Do you need planning permission to move an internal doorway?

Author: Ana Olson  |  Last update: Friday, August 15, 2025

A building consent is usually not required to construct, alter or remove an internal wall or doorway.

Do you need permission to move an internal door?

Planning permission for doors is typically not required when replacing existing doors with similar ones or making minor alterations. However, you may need permission for significant changes, such as relocating your front door, creating new openings, or modifying doors in listed buildings or conservation areas.

Do you need a permit to install an interior door?

If you're adding a new window or door or changing the size of an existing one, then you are changing structure. The reason you need a permit for this is to ensure the continued safety of people in the home when structural changes are made. Why not just get a permit?

Do you need a structural engineer to move an internal door?

As a general rule, anything which changes the structure of the property will need building control approval and to obtain this you'll need technical information from a structural engineer.

Do I need planning permission to move an internal wall?

As a general rule, you don't need planning permission for removing internal walls. But, if you are renovating a listed building, then you need consent for any external or internal work. You may also need your council to approve the work if it is load-bearing.

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How much would it cost to move an internal wall?

The average cost of knocking down an internal wall is around £1,000-£2,500. It is worth noting that there are several costs involved with this type of work. Why would such a wall be removed anyway? Removing a load bearing wall is a fantastic way to free up more space in a room, or even combine two rooms into one.

Do I need planning permission to change internal layout?

Can I change the internal layout after planning permission? Most internal changes don't need you to secure planning permission. This also includes removing an internal wall. However, listed buildings work a little differently and require you to seek approval from your local authority.

Do I need planning permission to create a new internal door opening?

Unless you live in a listed building, planning permission will not be required, but it is still necessary to let Building Control know and they will, in all likelihood want to send a building inspector out (particularly if it's a loadbearing wall you are dealing with).

Do I need a structural engineer to remove an internal wall?

Furthermore, if any modifications do not comply with local building regulations, you may face unpleasant consequences further down the line and not be able to sell the property. In summary, if you're planning on knocking down an internal wall, it's not just recommended, but essential, to involve a structural engineer.

Do I need a permit to put drywall in my garage?

You'll likely need a permit since this project may require soil grading to avoid drainage issues. Repairing your floor may be more cost-efficient than replacing it if grading is necessary. No permit may be required to hang drywall on exposed wooden wall studs in your garage.

Can I install an interior door by myself?

Hanging or installing a door isn't as difficult as it may seem. Replacing an existing door is easy if the new door core is the same size. Installing a door in a new partition wall is also very easy if you buy a prehung door so you don't have to build the door frame yourself.

Who is responsible for pulling permits?

Various state regulations require contractors to pull permits. California, for example, mandates that anyone who works on your home must be licensed by the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) if the project is over $500.

Do I need a permit to add an interior door?

While replacing existing interior doors with new wood interior doors typically does not require a permit, adding new doors or making structural changes often does.

Do you need planning permission to remove a door?

You do not normally need planning permission to change your windows and doors as this is considered 'permitted development' for dwelling houses.

Do internal doors need to be fire doors?

Any domestic dwelling that is three storeys high or over must have fire doors installed. All doors between habitable rooms and stairwells must be fire doors. If there is an internal garage or a converted loft, these areas also need to have fire doors installed as entryways to the house.

Do I need planning permission to move internal walls?

Generally, you don't need to apply for planning permission for internal alterations, including removing internal walls. However, if you live in a listed building, you will need a listed building consent for any significant works, internal or external.

How much does a structural engineer cost?

You should consult directly for accurate rates. For hourly rates, expect to pay between £90 and £200. A basic project usually ranges from £350 to £450, while complex projects can reach up to £10,000 in cost. For a detailed structural engineer report, costmay range from £500 to £2,000.

How do you know if an internal wall is load-bearing?

Here are some of the signs that an internal wall is load-bearing:
  • It's perpendicular to the joists. ...
  • It runs all the way through your home. ...
  • It has a wall directly above it. ...
  • It's lined with OSB (oriented strand boards). ...
  • It has a foundation.

Can I move my back door without planning permission?

However, you do need building regulations permissions. This is necessary for any door upgrades you are planning, including any slimline doors you are adding to your home. Any door upgrade to listed buildings or those in conservation areas will need planning permission, so speak to your local authority to find out more.

Do I need planning permission to put an internal door into my garage?

Usually You Won't Need Planning Permission

Most of the time, garage conversions will fall under what is known as permitted development.

How much does it cost to add an interior door rough opening?

Just add 2″ to the width of the actual door size. You should add 2-1/2″ to the height of the actual door.

Can you change windows without planning permission?

Planning permission is not required to replace windows if they are similar in appearance to those used in the construction of the house, unless your property is listed, in a designated area or has a relevant Article 4 Direction (see the exceptions below).

Do I need listed building consent for internal alterations?

Listed building consent is required for all works of demolition, alteration or extension to a listed building that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. This includes internal works and possibly works to buildings and structures within the curtilage.

How hard is it to move internal walls?

Wall removal always comes with other, more difficult tasks, such as moving plumbing, wiring, or HVAC ductwork, and this work can be quite advanced. And wall removal necessitates a considerable amount of floor, wall, and ceiling repair to complete the project.

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