Replacing "external door" with internal door?

[dgmckay]

Hi.

Since I've had a conservatory built, my "external" kitchen door now leads into an internal area (the conservatory). The door is in need of replacement. What would be involved in changing the framing and threshold to take an internal door with a bathroom-style lock? I'd ideally like the threshold taken away to leave a flat-as-possible transition from kitchen to conservatory.

The current door is 78x33, the frame is 83x35 1/4.

One door fitter (from the local freebie newspaper) I phoned said I would be better off just buying a new external door.

 

[IanDB]

If you remove the external door your conservatory becomes an extension - just a point that may cause problems when you come to sell the place if anyone notices.

 

[masona]

If you remove the external door your conservatory becomes an extension - just a point that may cause problems when you come to sell the place if anyone notices.

Correct

The only difference between internal & external door, the external door are thicker, so you can still use the external door and take the bottom cill away if you want to. You may have to lower the frame down or better still start again with a new door frame. It is a very grey area but you could use internal door and nobody will noticed it, only if you do away with the door altogether then it become a problem. The external door would be better for security protection plus your household insurance is covered correctly.

 

[Jasonb]

You will have dificulty finding an internal door of this size off the shelf let alone one 2" taller if the threshold is removed, it will also be thinner so the rebate or stops will be wrong.

Either fit an external door into the frame as it is, get a new purpose made frame to take a custom made door or have a very thick frame made to take a standard 78"x30" internal door. First option will be the cheapest by far.

Jason