Convert Garage Door to Entry Door
Show your old garage door the door with these new entry ideas
Highlights
Converting your garage door into an entry door is an option if you want to change the way you use your garage.
Permits are sometimes required when swapping out doors.
French doors, sliding door, barn doors, and many more options can be used after removing a garage door.
Each door type comes with pros and cons regarding safety, privacy, and aesthetic appeal.
While you can switch out a garage door for a normal door on your own, this is a complex project that isn't necessarily a good fit for DIY.
Are you trying to completely reimagine your garage space? If you're about to change the way you use your garage, you might be wondering if you can convert garage door to entry door. Like all renovation projects, this one comes with some unique benefits and challenges for those motivated enough to take it on. Use this guide for turning a garage door into a normal door to see if this project is feasible.
Reasons Why Someone Might Convert the Garage Door to an Entry Door
Some people want to convert garage door to entry door because their garage entry is more convenient than their front entry. You could potentially carve a new foyer or entry out of the garage if you're looking for small garage ideas that help you make use of the limited space you have. If you have a larger garage, it could be possible to create a mudroom from a portion of the garage.
Another common reason for converting a garage door to an entry door is that you're repurposing your garage. That means that you'll need to factor a door conversion into the cost to convert garage to living space.
If you want to use your garage as a gym, home office, or recreation area for kids, a large garage door can make it impossible to feel cozy in your newly renovated space. A large garage door can also make you feel vulnerable.
Of course, you may simply want to add an entry door to your garage because your home was built without one. Not having a door can be frustrating when you're darting in and out of the garage to grab toys or garden tools because you have to lift your garage door every time you need to get inside. If you're mostly using half of your garage for storage instead of parking, getting rid of one garage door won't feel like a big loss.
Do You Need a Permit to Convert the Garage Door Into an Entry Door?
The answer can vary by municipality. Any new entry could be subject to permits and inspections to confirm fire safety. If you'll be adding framing, bricks, or siding to fill in the gap left by removing the garage door, this may count as a larger construction project that requires the appropriate permits.
It's always a good idea to put in a call to your local town hall or zoning office before you start tearing off a garage door. If you're removing your garage door as part of a larger renovation that's going to convert your garage into livable space, it's more likely that you will need a permit. Keep in mind that your garage undergoes a "change of use" as soon as a garage door that was used to accommodate a car is removed.
Are There Safety Concerns If You Convert the Garage Door to a Normal Door?
Yes! If the new wall that is taking the place of the old garage door isn't framed correctly, it could collapse. The materials that you add could also add extra weight that the ground below the new structure isn't prepared to handle. For this reason, it's advisable to bring in an architectural engineer to assess the space.
There's also the security element. Switching from a heavy garage door to a standard entry door could make your home more vulnerable to intruders who could take advantage of the fact that a door with glass panes is easier to breach compared to a garage door.
Entry Door Options If You Convert Your Garage Door
Once your garage door is out, you have a variety of door styles to choose from when reimagining the space.
French Doors
A French door is a great option if you want to increase the flow of natural light into a garage. Additionally, this aesthetically desirable design choice can increase curb appeal! The average cost for French doors is $3,500.
Pros:
Tons of natural light
Attractive
Allows for good ventilation when opened
Cons:
Lack of privacy
Might pose a security risk
Expensive
More vulnerable to weather damage
Barn Door
A barn door is a natural choice if you're going for a farmhouse aesthetic. If you're concerned about drafts, this stylish choice is also a practical one! Barn doors actually provide better insulation than standard garage doors. While a regular garage door typically has an R-value of 1, a steel barn door can have an R-value of 6. However, sealing these doors can be difficult. Due to the wide opening of barn doors, you'll still be able to store large items in your garage space. Barn doors can cost anywhere from $600 to $4,000.
Pros:
Attractive
Insulated
Practical and convenient
Cons:
Potential for drafts
Sliding Glass Door
Beautiful sliding glass doors help to connect a home's interior with the landscape. This is a top pick if you want to bring tons of natural light into an area. Most sliding glass doors cost between $1,173 and $3,870.
Pros:
Great for natural light
Great for enjoying views
Easy to open and shut
Tight seal for keeping out drafts
Cons:
Lack of privacy
Can post security risks
Requires extra framing support due to weight
Roll Up Door
As one of the most common garage door alternatives, a roll up door can offer many of the same benefits as a traditional garage door without taking up as much "wall space." These doors require very little clearance due to the fact that they don't take up ceiling space. They simply fold out of the way when opened. Roll up doors also provide better insulation and security compared to regular garage doors. People in hurricane zones often like roll up doors because most styles are wind-load certified. Standard roll up doors cost between $400 and $900.
Pros:
Insulated
Secure
Resistant to hail, wind, ice, and heavy rainfall
Cons:
Industrial appearance
Difficult installation
Few options for customization
Heavier than ordinary doors
Should You DIY the Garage Door to Entry Door Conversion?
While this can be done as a DIY project, attempting to convert garage door to entry door on your own is not recommended due to safety concerns. You are truly taking the structural integrity of your home into your own hands when attempting to make this a DIY project. There are many common failure points for experienced homeowners who try to tackle this project.
The most common failure point when attempting to convert garage door to entry door has to do with injuries that are sustained when attempting to remove a heavy garage door. Expertise is also required when mapping out the framing needed to accommodate the new door. You need a sturdy, properly insulated structure to ensure that your garage remains intact.
Finally, installing a new door can be challenging. The last thing you want to do is to drop an expensive new door during installation! Luckily, local garage door installers can help you get this project done safely.