Door widening in Exeter
Professional door widening services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote required
Typical Duration
Full day minimum
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional door widening service in Exeter and Devon. We widen doorways for wheelchair access, disability adaptations, or simply to improve access and flow through your home. Structural work handled properly with lintels where needed.
Widening a doorway isn't just about making the hole bigger. It involves understanding wall structure, installing proper support (lintels) if needed, fitting a new frame, and making good all the plastering and decoration. Get it wrong and you risk structural issues.
We've widened doorways in all types of properties - stud walls, solid brick, cavity walls, and period properties. Each requires different approaches and materials. We assess the structure, confirm what's load-bearing, and do the work safely and to Building Regulations standards.
Typical Door Widening Scenarios
| Current Width | Target Width | Wall Type | Complexity | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 762mm (2'6") | 838mm (2'9") | Stud wall | Low | 1 day |
| 762mm | 914mm (3'0") | Stud wall | Medium | 1 day |
| 762mm | 914mm+ | Solid/cavity | High | 1-2 days |
| 838mm | 1067mm (3'6") | Any wall | High | 1-2 days |
What's Involved
Assessment Phase
- Determine wall type and load-bearing status
- Check for services (wires, pipes) in widening area
- Confirm lintel requirements
- Measure for new frame and door
Structural Work
- Install lintel if required (load-bearing walls)
- Cut away wall material to required width
- Install new wider door frame
- Secure frame and check plumb/level
Finishing Work
- Plaster around new frame
- Make good walls either side
- Decorate if required (or leave ready to decorate)
- Fit new door and ironmongery
Why Choose Us for Door widening in Exeter?
Improved accessibility
Structural work done safely
Lintel installation if needed
Full frame replacement included
What to Expect
1. Site Survey & Quote We measure the existing opening, assess the wall construction, and discuss your target width. We explain what structural work is needed and provide a detailed written quote covering all aspects.
2. Widening Work We protect floors and furniture, then carefully remove the existing frame and cut the opening wider. If a lintel is needed, we install it properly before proceeding. Dusty work - we contain it as much as possible.
3. Frame & Finishing We fit the new frame, hang the new door, and plaster around the opening. We aim to leave the area ready for decoration or can include decorating in the quote if preferred.
🔧 DIY Tips
Before You Consider DIY
- Understand whether your wall is load-bearing (most external walls and some internal walls are)
- Load-bearing walls MUST have proper lintels installed - this isn't optional
- Building Regulations approval may be required for structural alterations
- Removing part of a wall requires understanding the structure above
When DIY Makes Sense
- Non-load-bearing stud walls in modern properties
- Small width increases (adding 50-75mm)
- You have experience with carpentry and plastering
- The door isn't part of fire compartmentation
When to Definitely Get a Pro
- Any load-bearing wall work (serious structural risk)
- Solid or cavity brick walls (require lintels and proper making good)
- Period properties (often have hidden structural features)
- You're unsure whether the wall is load-bearing
Planning Considerations
- Wider doors need more swing space - check furniture clearance
- Fire doors may need specific widths to maintain certification
- Wheelchair access usually requires 850mm minimum clear opening
- Match new door style to existing doors unless renovating throughout
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Door widening often requires Building Regulations approval for structural changes. We can advise but you're responsible for applications. We work with Building Control when needed. Some widening projects reveal hidden issues like old wiring or plumbing that needs relocating - we discuss these as they arise. Lintel installation in solid walls can take time while concrete cures. We try to leave the opening secure each day if the work spans multiple days. Matching existing architraves and door styles can be challenging in older properties - we discuss options during the quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does door widening cost?
Door widening costs vary significantly based on wall type (stud vs solid), whether a lintel is needed, and the amount of widening required. Simple stud wall widening might be £350-500, while solid wall work requiring lintels costs significantly more. We provide detailed quotes after assessment.
Can all doorways be widened?
Most doorways can be widened but load-bearing walls need proper lintels installed. We assess the structure first and advise on what's possible. Some period properties have restrictions, and Building Regulations may apply to structural changes.
Do you install new frames and doors?
Yes, door widening includes removing the old frame, modifying the opening, and installing a new wider frame and door. We can match existing styles or you can choose new designs. All finishing work (plastering, decorating) is included in the quote.
How long does doorway widening take?
A simple stud wall widening takes 1 day. Solid wall work requiring lintel installation takes 1-2 days depending on wall thickness. We discuss timescales during the quote process.
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