Doorway Widening Services in Orlando, Florida
Doorway widening removes existing door frames and jambs, enlarges the rough opening by 4-12 inches, and installs new structural headers if the wall is load-bearing. Bill Morgan Inc handles all phases: wall stud removal, header installation per Florida Building Code requirements, drywall patching, trim installation, and door frame reinstallation. Projects typically cost $800-$2,500 per doorway depending on wall type, with most jobs finished within 2 business days in neighborhoods like Thornton Park, Lake Eustis, and Conway.
Our doorway widening process begins with a site inspection to determine if the wall is load-bearing, followed by permit acquisition from Orange County or Seminole County Building Department. We then construct temporary support walls, remove existing framing studs, install a structural header (typically 2x10 or 2x12 pressure-treated lumber), reinforce the opening with king studs and cripples, and finish with drywall tape, joint compound, primer, and paint. Final steps include installing new door frames, hardware, and threshold trim, with final inspections completed within 24-48 hours of header installation.
What Is Included
When you hire Bill Morgan inc for doorway widening, here is exactly what you get:
- Load-bearing wall assessment and structural engineering review
- Temporary support wall construction per Florida Building Code
- Removal of existing door frame, jambs, and studs
- Structural header installation (2x10 or 2x12 pressure-treated lumber)
- King stud and cripple reinforcement on both sides of opening
- Drywall patching, taping, mudding, and sanding
- Primer and paint finish matching existing walls
- New door frame installation with hinges and hardware
- County permit acquisition and final building inspection
- Cleanup and debris removal
Signs You Need Doorway Widening
- Doorway is too narrow for wheelchair or mobility device access
- Cannot fit furniture through existing doorway opening
- Door frame is cracked, warped, or damaged from forced widening attempts
- Opening measures less than 36 inches (ADA standard width)
- Senior household member needs accessible entryway for aging-in-place modification
- Wall studs are noticeably undersized or deteriorating near door frame
- Existing header shows signs of sagging or structural failure
- Doorway transitions between rooms require matching widths
Our Doorway Widening Process
Initial Inspection and Load-Bearing Assessment
Bill Morgan Inc technicians visit your home in Orlando, Winter Park, or surrounding areas to inspect the doorway and determine if the wall is load-bearing. This assessment takes 20-30 minutes and informs all structural decisions. Load-bearing walls require engineered headers; non-load-bearing walls may use simpler framing.
Permit Acquisition and Planning
We obtain necessary permits from Orange County or Seminole County Building Department (typically 3-5 business days). This step ensures your project complies with Florida Building Code and protects your home's resale value. Permit costs range $150-$300 depending on county and project scope.
Temporary Support Installation
Before removing any structural framing, we build a temporary support wall 16 inches from the existing opening using 2x4 studs and adjustable posts. This wall supports the ceiling and upper framing during header installation, taking 2-3 hours to complete safely.
Framing Removal and Header Installation
Our crew removes existing door jambs, studs, and blocking, then installs the new structural header (2x10 or 2x12 pressure-treated lumber) with proper bearing on king studs. This phase takes 4-6 hours and requires precise measurements to match existing floor and ceiling heights.
Drywall Finishing and Surface Preparation
We patch drywall around the new opening using joint compound and mesh tape, sand smooth, and apply primer and finish paint within 24 hours. Most drywall work is completed same-day, allowing paint to cure before door frame installation.
Door Frame Installation and Final Inspection
New door frames are installed level and plumb, hardware is mounted, and thresholds are set. County inspector verifies framing compliance and header sizing within 24-48 hours. Most projects pass inspection on first attempt when completed by Bill Morgan Inc.
Types of Doorway Widening We Handle
- Non-load-bearing wall doorway widening (4-12 inch expansion, no header required)
- Load-bearing wall doorway widening with engineered header (requires county inspection)
- Double-wide doorway opening for accessibility (36-72 inches total width)
- Interior passage doorway widening (hallways, bedrooms in Thornton Park and downtown Orlando)
- Exterior entry doorway widening (front entry or patio access in Winter Park and Oviedo)
- Bifold or sliding door opening enlargement (transitioning to wider door styles)
- Curved or angled doorway modifications (for architectural trim details in Dr. Phillips homes)
