The wizardry of turning a window into a door.

When it comes to our homes, our visions for ideal window and door placements can evolve over time. The thought of transforming a window into a door may cross our minds, sparking curiosity about the possibilities. However, this endeavor can be complex. Homeowners are now seeking more than just replacing windows; they want to unleash their imagination and maximize comfort and convenience. Projects like turning a window into a patio door or converting a regular window into a bay window are gaining popularity.

One significant advantage of converting a window into a door is the existing framework, as much of the rough carpentry is already in place. The top of the window's open frame often aligns with where the top of the door's open frame would be. Furthermore, windows are typically not part of load-bearing walls, making them ideal for a seamless door installation.

However, this is not a simple DIY project - changing a window into a door should only be done by an experienced, licensed contractor.

Why change a window into a door?

• Maybe you’ve just added a new deck to your home, and the existing window placement would be a perfect place for a door.
• Maybe you want to create a more convenient access point or easier access to parts of the home that are closed off to the exterior. i.e. a side door.
• Maybe you want to provide a more open view of your property. i.e. a patio or garden door.

What are your typical choices

• Sliding patio door
• Garden door
• Swinging entrance door

Anatomy of a wall

Here's a basic illustration showing some of the required carpentry for a window and a door.

Hurdles and considerations

Permit Requirements

• Before you contact a replacement window and door company, you’ll need to look into permit requirements at your local municipality.
• Check with your local municipality to see whether you will require a permit. It is not typically the responsibility of the window and door company to secure the permits.
• Installers are not responsible for required permits, in most cases, you will need to arrange for the necessary permits yourself.
• Expanding the opening of a wall to accommodate a patio door (wider than the hole for the existing window) almost always requires a permit.
• Because cutting a bigger opening requires the removal of king studs in the wall, reinforcing or replacing the weight-carrying header above the window, and potentially compromising electrical work around the window, this work must be done in accordance with city permits.
• During the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an unprecedented demand for permits which could affect the time required to fulfill a permit request.

Building Codes

Check area building codes for minimum door width requirements. If the door will be positioned higher than ground level, a landing and steps may be required to ensure the pathway out from your new door is safe.

Cleaning

Converting a window into a door is a messy job. Although good installers will try to ensure the cleanest working site possible, be prepared for above-average amounts of dust inside and outside your home when all the cutting is done.

Electrical

Sometimes electrical wiring may run below a window. Professional contractors have the equipment to trace wires through the wall and can establish whether there is wiring. If there is electrical wiring, the breaker for the electrical wiring circuit will need to be switched off and once the door opening has been cut, the electrical wiring will need to be rerouted by a professional electrician. There are specific building codes that have to be adhered to when splitting wires and creating junction boxes.

Plumbing

Generally speaking in the Ottawa area, plumbing is not run through the outside wall because of potential freezing in winter. However if the doorway will be located where an external faucet is located, a plumber may be required, and the water may need to be shut off temporarily.

Structural

• The structural integrity of a wall must be retained, in some instances, more than just one hole for the door may be required in order to install proper framing.
• Not all windows will have framing high enough for a door, so in these cases, the pre-existing header will have to be removed and replaced to the proper height.
• Some materials such as brick, stone, stucco, and concrete used on the exterior facade of the home pose structural and refinishing considerations that will drive the cost of the installation up.

Assessability

Before you decide on a location for your new door ensure that its positioning allows for an unobstructed opening. Typically exterior swing and garden doors open into a home, but it is possible to have them open out - ask your specialist for advice if you are not sure what you should do.

Energy Efficiency

Although the insulating properties of doors have become increasingly more efficient over the years, they are still not as energy efficient as a wall. A solid door will be more energy-efficient than a window, but if you are widening the opening to accommodate a patio door or garden door there could be a slight decrease in overall efficiency.

Finishing

Advanced carpentry requirements for altering a load-bearing wall is pretty much done for you in the door installation. But once your window-to-door conversion has been completed, there may still be several finishing items required. Some installers will do everything, but many won't, and if you are not a handy fixer, you may need to hire a handyman. Be sure to ask your installer what they will and will not finish - so there will be no surprises.

• Drywall repair
• Exterior finishing
• Interior trim
• Step requirements if any

Costs Involved

• Converting a window to a door single door will cost an average of $3000.00 - $4500.00
• Special options such as stained glass, sidelights, and premium hardware will increase the cost
• Exterior walls other than wood or vinyl (concrete, brick) will increase the cost
• Premium exterior finishing and trim will increase the cost
• Hidden load-bearing issues may increase the cost

Steps involved in a window-to-door conversion

1. Contact a window and door installer for a consultation.
2. Check or have a professional check for electrical.
3. Plumbing and other obstructions in the area where the door will be installed. Professional Installers have the equipment to trace wires through the wall and can determine whether/where there is wiring behind the wall.
4. Determine whether a permit will be required.
5. Approve the quote and pay the required deposit.
6. The contractor will map out and mark the internal and external areas where you want your door to be.
7. If there is electrical wiring behind the wall, the breaker will need to be turned off.
8. The external facade will be cut out, insulation will be removed, the studs will be cut down to the floor and the remaining wall will be removed.
9. If electrical wiring or plumbing has to be diverted it will be done at this point in accordance with area building codes.
10. Removal of the window framing/casing and wall that remains below the window will take place.
• Removal of the window framing/casing and lower wall is necessary.
• Preserving drywall inside the house can be challenging, often requiring trimming back to the first stud on both sides of the opening.
• Window installers are skilled in cut-downs and cut-outs through various materials like drywall, stucco, and siding.
• For basement walkouts, subcontracting concrete cutting to specialized companies may be required, typically done a day before installation to minimize exposure to weather.
• Temporary structural support may be needed if the door opening is wider than the window opening, often requiring expanding the header.
• Replacement of missing siding or drywall might be necessary, followed by refinishing and painting around the new patio door inside and outside.
• The area around the new door is reframed to meet building code standards, ensuring structural integrity and preventing moisture or air infiltration.
11. Once all the structural considerations have been taken care of, the new door will be installed to the window brand manufacturer's specifications and instructions.
12. If the interior and exterior detailing will be required, you may need to hire a separate contractor or finish the detailing yourself. Be sure to ask your contractor to what point they will finish the detailing.
13. Once the door has been installed as per the contract, the contractor will remove the debris and the old window and clean up the site. In most cases, you will now be able to use the door almost immediately.
    

What about adding a door where there is no window?

The process of putting a door into a wall is very similar to a window-to-a-door conversion with the exception that there may be more complexity in ensuring the stability of load-bearing walls and the door frame/header will have to be created from scratch.

Professional Installation

Window-to-door conversions should be completed by experienced professionals because there are many components to consider. There are also several risks involved that need to be prevented or minimized. Ensure it is done correctly the first time.

If you decide this type of project makes sense for your home, contact an experienced contractor. The project will go smoother if you’re working with someone who has the tools and know-how to complete it expertly.