Can You Convert a Garage Door to an Entry Door?

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 the garage door to an 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 for Converting the Garage Door to an Entry Door

There are many reasons why someone would convert a garage door to an entry door, whether for the sake of convenience or functionality. The conversion can be done partially, such as removing one garage door for a two-car garage, or a complete overhaul.

Convenience

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.

Converting the Garage Into Living Space

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.

Original Build Didn’t Have an Entry Door

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, a local garage remodeler can help you get this project done safely.