I recently bought a house built in the 50s. Whoever owned it last had a kitchen and a 3rd bedroom added. The layout of the additions were probably done by a cross-eyed fruit fly or whatever pesty bug you can think of.

Anyway between bedroom #2 and the kitchen they installed a nice frame for a door but no door. After taking and retaking measurements from the inside of the jambs, I have come to the conclusion that the installers were probably Larry, Moe and Shemp. The top of the jam measures 29 3/4" across and the bottom of the inside jamb measures 30 5/8" across.

I am not a master craftsman. I do have <limited> experience in working with wood. But I am stumped as to how I can install a door. Lowes and HD have standard sized doors 28" and 30" doors. What can I do?

Any help will give me hope! --DN

 

If I understand you, you have door jambs without the door. Is it cased like a normal door?

See if you can remove the casing and jambset. Betcha a buck you have a rough framed opening for a 30" or 32" door. If so, buy a prehung and put it in.

 

If buying the pre-hung door is the only option, how do I compensate for this 7/8" gap at the top? Or is the pre-hung door disigned with these specs?

 

You use the gaps at the top and sides to get the jambset level and plumb - since it's a good bet that the rough framing isn't dead on.

For gaps over 1/2", I like to install filler strips, then use tapered shims to get the jambs right on.

 

Fixing up an old modular home.. There is a new door in one of the bedrooms but the problem is the door jam is wider than the walls..Instead of buying a new door that fits how can I fix this? Problem #2- The other 2 doors to the bedrooms will not shut,everything is preety square but there is about a 3/8" gap on the hinge side..If i get that gap out the door will shut. Is it wrong hinges? (everything looks normal to me, i guess??) The hinges are tight, should i just cut the door to fit? Trying to save money of coarse.. Thanks for any info..

 

Several years ago, I worked with a guy who got us some jobs in "mobile" homes. I haven't gone near one since. Nothing about them was familiar.

 

dale_n,

A 7/8" gap is nothin' -- that's why they make casing at 1-5/8", 2-1/4", or even 3-1/2" wide!! The casing follows the door jamb, with an even reveal all the way around, and lays on the sheetrock of the wall. You'll never see the gap behind it!!

macdad8jr,

Modular, or mobile homes are a whole 'nuther ball game -- at least the old ones were. (The newer ones use more conventional construction standards!) In an older one, you just have to get more creative!!