mckern
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I am converting an awkward bedroom closet (2.5 ft wide, 5 ft deep) into an alcove in my kitchen by opening the wall between the rooms. I want to remove 2 studs so that I can slide the fridge (28" wide) and a 15" pantry cabinet into this space. There is another foot of closet space on the right side of the opening, but I don't want to relocate the wires running between these studs.
It is, of course, a load-bearing wall--an iron beam supported by metal posts runs the length of the wall in the basement. (I'm on the second floor of a three story condo building.) As I stripped off the plaster and lathe, I discovered that one stud is doubled and a couple of studs appear to have some additional support--i.e., the short piece next to the double stud and a similar support next to the stud behind the plaster on the right.
Does this significantly complicate the project? For example, does the double stud and extra support mean that will I need extra jack studs at the ends of the new header? This could be an issue--removing the 2 studs (including the double stud) leave about a 46" opening, down to 43" with one set of jack studs. Should/could I use steel studs here?
I won't cut any studs until I pull a permit and consult with an architect, but I don't want to go to this expense/trouble only to find out that I can't make this work. Worst case option--I'll skip the architect/permit process and just build cabinets between the studs, leaving the fridge where it is.
Thanks for any advice.
It is, of course, a load-bearing wall--an iron beam supported by metal posts runs the length of the wall in the basement. (I'm on the second floor of a three story condo building.) As I stripped off the plaster and lathe, I discovered that one stud is doubled and a couple of studs appear to have some additional support--i.e., the short piece next to the double stud and a similar support next to the stud behind the plaster on the right.
Does this significantly complicate the project? For example, does the double stud and extra support mean that will I need extra jack studs at the ends of the new header? This could be an issue--removing the 2 studs (including the double stud) leave about a 46" opening, down to 43" with one set of jack studs. Should/could I use steel studs here?
I won't cut any studs until I pull a permit and consult with an architect, but I don't want to go to this expense/trouble only to find out that I can't make this work. Worst case option--I'll skip the architect/permit process and just build cabinets between the studs, leaving the fridge where it is.
Thanks for any advice.