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Replacing a window with door (same width) - what is involved?

6 years ago

Considering replacing a back ground-floor window with door/doors - same width.

Other than the cost of the doors and labour (and possibly planning application) are there any other things involved eg does a beam/joist have to go in?

Thank you!

Comments (4)

PRO
French and Westcott
6 years ago
Hi Ellie,

You should have a lintel above the existing window already and therefore if the door is the same width as the window then you shouldn't need to replace this.

You will need to consider the damp proof course of the house (depending on the age of the house) and where that sits in relation to the new opening for the door. If you are taking away bricks below the damp proof membrane then you will need to add extra under the door. You will also need to think about how the water sheds off the door cill. A good installer will be able to advise you on this.

Unless you are in a listed building or a conservation area where article 4 has been applied by the council you shouldn't need planning permission for this.
Ellie thanked French and Westcott
Ellie
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for this.

We are in a conservation area and will soon be putting in planning permission for doors to garden and velux windows for the kitchen/diner.

This other possible window replacement with door that I mention in my post is from a downstairs spare bedroom. This also looks onto back garden patio area so it could be really nice. It would make sense if this was done at same time!

From the outside, the level of the ground is exactly the same as the inside.
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PRO
French and Westcott
6 years ago
It sounds like it might be worth getting some pre-application advice (ring your local planning office) before you go to the expense of having drawings done and doing a full application. Because the door faces on to the rear garden the planning department may be happy for you to do this without needing planning permission. Unfortunately this is hard to predict as it is very much at the discretion of your local council and isn't uniform across the country. Good luck with it.
Ellie
Original Author
6 years ago
As we are in a conservation area I am assuming we needed planning permission for alterations at the rear?

Will need to check then, thanks!

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