How Much Does It Cost to Widen a Doorway?
Widening an interior doorway typically costs $700-$2,500 per door. The single biggest factor is whether the wall is load-bearing — a non-load-bearing wall is a straightforward carpentry job, while a load-bearing wall needs a structural engineer and a new header, which raises the cost substantially.
The price range
$700–$2,500 per door
Costs can run as low as $50-$600 for a very simple job or as high as $6,000 for a complex one — this range covers the typical case. Exterior doorways cost more, often $2,500-$8,000, especially if a ramp or grading change is also needed.
What moves the price up or down
- Load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing wall. This is the single biggest factor. A load-bearing wall requires a structural engineer’s assessment and a new header to redistribute the weight the wall was carrying — a non-load-bearing (partition) wall doesn’t need either.
- Hidden utilities. If wiring, plumbing, or HVAC ducts run through the wall where you’re widening, they need to be rerouted, which adds cost and sometimes requires a separate electrician or plumber.
- Door type. A standard swing door is the least expensive to accommodate; pocket, sliding, or automatic doors cost more but can be worth it in a tight space where a swinging door itself becomes an obstacle.
- Permits. Budget $50-$300 for permit fees, which are often required for doorway widening since it can affect a wall’s structure.
What’s typically included and excluded
A typical quote includes removing the old frame, widening the rough opening, installing a new frame and door, and basic finish work (trim, paint touch-up). It typically excludes matching flooring if the new opening changes the floor transition, and it excludes structural engineering fees, which are usually billed separately when a load-bearing wall is involved.
Getting an accurate local quote
Ask early in the quoting process whether the wall in question is load-bearing — a contractor should be able to give you at least a preliminary answer during an initial visit, which will significantly affect the estimate. If it is load-bearing, get the structural engineer’s assessment as a separate line item so you understand what portion of the cost is design versus construction.
How to pay for it
Doorway widening to at least 32 inches is a commonly covered modification under Medicaid HCBS waivers and can qualify for a medical-expense tax deduction when medically necessary. See our financial assistance guides (opens in a new tab) for details on eligibility and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide does a doorway need to be for wheelchair access?
A clear opening of at least 32 inches is the commonly cited minimum for most wheelchairs to pass through, though 36 inches gives meaningfully more comfortable clearance, especially for larger power wheelchairs or if a caregiver needs to walk alongside. Measure the clear opening (door open, frame to frame), not the door itself, which is usually a couple inches narrower.
Is there a cheaper alternative to widening a doorway?
Swapping standard hinges for 'swing-clear' offset hinges can add an extra inch or two of usable clearance without any structural work, for a fraction of the cost — sometimes enough to solve a marginal clearance problem without a full widening project. It won't help if the opening is significantly too narrow, but it's worth checking first.