Start by measuring the clear width you actually need, not just the door size. A wheelchair or walker usually wants at least 32 inches of clear passage, and hinges and door stops eat into that opening. In our experience, this is where a good contractor earns their keep: they'll measure the real gap, not the frame, and tell you honestly whether you need a full widen or a cheaper fix.
That cheaper fix matters in Hamilton's older stock. Many homes in Stipley, Corktown, or the North End have plaster walls, knob-and-tube remnants, or load-bearing partitions that make widening genuinely involved. Before anyone touches the wall, the contractor should confirm whether it's load-bearing or hides plumbing and wiring. On the Mountain, newer bungalows and split-levels are often more straightforward, but still worth checking. Freeze-thaw winters here mean any exterior doorway work should seal properly against drafts and moisture.
Here's our recommendation: for interior doors where the wall is sound and you just need a couple more inches, ask about offset (swing-clear) hinges first. They pivot the door out of the opening and can give you the extra width for a fraction of the cost and mess of framing work. If offset hinges get you to a comfortable clear width, take that route. The trade-off is honest: hinges only buy you an inch or two, so for a truly narrow frame or a load-bearing wall, you'll need the full job done by a licensed contractor with the right permits.
Whoever you hire, prioritize someone who works with seniors and accessibility regularly, carries proper licensing and liability insurance, and stands behind the work with a warranty. Ask how quickly they respond if something binds or sticks later, since a door that won't close in a Hamilton January is more than an annoyance. A contractor who slows down to measure clear width and check the wall is worth more than the one who quotes the fastest.
