will match all of the other windows along that wall when viewed from the outside. By enlarging the picture, it appears as though that slider is single pane. (It's obviously fairly old.) That would leave me to believe that the rest of your windows probably are as well.

I see one outlet along the wall right now. Whether you go with a window or the door that we are suggesting, I would add another outlet as well, simply by extending the existing circuit.