Updated October 26, 2022
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor. Written by HomeAdvisor.
On average, the cost to convert a window into a door is $1,900, with prices ranging from $500 to $3,800. If you want high-end materials or a custom design, you could spend $23,000 or more on this project, particularly if you’re widening the opening for double, folding, or french doors.
The average cost to turn a window into a door can be a little more expensive than the cost of installing a new exterior door. Window rough openings are usually 2 inches smaller than door rough openings, so you may need to create a broader opening to add a door where a window once was, plus you’ll likely need to reroute electrical.
“Converting a window to a door of the same width is a very easy job,” says Bob Tschudi, Expert Review Board member and general contractor based in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Because, when they framed the window, they put the structural component—the header—above the window. That same header will protect the door. Of course, you might have to raise or lower the header, but the engineering has already been calculated.”
Average Cost to Convert a Window Into a Door
Prices for Materials to Convert a Window Into a Door
The cost of turning a window opening into a door primarily lies in the materials, which can cost $170 for standard, steel door to over $11,000 for fiberglass, solid wood, or beveled glass doors with custom elements.
Because of the size of the rough openings, a 32-inch window will convert to a 30-inch door. Doors must be at least 32 inches wide for wheelchair accessibility, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Keep this in mind to ensure loved ones can use the new doorway.
“Whenever the door is wider than the window, we engage with a structural engineer,” says Tschudi. “They will calculate and specify exactly what you need to keep that opening structurally sound.” Despite widening the opening, most of what you’ll spend is for new door installation costs.
Find a Local Contractor for Your Conversion
Labor Cost to Convert a Window Into a Door
Converting a window to a door costs $70 per hour on average for the labor alone. You might end up paying between $30 to $150, depending on your location, the type of door you’re installing, and the level of experience of your carpenter. Unless you need to widen the door significantly, the project will take one to two days.
For complex projects involving multiple subcontractors you may wish to hire a general contractor. A general contractor may charge 10% to 20% of the project total and coordinate all subcontractors needed, including an electrician, structural engineer, siding installer, drywall installer, and carpenter. It’s common to have electrical circuits passing below a window, so consult with a local electrician.
Electricians cost $160–$550
Structural engineers cost $350–$750
(Video) How to convert window to french doorsSiding installation costs $2–$28 per sq. ft.
Drywall installation costs $1.50–$3 per sq. ft.
Carpenters cost $15–$150 per hour
Door Cost by Type
Door types can range from $150 to $23,000, so it can change your total cost. Larger ones, like French or double doors, may also cost more to widen the window opening and insert two side-by-side doors.
French Doors
The cost to replace a window with French doors runs $600 to $5,800 on average. This can be a more expensive project because you need to either widen one window opening or convert two windows to make space for the wide French doors.
Sliding Glass Doors
The cost to replace a window with a sliding glass door runs $1,300 to $6,000 on average with the average price around $2,300. New sliding glass doors cost $1,000 to $3,400. The sliding mechanism makes this type of door less expensive than some alternatives, and custom features like privacy blinds between the glass panels will increase the cost.
Pre-Hung Doors
This door type is less expensive at $150 to $2,500, and replacing a window with a pre-hung door can save you some installation hassle. It comes attached to a frame and hinges, making it a simple and ideal setup for transforming a window opening into a door.
Double Doors
Double doors cost $750 to $5,500 and are available in various types, including French doors. French doors are lightweight double doors, but the project will cost more if you opt for solid wood double doors. You’ll likely need to replace two windows for double doors or extensively widen one window opening, which will also drive up the cost.
Other Cost Factors to Convert a Window Into a Door
When converting a window to a door, you’ll want to consider a few other factors. These factors include custom designs, permits, wiring, and the type of siding you have.
Custom Designs
Custom design work can put your project costs anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more. The actual price varies more based on the materials you use, but the custom work adds labor cost to the overall project.
Permit
General building permits cost $125 on average for something like this, but costs vary quite a bit from place to place. In most cases, you’ll need to get a building permit since you’re likely altering a load-bearing wall, changing siding, and drywall, and rerouting electrical components.
Wiring
It’s common to have electrical circuits passing below a window, so consult with a local electrician. Most often, it’s not hard to reroute the lineup and around the top of the new door, but it’ll still cost around $300 in total.
Siding
You’ll need to pay a siding contractor to fix the edges of the new hole in your wall. This can add $2 to $28 per square foot for anything from vinyl to brick veneer. Most often, the contractor will remove the existing siding rather than cut directly through it.
DIY vs. Hire a Door Installation Professional
Hire a local door installer or a licensed contractor to turn an old window into a new doorway. Because of the electrical and structural implications of installing a door, it makes for a very poor DIY project.
You may also need to hire an electrician to handle and reroute wires surrounding the window. This job may involve carpentry and electrical skills—neither of which you should attempt to DIY. Most of the project cost is in the materials, as the labor will be 20% to 40% of the project total. If you want to save money in the window-to-door conversion, consider opting for less expensive doors like pre-hung or sliding types.
Window to Door Conversion Process
Window-to-door conversions follow a few general steps, although your project will vary a bit based on your home and needs. However, you can generally expect:
Choosing the right door and getting it ordered or purchased.
Marking the area to be cut.
Checking for electrical wiring and other utilities, rerouting if deemed necessary.
Removing the old window.
Removing all siding and any insulation as necessary from outside the walls.
Cutting out the rest of the wall for the door and prepping the opening for a new door.
(Video) How to Convert a Window into a Sliding Glass DoorInstalling the new door.
Adding trim, replacing the siding, and any removed insulation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn a door into a window?
Turning a window into a door is a common home improvement project, but it’s also possible to convert a door into a window. Maybe you have an odd “door to nowhere” off the kitchen that you’d rather have as a window to bring in extra light. Converting a door to a window costs $1,000 to $4,000. You’ll want to work with a general contractor for this type of project.
What other projects can I do at the same time while converting a window into a door?
If you’re updating one window into a new door, you might want to hire a window installation specialist near you to upgrade your other windows. Consider where the new door leads, as you might want to build on a mudroom, new deck, or simple patio outside the doorway. If you’re unsure of the right approach for your space, your pro can help you find the best solution.
Does a new door add value to a house?
A new door doesn’t usually add value to a home unless it’s a high-end improvement, such as an accordion door, which makes significant architectural modernizations to your home, essentially opening up a wall to join it with an outdoor living space. But the actual value improvement varies quite a bit from project to project and location to location.
FAQs
Is it expensive to turn a window into a door? ›
On average, the cost to convert a window into a door is $1,900, with prices ranging from $500 to $3,800. If you want high-end materials or a custom design, you could spend $23,000 or more on this project, particularly if you're widening the opening for double, folding, or french doors.
Can I add a door where a window is? ›The good news about turning a window into a door, assuming it's wide enough, is that the advanced carpentry required for altering a load-bearing wall is pretty much done for you.
Is a window cheaper than a door? ›Window replacements are a little better for improving home value and lowering monthly energy costs (since there are more of them). Replacing a door will cost less than replacing all your windows.
How do you cut a window into a door? ›- Step 1: Remove Door. ...
- Step 2: Measure and Mark for Your Cuts. ...
- Step 3: Add Painter's Tape Around Your Line. ...
- Step 4: Drill Starter Holes in All 4 Corners! ...
- Step 5: Use a Jigsaw to Cut Along the Line. ...
- Step 6: Flip the Door Over and Repeat Steps 2-5! ...
- Step 7: Install the Glass!
In most cases you will not need planning permissions to change a window to a door. However it is always best to check the original planning permission to be sure there were not conditions attached. Furthermore, depending on the change building regulations may need to be met.
Can I remove a window and install a door? ›Often times a window opening can be converted into an opening for a door. The reason is that windows are never placed in the location of load-bearing walls. That makes the replacing a window with a door a much easier process.
Can you have a door instead of a window in a bedroom? ›An effective means of egress in the event of a fire is the reason there are window requirements on the bedroom space. Technically, a bedroom must have two means of egress, so a second door will suffice, but it must open to the outside, which makes the exterior door a less practical solution. Not any window will do.
Does replacing windows and doors increase home value? ›Replacement windows are one of the best home improvement projects to increase value. The exact ROI you may see from installing new windows depends on several factors such as the type and number of windows you purchase and your housing market, but rest assured that it's always a wise investment!
What is the cheapest way to replace windows? ›Vinyl replacement windows provide the most cost-effective choice for homeowners. This material is inexpensive, low maintenance, and durable. Although vinyl doesn't have the best longevity, it does create energy-efficient windows.
Is it easy to turn a window into a door? ›As well, windows are never built into load-bearing walls because the window cannot bear weight - making for the perfect placement of a new door. However, this is not a simple DIY project - changing a window into a door should only be done by an experienced, licensed contractor.
What is the window in a door called? ›
Glazing, also known as glass in a front door, is the window inside of a door. It allows in natural light and can help brighten a doorway.
Can I replace a window with French doors? ›One way to completely transform your bedroom while adding more light to your home is by replacing your windows with French doors. The beauty of replacing your windows with doors is that it's easier to add an extra entrance to your home by using an existing window opening rather than completely cutting new doors.
What are windows called next to front door? ›Sidelites (also called sidelights) are narrow, vertical windows on one or both sides of an exterior or patio door. Though they are commonly paired on either side of a front door, it is possible to have a sidelite on only the right-hand or left-hand side of a doorway depending on the space available.
Can you place doors on glass? ›Right now, when you're in the nether, you can only place doors on downward facing hoppers, because otherwise certain mobs are able to spawn on the same blocks as said doors.
How much does it cost to add glass to front door? ›Front Door Glass Replacement Cost
The labor for cutting a larger window hole in my door, installing the 3/4 glass pane and the finish work was going to be around $300 (this price doesn't include painting or staining). I'd say $450 is a good baseline for a double front door glass replacement project.
Consents. Planning permission isn't normally required for straightforward window replacement, except in conservation areas and to listed buildings. However adding a new opening for a window can be more contentious, particularly to the side or anywhere a new window would overlook neighbouring properties.
Do you need planning permission to put a door on the side of your house? ›You won't usually require planning permission to add a new window, or door, into your home. This counts for replacing windows and moving them too.
Do I need planning permission to change the exterior of my house? ›As a rule of thumb, you need planning permission if you change the appearance of your house e.g. a new facade, an extension, extra windows, a change in the roof pitch and so on.
How much does it cost to remove and install a door? ›According to HomeAdvisor, door installation costs can range from $473 to $1,641, with the national average at $1,024. The exterior door installation price can vary due to the cost of materials, labor, and supplies, including hinges, screws, mounting hardware, and threshold.
Is window and door installation hard? ›Regardless of who's doing the installation it's helpful to understand that installing windows and doors into a new or existing home is hard and very technical work. Be patient with your crew and appreciate their skill in executing the project on your behalf while completely mitigating the risk of complication.
Can you replace a window from inside the house? ›
Window installation can be done from inside or outside of a home or building. However, which side is typically used depends on several factors. The most important factor in deciding whether to install windows from the inside or outside is the climate.
What is a room with no windows called? ›The answer is: A mushroom. Takedown request | View complete answer on hitc.com.
What is a bedroom legal? ›For a room to count as a true bedroom, it must have at least 70 square feet of floor space with a minimum of 7 feet in one direction. If a room is intended for multiple occupants, there should be a minimum of 50 square feet per person.
How do you get fresh air in a room without windows? ›- Air Conditioning. ...
- Extractor fans. ...
- Grills or ventilation fans between rooms. ...
- Temporary ducts. ...
- Leaving doors open. ...
- Fans. ...
- Perforated building materials. ...
- Portable Evaporative Coolers.
- Remodel the kitchen. Updates to the kitchen pay off. ...
- Upgrade the appliances. ...
- Boost the bathrooms. ...
- Remodel the attic or basement. ...
- Get decked out. ...
- Boost curb appeal. ...
- Improve energy efficiency.
Key Takeaways. Water features like hot tubs and pools don't add home value and can cause disinterest from potential buyers. Installing garage doors has a 94% return on investment. HELOCs and cash-out refinances are two options to help pay for home renovations.
What adds more value to a house? ›The top five projects that add the most dollar value to a sale in 2022 are refinishing hardwood floors, installing new wood floors, upgrading insulation, converting a basement to a living area and renovating closets, according to a joint report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association ...
What is the best time of year to have windows replaced? ›Fall is a great time of year for window replacements. You can still seal up your home to get the most energy savings possible in the winter months to come. The few highlights of replacing your windows in the fall are: Temperate weather brings down heating and cooling costs.
What time of year is best to replace windows? ›Spring or Summer Replacements
Replacing windows when the weather is warm but not too warm, say in late spring or early summer, has several benefits. If you're replacing multiple windows, doing so while the weather is warm outside will help keep unwanted cold drafts from entering your home during the project.
Wood windows tend to be the most expensive. Many brands offer various wood types, such as pine, maple, and oak, for the interior parts of the window. Wood-frame windows can be either painted or stained at the factory, or you can add it to your to-do list.
How long does it take to change a window in a door? ›
Once your windows have been produced, and your installers are at your home, window installation is usually a fairly quick process – an average of 45 minutes to an hour per window.
Can you use a tilt and turn window as a door? ›Tilt & Turn Windows and doors are uniquely designed to allow super ventilation, wide opening and easy access to the outside. Operated by a single handle, tilting & turning units can open like a regular window & door, or the opening window panel can, alternatively, be tilted backwards.
Is it hard to break a house window? ›In general, windows can be hard to break. This is by design. You don't want home windows or car windows to randomly break. Home windows are meant to withstand the elements and help keep the interior temperature as steady as possible.
What is a French door window? ›What are French Doors? Back in the 17th century, French architects, inspired by Italian designs, started installing large casement windows, side by side, that ran all the way to the floor. These French windows were designed to bring more light indoors and to create easy access to balconies and verandas.
What is a blind door? ›noun. a door having louvers permitting circulation of air.
What are doors with glass called? ›Doors with glass are commonly referred to as “lited doors” and individual panes of glass are called “lites.” Sun Mountain offers 25+ glass styles for door applications, and can source additional custom glass styles upon request.
Do you need permission to install French doors? ›You DON'T need planning permission for bi-fold doors, French doors and sliding doors if you have to create a new opening in a wall or to replace a standard window or door IF it's to the rear of the house or the side not facing a road.
How much does it cost to install French doors? ›Labor and Installation
The cost to hire a pro to install your French doors ranges between $140 and $600 on average. Most professional door installers will charge between $70 and $120 per hour, and French door installations take anywhere from two to five hours.
All in all, they're a good investment in your home, since they don't cost much but add significant resale value, so they almost pay for themselves.
How much does it cost to frame out windows? ›How Much Do Window Frames Cost? A window frame costs anywhere from $200 to $1,000 to replace, depending on the material and how much material needs replacing. Often, only a sash or sill requires replacement.
How much does it cost to open a window? ›
Adding a window into an existing wall requires a combination of siding, framing, and finishing work, so the price range will usually run between $1,000 and $5,000 per window. The factors that will affect a new window installation into an existing wall include: Framing typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500.
Is it cheaper to brick up a window? ›Bricking it up would cost more. It would be cheaper to replace with a new upvc window. It will bring more light into your property. To brick it up there is a lot more work and materials involved.
How much does it cost to add a rough opening to a window? ›Recommended rough opening is between 3/4" (19mm) - 1" (25mm) larger than the window width and height. Ensure that the rough opening is plumb, level and square, and the walls in the opening are not twisted.
Can you replace windows and keep frame? ›If your frames are in good condition, you can replace the window without replacing the window frames – this is known as a pocket window replacement. However, if your frames are aging, it will be best to opt for full frame replacement windows.
Can you replace windows in front doors? ›You can also just have a door and glass company come out to replace the window panes in the doors themselves. If you want to add glass to a front door or change the glass panel size (like going from a small window pane to a 3/4 glass door), this is definitely doable for a millwork and door company.
What are French door windows called? ›What are French windows called in France? In France, they're known as portes-fenêtres, which means 'windowed doors' or 'door-sized windows'. As the translation suggests, some French windows can be tall enough to walk through, like a door.
Is it a good idea to open a window? ›That's actually a great idea. Fresh air from opening your windows can benefit your body, your mind, the atmosphere of your home, and your wallet.
Why is window installation so expensive? ›Window replacement is so expensive mainly comes down to the custom nature of windows and their labor-intensive installation. Each home has different sized, styled windows, which means higher manufacturing costs for contractors.
How much does it cost to replace glass in a door? ›The cost to replace window glass in a front door ranges from $100 to $500. Because these doors are used frequently, it's common for the glass to become foggy or chip. The final price depends on the size of the glass pane, the door size and type, and the complexity of the replacement job.
Why do people brick up windows? ›You may have noticed that some of our old homes have bricked up or filled in windows. Some properties were built in such a fashion to balance the look of a building but for many their windows were filled in to avoid paying a tax that was introduced in 1696.
Do I need permission to brick up a window? ›
No. Unless the house is listed.
Do brick walls increase home value? ›Increased Home Value
Even though brick houses cost more, they also bring up the value of your home, and you save on maintenance costs, making the purchase of a beautiful house worth it. Many people like the look of brick, and it brings up the curb value of your home and neighborhood.