Has anyone had a door widened in a load bearing wall?

[PeachPotato]

Just looking for an indication of costs really so I can see if my plotting is feasible - we would like to widen a single doorway in a load bearing wall. So assume will need some sort of beam inserted. Has anyone had this done? How much did it cost?

I’m not up to date with costs but it’s perfectly feasible to take out a whole load bearing wall as long as the floor above is held up by a suitably sized and accurately inserted RSJ. Ask a structural engineering technician to calculate the beam required and ensure it can be inserted safely. Then get a quote from a builder. I think you will find regional prices vary. We opened up 5m in our lounge that was a load bearing wall and taken the load bearing walls out at the front corner of the house to create a spacious feel. You just need someone able to do an accurate survey and calcs.

Thank you! Should have clarified I meant feasible from a budget perspective, but good to know it’s not a crazy idea to start with!

I had a similar thing done, few years ago. The calcs were £250 plus vat.
The beam was about £150 and the fitting about £100.
This didnt include making good as it was a project.

Duh, part of a whole house Reno project

I would think nearer £1000 but that would depend on size of beam. It will also depend on how easily the beam can be inserted and what making good you want. So it’s variable.

Thank you! And do I organise the calculations myself or will the builder do that? (I’m clueless!)

You need a structural engineer for the calcs. They are surprisingly hard to find to do a small job. I searched my local council planning applications for one who cropped up often. It was a ball ache. So your builder may or may not have one on speed dial.
You also need to run it past building control or planning I forget which but the council website will fill you in.

Go to the builder if you cannot see any engineers advertising. It’s a tiny job and structural engineers doing small jobs like this are often sole traders. Builders will have used an engineer before. The engineer will know about submitting calcs to building control.

Look for civil and structural engineers. The two often go together.

Obtain 3 quotes that specify in writing the process and specifications. Do not accept any verbal quotes. Use the LABC (Local Authority Building Control) to oversee and 'sign' off the work once completed. Keep all documentation for future reference ( specifically when selling the property).

BUTTTT...firstly are you intending removing a doorway and leaving a gap with no doorway? If so then you have to take advice on the impact to means of escape in case of fire. You have to have a door to close off a kitchen if you need to pass the kitchen on the way out of a building. Crazy as it is you can leave the door wide open , but you still need a door!!

Thanks for all the great advice guys.

@BurgerOnTheOrientExpress no I am planning to replace with double doors. Also there is another door between upstairs escape route and the kitchen.

Hey! Did you get this done? I am wanting the same thing and wondered what your costs were! Xx