How Much Does It Cost to Widen a Doorway for Wheelchair Access? [2025 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

The cost to widen a doorway for wheelchair access ranges from $50 to $3,000, with a national average of $1,200. Prices depend on factors like door width, wall structure, and finish materials. Homeowners can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per linear foot, depending on the project's complexity and location.

Making your home more accessible ensures comfort and safety for everyone. This guide covers everything you need to know about costs, hiring pros, and making wise choices for your project.

Widening a Doorway for a Wheelchair Cost Breakdown

Widening a doorway for wheelchair access involves several cost components, from the actual construction work to finishing touches. Materials include the new door slab, framing lumber, drywall, and hardware. Labor costs are often the largest part of the budget, especially if you’re widening a load-bearing wall or need specialized skills. 

Permits and inspections are often required for structural changes and add to the total price. The type of door—whether swing, pocket, sliding, or automatic—further impacts the final cost, as does the need to move electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC ducts.

Interior non-load-bearing walls tend to be less expensive, whereas widening an exterior or load-bearing wall increases expenses due to the additional structural requirements. Moving utilities or adding accessibility features, such as automatic openers, also increases the total price.

Cost by Size of Doorway for Wheelchair Access

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a minimum clear width of 32 inches for wheelchair access, with 36 inches preferred for greater comfort and ease of use. Increasing the width means using more materials and labor, which in turn raises the cost. 

Bedroom and bathroom doors are often narrower and may need more extensive modification, while main entry doors are wider but may involve additional security or weatherproofing work.

Bedroom and bathroom doors often cost less to widen due to simpler framing, while main entry or exterior doors may require more structural work and weatherproofing.

Pro Costs to Widen a Doorway for a Wheelchair

Widening a doorway to accommodate a wheelchair almost always involves skilled professionals. A general contractor or carpenter manages the framing, drywall, and finish work. Structural engineers may be required if the wall is load-bearing, which would add to the overall fee. General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour, while structural engineers charge $100 to $250 per hour, often for assessment and design.

Each pro brings their own unique expertise. Carpenters handle framing and installation, drywallers finish the wall, and contractors oversee the project. Regional labor rates can vary significantly, with higher costs in large cities or areas with strong demand for skilled trades. If you’re making broader accessibility modifications, hiring a specialist ensures compliance with ADA or universal design standards.

Hiring a pro ensures a safe, code-compliant result, but it does add to the total project cost compared to a do-it-yourself approach.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Some projects require extra hands to ensure everything is done safely and up to code:

• Electricians may need to move light switches or re-route wiring, charging $50 to $120 per hour. 

• Plumbers are needed if pipes run through the wall, with rates from $45 to $200 per hour. 

• Painters and finishers charge $200 to $600 per project to patch, paint, and restore trim. 

• Accessibility consultants, at $100 to $200 per hour, offer guidance to ensure your doorway meets ADA or universal design standards.

Cost by Location

Where you live plays a big role in your final cost to widen a doorway for wheelchair access. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living see both material and labor prices rise. Permit fees also vary, with some cities charging more for inspections and approvals. Local building codes may require additional steps, which can add to the timeline and budget. 

Local market conditions and contractor availability can also influence your final price, so it’s wise to get multiple quotes.

Additional Cost Factors

Beyond the main construction, several extra expenses can come up. Taxes, insurance, and warranty coverage should be factored into your overall budget. Upgrades for ADA compliance, such as lever handles or automatic door openers, add convenience but increase costs. 

Homes with tight hallways or multiple stories can present accessibility challenges, sometimes requiring more extensive remodeling. Repairing adjacent flooring, trim, or wall finishes is often needed after construction, and post-construction cleanup and debris removal may add a final expense.

Demolition and Prep

Preparing for the project often means demolishing the existing door frame and sections of the wall. This process can uncover hidden issues, such as old wiring, mold, or water damage, which may require additional repairs. Removing debris and preparing the site safely and efficiently is essential for a smooth remodel and can add $50 to $300 to your project's total cost.

Permits

Most doorway-widening projects, especially those involving structural changes, require permits. The responsibility for obtaining permits often falls on the contractor, but homeowners should confirm this before work begins. 

Permit costs range from $50 to $300, depending on your location and the extent of the changes. Inspections are often required, and if a project fails inspection, re-inspection fees may apply.

DIY Doorway Widening vs. Hiring a Pro

Some homeowners consider handling this project themselves to save on labor. DIY costs include purchasing all materials and renting or buying tools like saws, drills, and safety equipment. While you might save on labor, you’ll need solid skills in framing, drywall, and finish carpentry to achieve professional results. DIYers should budget $200 to $600 for materials, but must account for the risk of mistakes or code violations, which can be costly to fix.

Doing it yourself is feasible for non-load-bearing walls and simple projects, but hiring a pro is best for structural changes, utility relocation, or if you’re unsure about building codes. DIY projects can take a full weekend or longer, while a professional home remodeler near you can often complete the job in one to three days.

Doorway Remodel vs. Renovate

There’s a key difference between remodeling and renovating when it comes to doorway accessibility. Remodeling involves structural changes, such as reframing or relocating load-bearing walls, and is necessary when a doorway needs to be moved or significantly expanded. Renovation, on the other hand, means updating finishes, replacing the door slab, or swapping out hardware without altering the wall structure.

Remodels are more expensive due to the complexity of the work, while renovations can be completed at a lower cost. For example, reversing the door swing, installing offset hinges, or replacing the door slab are renovation tasks. In contrast, reframing, moving load-bearing walls, or installing new headers are considered remodels and will result in higher costs.

Tips to Reduce Doorway Widening Costs

To keep costs down when widening a doorway, consider the following tips:

• Obtain multiple quotes from licensed contractors to compare pricing and services.

• Choose standard door sizes and readily available materials to avoid custom-order fees.

• Reuse existing hardware or doors if they’re still in good condition.

• Limit structural changes by selecting non-load-bearing walls for modification.

• Bundle the project with other accessibility upgrades to negotiate a better rate.

• Apply for local grants, tax credits, or incentives designed for home accessibility improvements.

• Schedule work during off-peak seasons, when contractors may offer discounts.

Does Widening a Doorway for a Wheelchair Increase Home Value?

Improving accessibility by widening a doorway can boost your home’s value and appeal to a broader range of buyers. Homes that are accessible or “age-in-place” ready stand out on the market, especially as more families plan for multi-generational living. Return on investment (ROI) varies depending on the quality of work, compliance with ADA or universal design, and local demand for accessible features.

While the immediate ROI may not match that of a kitchen remodel, the long-term benefits—such as increased safety, independence, and future-proofing your home—make this project worthwhile. Quality work that meets recognized standards offers the best chance for increased value and peace of mind.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.