Can I enlarge the opening of a window and make it into a doorway?

Question

I have a window in my bedroom that once looked outside the house and now with an addition built on, it looks into the added space. I want to know if I can enlarge the rough opening where the window is and turn it into a doorway. Not anything to large but just like a 30" prehung interior type door. I would have to assume that since the window is on a wall that once was an exterior wall the it is a load bearing wall. What problems could this create?

Answer 1

Yes it can be done... can you do it your self, depends on your level of skill. If you have never done any construction have some one do it for you. If you are a handyman and good with projects then talk to the guys at Lowes or Home Depo and they probably can sell you a book showing you how. My Hubbys 80 yr old Uncle just did his own so I know it is possible, only you know your level of experience and ability to follow directions, Good Luck

Answer 2

You say that the wall where the window is used to be an exterior wall if so it is not a load bearing wall a load bearing wall is an interior wall usually located close to the middle of the house that runs parallel with the roof line, supports the ceiling on stick built houses, depending on the size of the window you might just remove the window and the bottom seal check the rough opening you will need about 32" to install a 30 door, hope there is no electric wire running under the window or you will have to reroute it.

Answer 3

You will need to support the ceiling joints while you take out the window and install the door. You may have to select the door width after you get the window torn out and and the opening framed only then will you know exactly what kind of opening you have. You may have to settle for a 24" door but that is not too small. Many baths have a 24" doorway.

Answer 4

If you support the top of the window casing with vertical beams while you are making your changes there won't be any problems. Just make sure your door opening isn't too much larger than the window opening width wise. You can stabilize this if it is by putting a sturdier cross beam at the top of the door casing like they use for hurricane reinforcement in coastal areas. We use 2x6's wherever possible instead of stacking 1x2's.

Answer 5

Of course you can make it larger. You just have to have the proper size boards over the top, called a Header, to hold up the rest of the house above it, and the right size legs called studs, under the ends of the header to hold it up. Without any knowledge of what's above, I cannot tell you what size. My city building inspector was very helpful with the size requirements on my new door.

Answer 6

Yes you can,...being a window your halfway there, it's not difficult, but get some good DIY advice before you start, someone who can come and see the proposed job and give you first hand advice, as it's not practical on Y/A because there is too many variables.