Unless you have a background in construction, some of the finer points of home building can escape your attention. For many of use a window or door is nothing more than a portal or decorative element that has no other purpose that to allow the entrance and exit of people, air and light. While these characteristics are certainly applicable, there are aspects of windows and doors that may be overlooked by the untrained eye. This inattention is usually harmless, – that is until a homeowner decides to take remodeling matters into their own hands.

No matter what kind of home improvement project you decide to undertake, if it involves the removal, relocation or addition of walls, doors or windows, it is absolutely vital that you have a solid understanding of the supporting structures in your house. The accidental removal or a door or window that exists as part of a load-bearing wall can compromise the structural integrity of your entire home. If it’s possible to acquire a copy of the blue prints of your home, do not hesitate to do so, especially if the remodeling will be extensive.

If you plan to move a window or door, you must make sure that the new location is properly supported for such a feature. The support structure surrounding a portal is different from the rest of the wall, and it must be sound enough to support not only the ceiling and wall surrounding the opening, but the movement of the door or window that will be installed there. Shoddy construction can cause damage to walls, floors and ceilings and can ultimately lead to costly repairs and replacements. If you are removing a window or door from a load-bearing wall, remember that you must replace the empty space with the appropriate beams and supports to avoid compromising structural integrity. If you have an attic or second story on your home, these supporting elements are even more important, as they hold a great deal more weight than those of a single-story home.

The old adage, “Measure twice. Cut once.” holds very true when it comes to projects like these. Unfortunately in most cases, mistakes such as these aren’t discovered until well into the construction process, and depending on their severity, can affect the structure of the entire wall. Most windows and doors are prefabricated in specific sizes, so be sure that the new openings you create are appropriately proportioned, otherwise you’ll be stuck doing double the work to correct any mistakes.

If you have questions on how to properly move or add a door or window, it is best to consult a licensed professional. It is admirable to want to complete such projects on your own, but doing so without the proper know-how can put your entire home at risk. Replacing doors and windows, or completing renovations that involve their movement or addition are excellent ways to improve your home and increase its value, but only if the construction is carried out in a thorough and safe manner.

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Category: Advice
Keywords: Home, Repair, Renovation, Construction, Budget