Many older Melbourne homes have single-width garages that were built when cars were smaller. If you are struggling to fit a modern vehicle through your garage door, widening the opening is often possible. Here is what the process involves and what to consider before committing.
Is it feasible for your garage?
The first step is assessing whether the garage structure can accommodate a wider opening. The wall above the door typically contains a structural lintel or header beam that supports the load from above. Widening the opening means installing a longer lintel and transferring the load to new support points.
Brick garages, timber-framed garages, and steel-framed garages all have different structural considerations. We assess each situation individually and can advise whether widening is practical and cost-effective for your specific garage.
How the work is done
The typical process involves temporarily supporting the structure above the existing opening, removing the section of wall on one or both sides to create the wider opening, installing a new steel or timber lintel to span the wider gap, framing and finishing the new opening, and installing the new wider door.
The work usually takes about a week including the new door installation. We coordinate the structural engineering, the carpentry work, and the door supply to deliver a complete solution.
Permit requirements
Because garage door widening involves structural modifications, a building permit is typically required. Engineering design is needed to specify the new lintel size and ensure the modified structure is safe and compliant.
We coordinate the permit application and engineering on your behalf as part of our service. The engineering and permit costs are included in our overall quote so there are no surprises.
Wondering if your garage door can be widened? We can assess it during a free site visit.
Book a Site VisitWhat it costs
Garage door widening in Melbourne typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on the existing construction, the extent of modification required, and the new door specification. This includes the structural engineering, carpentry, and a new sectional or roller door.
Every project is different, and we quote based on a site assessment. We will tell you honestly whether widening is the best option or whether other solutions might work better for your situation.