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I'm wanting to move the back entry door in my kitchen to another existing opening on the same wall. This would make the flow in the kitchen much better and also allow me to add counter and storage space. I'm wondering if anyone that has done this before could give me any advice? I will have to do this myself as my husband is disabled and can only help a little.
Thanks in advance!!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nichwavh,

It's a pretty big job, but doable. Assuming the back wall of your house is load-bearing, you will have to support the load above while you remove the studs where the door will go and install jack studs and a header. You do this by building a temporary wall just inside where the door is to go.

You won't be taking out any framing where the old door was - just adding filler studs. So you can take down enough drywall (you're going to have to put in a filler piece anyway) to see how the existing door is framed using jack studs and a header, and how the door jamb is installed with shims.

If these terms are unfamiliar, we can explain them, but in such a case your best course of action may be to buy all the materials and then hire a handyman for a few hours to help you through the job.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rick Marinelli,

Thanks Rick. I would be removing one door and replacing it with the back door so the studs and headers should already be there. I will have to cut a hole in the sheetrock for a passthru on the inner wall that "T"s into the outside wall. Only one plug to move and hubby can do that. I live in the Dallas Texas area, not sure where you are but do you have a guess on how much a handyman would run or how they charge: by the hour or day or by the job? How do I get a reputable one? Thanks!!

Around here in Virginia, there are services that send a handyman to your house. I have no idea what they charge or if they are more expensive than finding an independent person, but they guarantee the work. Unless you get references, that might be a good way to go.

You might try Home Depot if there is one nearby.
http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/hdis/IS_service.jsp?id=52&langId=-15

The other big box home improvement stores might have similar programs.

Make sure the Handyman is bonded and is properly insured. If some "fly-by-nighter" hurt himself on your property, he could sue you.

I see where you live in Dallas. I'm in Plano. I have a guy who has install 3 doors for me so far and does an A+ job. I recently refered him to a friend and and I received a big thank you and excellent report. If you're interested, my number is 972-423-4500. I can put you in direct touch with him. The work he did for me, I provided all the materials and he did the sweaty work. I get nothing out of the referal other than keeping this guy busy.