Hello:

I have a large window on the first floor of my two story house (8' w x 7'6" h) that I would like to replace with a french door the same size or smaller. Will I need a new header?
Does it depend on the local building codes?

Thanks for your time.

 

Probably not. The same size or smaller unit should already have a sufficient size header. But obviously the lower wall has to come out. And a local inspector may want to see the header, so the upper drywall may need to come off, for verification. Not a bad idea, anyhow.

 

Generally, I would say yes. Not that it is required structurally (since you likely already have a header over the existing, larger window area) or by code... in all likelihood it would just be a good idea to install one because of future remodelling- in the event that someone later removed the existing header, if someone hadn't installed one below they'd cuss. Anyone who works on the house in the future would assume there was a header up there, so putting one in would be the best thing to do whether the code requires it or not.

If the opening is 8' wide, your new header would go between the existing studs once the window is removed. You'd want the bottom of the new header to be about 82 1/2" off the subfloor. It sounds like your existing header is about 93" or so off the floor now, so you can likely just put a 2x12 header right under the existing one and support it with trimmers. Then frame in your new door opening wherever you want it under that header.

If in doubt, talk to your local building inspector since they have the final say.

 

Just Bill and XSleeper,

I appreciate your responses to my question. Thank you for your time and your input.