I'm just about to move into an extended 1950's bungalow, in which the front door has a wooden surround that extended perhaps 18 inches feet either side of the door and 6 inches above it. It's rotten and needs all ripping out. Couple of questions 1. Is this a building control issue or something I can just crack on with - is the door frame likely to supporting the few courses of bricks above it? 2. I'd like to replace the simple wood surround with basically a stud frame with decent insulation. I have no problem building the stud frame and plan to celotex and ply the inside, but what options / recommendations are there for cladding the exterior - the wife will be happy if it's weatherproof and painted.
the house is completely isolated in the woods, which is nice. The door will be solid wood with glass window at top.