Widening Doorways for Wheelchair Access: What Knoxville Homeowners Should Expect

Widening doorways is one of the most important home modifications for individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers. In older homes, narrow doorways can make it nearly impossible to move freely from room to room, limiting independence and creating potential safety hazards.

If you’re planning to age in place, care for a loved one with mobility challenges, or are preparing for a return home after surgery or rehab, widening doorways is often a necessary first step. But what does that really involve? And what should Knoxville homeowners expect from the process?

This guide covers everything you need to know about doorway modifications, from ADA guidelines to construction considerations, so you can make informed decisions about improving home accessibility.

Why Doorway Width Matters

Standard interior doorways in older homes are often just 28 to 30 inches wide, while the recommended minimum width for wheelchair access is at least 32 inches. For full ADA compliance, 36 inches is ideal, providing ample room for wheelchairs, power chairs, and walkers to pass through safely. Widening your doorways improves:

• Mobility: Easier transitions between rooms

• Safety: Reduced risk of scrapes, tipping, or stuck wheels

• Independence: Less reliance on assistance from others

• Future-proofing: Makes your home livable for longer, even if mobility needs change

ADA Guidelines for Accessible Doorways

If your home modifications are tied to a public program or you're aiming for long-term safety, following ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines is highly recommended.

Key ADA doorway specifications include:

• Minimum width: 32 inches clear space when the door is open 90 degrees

• Ideal width: 36 inches for ease of maneuverability

• Thresholds: No more than 1/2 inch in height

• Door hardware: Lever-style handles that are easy to grasp and operate

• Clearance space: Adequate turning space near the doorway (especially in bathrooms and kitchens)

Even if your modifications aren’t officially ADA-required, working with a professional team that specializes in ADA-compliant modifications ensures your home remains safe and usable for years to come.

What Widening a Doorway Actually Involves

Widening a doorway isn’t always as simple as removing a door frame and replacing it with a bigger one. Depending on the structure of your home, it may require more involved construction work. Here are the major steps homeowners in Knoxville should expect:

1. Initial Assessment

A trained professional (like our team at Knoxville Aging in Place) will assess:

• The current width of your doorways

• What walls are load-bearing

• Electrical or plumbing lines that may be hidden in the wall

• Nearby fixtures or furniture that affect maneuverability

2. Planning & Permitting

In some cases, particularly if you're altering a load-bearing wall, permits may be required. Our team handles this for you and ensures local building codes are followed.

3. Construction Work

This may include:

• Removing the existing frame and trim

• Cutting into drywall and possibly moving electrical switches

• Reframing the wall for a wider door

• Installing a new, wider door and frame (or leaving the space open, depending on your layout)

4. Finishing Touches

• Patching and painting drywall

• Reinstalling or adjusting flooring or trim

• Installing ADA-compliant door handles

The process typically takes 1–3 days per doorway, depending on complexity.

Common Questions About Widening Doorways

Can any doorway be widened?

Most doorways can be widened, but structural limitations, plumbing, or electrical obstructions may affect the approach. In some cases, alternative solutions like offset hinges can be used to gain an extra 2 inches without full construction.

Will it change how my home looks?

We aim to make modifications blend seamlessly into your home’s existing style. Our trim, paint, and finish options help maintain a polished, residential look.

Do I need to widen every door in the house?

That depends on your goals. At minimum, we recommend widening the main entry door, bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen access to ensure everyday mobility.

Costs for Doorway Widening in Knoxville

Costs vary depending on:

• Number of doorways being widened

• Wall type (load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing)

• Finishing and trim details

• Door hardware selections

On average, homeowners can expect to spend $400 to $800 per doorway, though costs may increase for more complex installations. If your modifications are part of a broader accessibility upgrade, bundled pricing may apply.

We work with homeowners, caregivers, and individuals supported by programs like the Department of Labor to ensure projects are scoped clearly and fit within your budget.

Why Choose Knoxville Aging in Place?

We specialize in accessibility-focused home modifications across East Tennessee. From grab bar installation to bathroom conversions to ramp rentals, we help you or your loved one stay safely and independently at home.

Our team offers:

• Personalized home assessments

• ADA-compliant designs and installations

• Licensed, insured, and experienced contractors

• Respectful, responsive service from a mission-driven team

Start With a Quick Consultation

We always recommend starting with a quick Introductory Phone Consultation. It’s free, easy, and helps us understand your goals and your home. From there, we can schedule a full in-home assessment to walk you through options and next steps.

Book An Appointment Online Now

save to Pinterest