What changes when an Ottawa doorway is in a load-bearing wall?

Widening a doorway in a non-load-bearing wall runs about $500 to $2,500 per door, based on published 2025-26 prices. A load-bearing wall costs more.

What changes with a load-bearing wall

Ask the contractor to explain in writing what the structural part of the work involves, and whether any design or engineering it needs is included in the price.

On the permit side, the City of Ottawa's permit list includes both "enlarging or relocating a window or door" and structural alterations. A doorway in a load-bearing wall is both. A permit is required. The permit fee for alterations is $12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, with a minimum of $117 (City of Ottawa fee schedule, January 1, 2026). Construction value includes materials, labour, overhead and professional fees, so the fee is calculated on the full project cost, not just materials.

The Ontario Building Code sets minimum door sizes for houses: 810 mm for the required entrance door and 760 mm for most other rooms (Table 9.5.5.1). Those are minimum door sizes, not clear-opening rules. If the goal is a wider clear opening for a wheelchair or mobility aid, ask the contractor what finished opening width the new door and frame will actually provide, and confirm it meets the purpose before work begins.

Patching and finishing on both sides of the wall (drywall, paint, trim, flooring at the threshold) should appear as its own line in any written quote. Ask the contractor to break out the structural work, the finishing and the permit application as separate items so you can see what each part costs.

Before signing, ask the contractor to confirm in writing who applies for the permit and what the structural work includes.