The cost to remove a sliding door and infill the opening in a cinder block wall varies significantly based on several factors. It's not a one-size-fits-all price.
Key Cost Factors
Understanding these elements will help you estimate potential expenses:
- Labor: This is often the largest component. Professional labor rates vary by region and contractor expertise. DIY can save on this but requires skill and time.
- Size and Type of Door: Larger or more complex doors may take more time to remove.
- Wall Structure: Crucially, is the wall load-bearing? If so, temporary support (shoring) and permanent structural solutions (like a lintel if the opening isn't fully closed) are required, significantly increasing costs and complexity. A non-load-bearing wall is simpler.
- Debris Disposal: Removing the old door and any demolished blockwork will incur disposal fees, whether you hire a dumpster or pay a contractor to haul it away.
- Infill Materials: How will the opening be filled?
- Cinder Blocks: Matching existing blocks, mortar, and potentially rebar.
- Framing and Siding/Stucco: If you're converting to a smaller window or solid wall with different exterior finishes.
- Insulation: For energy efficiency.
- Finishing:
- Interior: Drywall, tape, mud, primer, and paint.
- Exterior: Stucco repair/matching, siding, painting, or sealing the blockwork.
- Permits: Depending on your location and the scope of work (especially if it's a load-bearing wall), a building permit may be required, adding to the cost.
- Accessibility: Difficult access to the work area can increase labor time.
General Cost Estimates
For a professional job involving removal, basic cinder block infill, and simple interior/exterior finishing (not including complex structural work for load-bearing walls):
- Basic Removal and Block Infill: You might expect costs ranging from $700 to $2,500+.
- With More Extensive Finishing: If significant interior drywall work, exterior stucco matching, or painting is involved, costs can rise to $1,500 to $4,000+.
Important: If the wall is load-bearing and requires new structural support like a steel lintel before infilling, costs can easily add another $500 to $2,000+ to the above estimates, potentially more for complex situations. Engineering fees might also apply.
DIY Considerations
Tackling this as a DIY project can save significantly on labor, potentially reducing costs to a few hundred dollars for materials (blocks, mortar, disposal). However, it requires considerable skill, proper tools, and an understanding of masonry and potentially structural work. Mistakes can be costly and dangerous, especially with load-bearing walls.
Recommendation
Always obtain multiple detailed quotes from qualified and insured contractors. Ensure quotes specify the scope of work, materials used, debris removal, and finishing details. For load-bearing walls, consult a structural engineer or a contractor experienced with such modifications.
