I thought I had posted this earlier, but can’t find it now. Please forgive my senior moment if this is a repeat.
I have been asked to submit a proposal to replace a set of windows with french doors. I hope my explanation is enough to get some ideas. The windows are in the exterior wall of a two-story house. The measured distance between the finished surfaces is about 70-1/2″ so if you add 3/4″ each side for the jambs, the rough opening could be as small as 72″, maybe an inch more depending on shims. The homeowner wants to install a set of 36″ doors. Without tearing into the wall, any ideas? Once I open it up, a lot of questions will be answered, but for now I want to be able to offer him ideas and suggestions.
Replies
Elcid72: I would check into some custom made doors that would fit into the rough openings. It would be a difficult job to swallow if you couldn't get the new doors to fit. Good Luck guy
I think I'll put a qualification in the proposal that says if the existing RO is adequate to install standard doors, then the price is X. If the RO is different, then that portion of the proposal will haveto be redone.
Will the new doors be pre-hung, or re-hangs on new jambs? A custom size for a pre-hung unit can cost you. Do you have enough confidence in your skills to make it work in a 'worst case scenario?' I don't mean to be sarcastic. I think we've all been in over our heads at least once. I've opened up walls and have been pleasently surprised to find tons of space between a trimmer stud and the king. And then there were those times when ......well, you get the picture. You can do it!
P&P - they want to replace 6-0x6-0 windows with 6-0x6-8 patio doors, so I plan to get the door units pre-hung. As part of the same project, they want to remove a sliding patio door on the adjacent wall and fill it solid (painted siding outside, painted paneling inside) and build a 400+ sf deck that only has one straight side, with an overhead trellis.
Edited 5/27/2002 10:13:44 PM ET by ELCID72
Errrrrr......just got your reply today. I thought you were talking about French doors, and not a patio door? Oh well. Retro fitting a patio door may be a bit easier than the double doors. This may be pointing out the obvious, make sure to ask your supplier for Net Frame Sizes for your door or window. And some manufacturers offer "retro sizing" - 1/2" under on both the height and width (T.M. Cobb, for example, available here in the west). Ditto on the suggestion of removing a bit of trim to assure the R.O. size. Good luck, Brother!
Could you pull some trim off the insode of the window to check the rough opening?
Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes.