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Structural Alterations in St Albans

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structural alterations garage doors st albans

Double Garage Door Conversions in St Albans

Many homeowners in St Albans find that their double garages with two single doors can feel narrow and awkward to use. If you’re tired of squeezing your car through, we can remove the central pier and install a robust RSJ lintel to create a single, wider double-width opening.

This upgrade not only improves accessibility but also transforms the look of your property. Once complete, we’ll fit a brand-new, fully insulated double garage door that complements your home’s design.

Benefits of Converting Two Single Garage Doors into One Double Door:

  • Better Access & Usability: A wider entrance makes parking larger vehicles much easier.

  • Modernised Appearance: Creates a cleaner, more cohesive front-of-house look.

  • More Usable Space: Removing the centre column gives you greater flexibility for storage or workspace.

  • Added Property Value: Professionally executed conversions are a smart investment for resale potential.

Adjusting or Creating New Openings

It’s not just garage conversions — we also undertake a full range of structural opening projects across St Albans.

Whether you’re replacing an old timber door or window frame that supports brickwork, or you want to enlarge or relocate an opening entirely, we can handle it from start to finish. We install steel or concrete lintels where required and ensure all building work complies with structural and safety standards.

If you’re planning to install new patio doors, bifolds, or a feature window, we’ll carry out the necessary calculations and modifications to make your vision a reality.

All work is completed by our own in-house team — we never subcontract — and we remove all waste responsibly once the job is done.

Garage Door Installation Garage Doors
Typical Projects
  • Double garage door conversions

  • Wall removals for open-plan living

  • RSJ installations for new openings

  • Lintel replacements above windows or doors

  • Widening or altering existing openings

  • Structural repairs and reinforcements

Why Choose SDM Doors?
  • Local & Experienced – Trusted across St Albans and Hertfordshire for quality workmanship.

  • Qualified & Insured – All RSJ and load-bearing work carried out to building control standards.

  • End-to-End Service – From design and calculations to completion and disposal.

  • Transparent Pricing – Clear quotations and no hidden extras.

  • Minimal Disruption – Clean, efficient, and respectful service in every home.

Our Values

Customer Reviews

We had two single garage doors that made parking a nightmare. The team removed the centre pillar, installed a steel beam, and fitted a new double-width door — the difference is incredible. Everything was completed on time, the finish is perfect, and the site was spotless when they left. Would definitely recommend them to anyone in St Albans looking to modernise their garage.

Double Garage ConversionSt Albans

We wanted to open up our kitchen and dining room into one space, but weren’t sure how to go about removing a supporting wall. From the first visit, the team explained everything clearly and handled the building control paperwork too. The RSJ installation went smoothly, and the new open-plan area looks amazing. Professional, tidy, and really reliable.

Structural AlterationSandridge, St Albans

Fantastic job creating a new opening at the back of our home for bifold doors. The work involved installing a new lintel and rebuilding part of the wall — it was all done safely and with great attention to detail. They kept us updated throughout and finished exactly when promised. Couldn’t be happier with the result.

New Opening CreatedSt Albans

We recently had our old double garage converted with a single, wider electric roller door, and the whole process was faultless. The team removed the central pillar, fitted a steel beam, and installed the new door in just a few days. It’s made such a difference — parking is effortless now and the front of our house looks much smarter. Great communication, fair pricing, and excellent workmanship from start to finish.

Garage door conversionChiswell Green, St Albans

Garage Door Conversions FAQ’s

Do I need building regulations approval for a garage conversion or wall removal?

Yes. Any work that affects a load-bearing wall, structural beam, or changes the use of a space (like converting a garage into a room) must comply with building regulations. We handle all building-control liaison, ensuring your project meets safety and structural standards.

What is an RSJ and why is it needed?

An RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) is a steel beam installed to support the load above an opening once a supporting wall or pier is removed. It provides crucial strength and stability for structural alterations such as garage conversions or creating open-plan layouts.

Can you remove a load-bearing wall safely?

Absolutely. Our qualified structural engineers calculate the correct beam size and load distribution before any work begins. We use acrow props, strongboys, and precise installation methods to guarantee structural integrity throughout the project.

Will a double garage conversion increase my property value?

Yes, in most cases it will. A wider, modern double garage is more practical, visually appealing, and desirable to buyers. It can also improve kerb appeal and make everyday use of your property more convenient.

How long does a typical structural alteration take?

Timeframes vary depending on the project size, but a standard double garage conversion usually takes 5–10 working days from structural work to final finish. Smaller alterations like a new lintel or wall removal can often be completed in 2–4 days.

Do you offer free quotations and surveys in St Albans?

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation site surveys across St Albans and nearby areas. We’ll assess your existing structure, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed written quotation with all costs clearly outlined.

Do you dispose of all waste after the project?

Yes, we remove and responsibly dispose of all debris, brickwork, and waste generated during the project — leaving your property clean, tidy, and ready to enjoy.

Are you fully insured?

Yes. We carry comprehensive public liability and structural works insurance, giving you complete peace of mind throughout your project.

What areas do you cover?

We’re based near St Albans and cover the surrounding areas including Sandridge, Wheathampstead, London Colney, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Hatfield and further afield.

Other Products & Services

Garage Doors

We install every different type of garage door there is available and our workmanship is second to none. Our range includes both manual and electrically operated doors

Front Doors

We work closely with some of Britain’s top manufacturers of front doors so we can provide you with an unbeatable range of elegantly stylish yet secure products.

Bifold Doors

We supply and fit a number of bifold door varieties. All our bifold doors are of the highest quality and fitted to industry standard.

Need our Help?

Get in touch with us today to enquire about any of our structural alteration services in St Albans

CALL 01442 388955 or COMPLETE THE ENQUIRY FORM

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