I have a concrete garage with an opening measuring 99" wide by 85" high. There is 10" of concrete from the door opening to the left and right walls and about 1' above. All walls are 8" thick and there is nothing above the garage except a wooden flat roof.
I want to enlarge the door opening by shaving off 4" of concrete on each side which requires two 8" deep cuts that are 7' long.
-
Will it significantly affect the structural integrity of the garage? In
other words is there a chance it will collapse and do I need
additional reinforcement? -
What is the effort and materials involved in it? Can I do it myself
if I rent a 14"-16" concrete saw? I will need to cut from both sides
as it will not be deep enough to cut 8". -
Is there anything else I need to be aware of for this kind of project?
- Is it worth paying $800 to a contractor rather than doing it myself?
Here are some pictures to give an idea (click for full size):
Best Answer
Assuming the lintel I see in the second picture travels over the block wall, it should be safe to cut the opening. I'm a contractor and if I could get a subcontractor to do it for $800 and guarantee it in writing, he'd be hired. It better be a good straight cut I can frame to. Be sure to calculate the proper rough opening you really need and add an inch. It is easy to add shims, but cutting again is expensive.