There are many reasons to widen doorways in your home. Widening doorways creates an open concept and better flow between spaces, gives the illusion of more space in a hallway and more easily accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive mobility devices. If your home renovation plans include widening a few doorways, here is an outline of how the process works.

Removing Framing & Identifying Electrical/Plumbing

Your first step is to remove the casing around the doorway that needs to be widened. If you are planning to reuse the casing, carefully cut through the caulk and paint where your casing meets the door jam. Next, use a wide putty knife to help protect your drywall as you loosen the casing and remove it with a curved pry bar.

After your casing is removed, it is time to start cutting into your wall. While some walls can be cut into with ease, there are some precautions that should always be taken before you begin. Carefully inspect your walls for signs of electrical lines or pipes behind the drywall. Your inspection should go deeper than a quick visual and include cutting a small hole using a drywall saw held at an angle. The angle keeps you from cutting too deep and can protect any lines that do exist within your walls. A mirror and light will help you to better visualize any concerns that may not be immediately evident when you cut into the wall. If pipes or electrical lines are present, they may need to be deactivated and cut out or relocated before you can continue.

Cutting New Doors & Adding Support

Removing your wallboards is easiest with a rotary tool. Use this to cut through the boards on both sides of your wall. After you walls are removed, move forward with cutting into your framing with a reciprocating saw. Next, cut through your studs at the bottom of the door frame, and pull the studs free. Baseboards will also need to be cut out and pried up from the floor.

Now that your old doorway is removed and your new doorway has been cut out, it is time to start constructing the frame for the widened doorway. Replace your old wall studs with new studs, a jack stud for extra support and nails. Using two by four boards, create your new header, and install that. Everything can be secured with screws, and then it is time to cut your drywall to size and attach it with finishing screws. Finish off your project by covering exposed boards with solid pieces of wooden jam. Attach the top piece first, and follow it with the sides making sure they are perfectly straight and vertical. Using shims can help with this part of the process. Finally, re-install the casing you removed in step one, and your new door opening is complete.

If your renovation involves widening a doorway, the easiest way to complete the task is by hiring an experienced general contractor to assist. The construction team at Alair Homes Huntsville will diligently manage your entire renovation from start to finish and ensure that your new door openings are designed in a way that enhances the aesthetic value and beauty of your home. To discuss your next home renovation, call the experts at Alair Homes, and schedule your free, no obligation consultation.