Introduction
Making your home wheelchair accessible is an important investment for your family’s future. By widening your doorways, you can ensure that everyone in your home can move around safely and easily.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to widen a doorway for wheelchair access. We will also provide some tips and tricks to help you get the job done right.
Steps on How to Widen a Doorway for Wheelchair Access
- Measure the current doorway. The first step is to measure the current width of your doorway. This will help you determine how much you need to widen it.
- Draw a plan. Once you know the current width of your doorway, you can draw a plan for how you want to widen it. This will help you visualize the final product and make sure that you have all of the necessary materials.
- Remove the door and trim. Once you have a plan, you can start by removing the door and trim from the doorway. This will give you access to the wall studs.
- Cut the wall studs. Using a reciprocating saw, cut the wall studs to widen the doorway. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when cutting the studs.
- Install new door jambs. Once the wall studs have been cut, you can install new door jambs. These jambs will provide the support for the new door.
- Install the new door. Once the jambs are installed, you can install the new door. Be sure to use a door that is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
- Add trim. Once the door is installed, you can add trim to finish the doorway. This will help to make the doorway look seamless.
Tips and Tricks for Widening a Doorway for Wheelchair Access
- Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs before you start cutting. This will help you avoid cutting into any electrical wires or plumbing pipes.
- If you are not comfortable cutting the wall studs yourself, you can hire a contractor to do it for you.
- Be sure to use fire-resistant materials when widening a doorway. This is especially important if the doorway is located in a hallway or other area that is required to be fire-rated.
- If you are widening a doorway in a masonry wall, you will need to use a hammer drill and masonry bits to cut the wall.
FAQ
1. What is the minimum door width for wheelchair access?
The minimum door width for wheelchair access is 32 inches. However, a wider door is always better. A 36-inch door will provide more clearance for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
2. What are the different ways to widen a doorway for wheelchair access?
There are two main ways to widen a doorway for wheelchair access:
- Cutting the wall studs. This is the most common way to widen a doorway. It involves cutting the wall studs to create a wider opening.
- Installing offset hinges. Offset hinges allow the door to swing clear of the doorway, creating a wider opening. This is a good option for doorways that cannot be widened by cutting the wall studs.
3. How much does it cost to widen a doorway for wheelchair access?
The cost of widening a doorway for wheelchair access varies depending on the size of the doorway and the materials that are used. However, it typically costs between $500 and $1,000.
4. What are the benefits of widening a doorway for wheelchair access?
There are many benefits to widening a doorway for wheelchair access. These benefits include:
- Increased accessibility for people with disabilities
- Improved safety for everyone in the home
- Increased resale value of the home
5. What are the risks of widening a doorway for wheelchair access?
There are a few risks associated with widening a doorway for wheelchair access. These risks include:
- Damage to the wall
- Electrical or plumbing damage
- Structural damage
Conclusion
Widening a doorway for wheelchair access is a great way to improve the accessibility of your home. It is a relatively simple project that can be completed by a do-it-yourselfer. However, it is important to follow the safety precautions and to use the proper materials.
By following the steps in this article, you can widen your doorway and make your home more accessible for everyone.