Enlarge doorway in brick wall facing finished bathroom

[falkn]

Just spoke with the realtor, and now he had checked the wall more thoroughly when he was there (I haven't been there myself yet), and he believes it's likely a plank wall with plastered reed mat or similar. The chances then increase for being able to do this without significant damage to the tiles. How would you proceed? The new door will have to be somewhat wider since the tiles currently meet the original frame while the new frame will likely have to lie externally on the tiles.

 

[smurfen72]

Should be able to cut tiles and plaster or whatever it is with an angle grinder with a diamond blade and then cut wood with a reciprocating saw, but watch out for any vibrations in the wall so it doesn't crack somewhere.

 

[oceanis]

I would have lived with the door that sits there today.
If you can't live with it, I would start by finding out what was really done to the wall during the renovation. If it's an original kloasongvägg that has been tiled directly with only a foil on it, then it is not an approved or sensible construction. The reason is that it is plain lime plaster on a reed mat and it typically cannot support tiles. But if it was done properly, they probably screwed up OSB/plywood and a gypsum board, but most probably a waterproof board on the wall before tiling, and then it’s probably a bit easier to get it right.

The seller must know this because the real estate agent is just guessing right now to satisfy you.

The regulations require at least a lime-cement plaster, but that assumes a stone substrate, not a reed mat.

 

[falkn]

Yes, it is possible to find out since there is documentation for everything. The bathroom was renovated in connection with water damage to the potable water pipes in the house, which were later also completely replaced. So, it is the F-company that selected the contractor. Yes, one might almost assume they have put up boards if the wall is a klinko wall, which is most likely. Otherwise, one wouldn’t dare to cut anything with the risk of everything falling down. We will of course find this out before purchasing.