Expanding a 36" door to a patio slider

11 years ago

All,

Long time lurker, first post. Doing a ton a remodeling and one item I do not feel comfortable doing myself is expanding a 36" exterior door to a 5 ft patio slider. I have a contractor that has done some work on my rental before and did a good job(sliding, roofing and some drywall). He was going to install the door for me and I asked if he was going to use a temp wall to support while he reframes and he said it is not needed. This worries me some. The door is on the first floor, but there is a walk out basement below it. Just want some advice. Should I find a new contractor or force him to use a temp wall for support.

Thanks a lot

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Comments (2)

Jumpilotmdm
11 years ago
That would be a cute trick, unless there is something he knows and you don't.
When he opens up that wall and goes to modify the framing to accept the wider door, the true story of what he needs will really be told. It might be good to not wait till then.
renovator8
11 years ago
The load on the new opening is dependent on the direction the 2nd floor or attic joists span and which way the roof rafters span. The load might be so light no temporary support is necessary or it might be so large that the top plate of the wall will deflect as soon as the opening is made. But you haven't even told us if there is a 2nd floor.

If there is a walkout basement below the new door, how will you access the patio? If there is a basement foundation wall and the door is at grade then it doesn't matter if it is a walkout basement.
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