adding a door in an exterior wall

i want to add an entry way door into an exterior load bearing wall. can i just start cutting, or do i need to worry about codes and supporting the wall?

 

I want to open a checking account....do I have to actually put money in or is it OK to just start writing checks......I have a pen..... ahahahahahaha


OK.....got that out of my system..............

Load bearing wall, you do have to build a header and properly support it with cripple studs.......and if the opening is WIDE, you may well have to support the ceiling/floorabove area while cutting the opening.......

Codes must be met IF they apply in your area unless you just wanna give you insurance carrier a reason not to pay off someday.....( and they're all ready quite creative on their own)....Plus meeting the code and possibly an inspection is a good way to double check your work if you're not familiar with doing this.

 

Dumb banker,

Welcome to DoItYourself.com and Andy's "sense of humor"!

What he told you was right. There is more to putting in an exterior door than just getting out the Sawzall and start cutting.

Start with the bldg. permit. It just may be one of the best $100 you ever invested in the house.

The width of the opening and whatever snow and wind loads that you have to meet will determine the size of the header you need. And a temporary wall to support the ceiling while you are framing the rough opening for the door is always a good idea.

 

Lefty mentions supporting the ceiling. That includes a temporary stud wall wedged tight, and a second one upstairs in the same line to support the roof framing.