Replacing window with French doors - what do I need to know?

[TheElementsSong]

Next week, we're getting some builders in to quote :excited: for turning the window in our dining room back into French doors. It would originally have been French doors (Victorian house), but some distant previous owner had it partially bricked up.

I have been Googling to get an idea of what to expect so I don't sound like a total idiot when talking to the builders, but am now mightily confused by all the information out there. I would much appreciate if any MNetters could explain things to me in words of few syllables Do I need a lintel? Do I need planning permission/building regs/FENSA? If I do, is it something for the builders to sort out? Oh, and they have to be wooden doors as I can't abide UPVC I'd like them to match the rest of the house.

And most important of all, what is it going to cost (roughly)?

there are some rules to do with heat insulation for doors and windows. If fitted by a FENSA company they are supposed to handle the legalities, otherwise you will have to apply, and pay, for Building Regulations approval.

I expect any modern high tech windows will conform, but you have to do it. It is the homeowners responsibility. Maybe mention that your final payment will be subject to seeing evidence of compliance approval. Whatever they tell you, check on your local authority building control website.

There is probably a Victorian shallow brick arch over the old window aperture, but probably only the outside half of the wall. You might be forced to have some kind of steel, concrete or composite beam put in. If it used to have a wooden beam it will probably have rotted away and will not be acceptable anyway. You are no longer allowed to have walls supported by windowframes.

Ask how they will fill, seal and conceal the gap between frame and brickwork. Ask if the frame will be made to fit the aperture, or if the wall will have to be altered to fit the frame.

Ask what locks and bolts it will have. If opening out, ask what kind of security hinges it will have.

Thanks PigletJohn! I'll ask everything you suggest.

We don't actually have a brick arch over that window (the surveyor pointed it out when we bought) so I have no idea what, if any, lintel there is.

unless it was an extremely expensive or industrial building, with ironwork up there, or a stone lintel, it will have been built with a piece of wood, which by now will be partly or completely rotten, or stood on the windowframe.

it might have been replaced with steel when the window was changed, in which case there may be a row of soldier (upright) bricks above the window

Ah, you genius! There are indeed a row of bricks!