If you used a kitchen planner, I wonder whether they took the appliance information into account. In a situation like this, there were options available to you before the problem got out of hand. You could have traded locations with another cabinet, preferably a pantry cabinet, or located the refrigerator so that the door swings into a doorway, added a filler panel next to the refrigerator and thus set it away from the wall, or altered the plan to a different design. You can still reverse the door swing, but this means the door swings into the direct path of getting to the refrigerator. Most doors are reversible by detaching the hardware and reattaching it on the other end of the door in predrilled holes. You may still be able to trade locations, reverse the door swing, or open the wall by building in a structural support for the part of the wall that is opened. Leave enough room for the door and an arm's length to avoid a severe pinch when the door pins you against the minimized wall.You should also look at the energy use label to compare the refrigerators that have the front compartment/panel as compared to the standard door. The loss of cold air from the compartment is actually greater because the seals and see-through panel lose more cold air than a standard, insulated door. The issue of losing cold air by constant door opening is not offset by the compartment door, unless members of your household continuously leave the door open. The main door holds in cold air better and saves more energy than the compartment door.Chances are good that cutting a pocket into the wall will not cause a collapse, although you should have this inspected by an architect or professional engineer before doing anything. Cutting into a main support column or wall will cause reactions that can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. Altering the structure of your home, doing a kitchen, or changing plumbing all require a building permit. The fact that you're are considering this type of heavy work means you are serious about the money you are spending. The building department has officials who are required to review the work, to make sure things are being done safely.Do not let the workman cut into walls without first stripping the area to see the conditions and having a licensed professional look at the area of work. Being penny-wise may cost you considerably more before your kitchen is finished.Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 220, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559-0220Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
