Ask the Expert

He showed us the door to our laundry is too small. We had the room built and planned it out by ourselves. The door was supposed to be 3 feet wide, but the carpenter put in a 24" (2 feet wide) door. Even if we turn the washer, which we can't, and take the door off, we still won't be able to get the washer out. We are really upset. We cannot find the carpenter to fix the problem and now we realize the door has to be smaller so we can swing it next to our stair and another door. What should we do?

A.

Sounds like a tight situation. This is a the kind of problem that must be looked at, since it sounds like a lot is happening in a small area. I wonder if you considered other types of doors, whether the washer and dryer are together, and how the rest of the adjacent spaces are configured. This is just the kind of project that required some space planning to look at the overall picture.

If you can, remove the door and door frame molding. Look to see if there is enough space without the door frame molding, called the "jamb." If there is not enough room, do not "jamb" the washer through, or you will damage the wall. This may provide enough room, however, to get the washer through, since the washer is usually about 25-27 inches wide.

If not, you need to know two more things, the direction of the floor or roof structure above, and whether the post supports for the door are holding anything up. If you can determine that the posts, the vertical supports that your door frame was attached to, are not holding anything up, then they can be removed by cutting out at the top and bottom with a reciprocating saw and metal cutting blade. If you are not handy or have never done this, you should hire someone who can do this, or you may need a better detergent and washer just to get the blood stains out of your clothing.

This will open the doorway up enough to move the washer. Now that the posts are out, it would be smart to select a bigger door or a different type of door, such as a bi-fold or sliding type, and have the opening changed so that you can slide the washer and dryer in and out easily. Check door sizes and appliance sizes and plan the whole thing out before cutting anything.

It is always best to measure twice, cut once. Good luck!

Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559Attn: Monte Leeper, Architect.