Someone has to have run in to this problem before…

Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes

In a new property we purchased the refrigerator door opens and hits a nearby door lever. I’m afraid the first tenant that doesn’t notice is going to open the brand new fridge and dent it’s door. Does anyone know of either a cushion/cover that could be put on the door handle. O,r a flat or nearly flat, replacement door opening system?

Thanks in advance. -Bill

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Theresa HarrisPro Member

Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes

What about removing the door on the space where the laundry is and installing a curtain and curtain rod?

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Bjorn AhlbladPro Member
Investor · Shelton, WA · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 6k+ votes
3y
Bill, I am sure you have looked into the transparent rubber cushions you can apply to doors and walls, as well as door stops? Need a pic of what you got going on to offer ideas.
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David M.
Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
@Bill B.
Yeah, you got a photo by chance?
Sounds like you need a door stop for the refrigerator. Is the fridge door high/low? What about reversing the hinges on the refrigerator door?
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Bill B.
OP
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
3y
this is the model home above, my home below…
Unfortunately I purchased a SXS fridge like the model, instead of a left to right opening door. If you look closely at my picture. You’ll see how smart I thought I was when I placed the felt door stop on the frame where it was hitting… UNFORTUNATELY once you close the door now it hits on the handle. I’m a dummy…
With their fridge MAYBE the fridge handle hits before the door hits the lever hits the fridge. But, again, I thought I was being smart getting a no handle version to have more space.
MAYBE some sort of adjustable, soft headed door stop placed on the trim that wouldn’t damage the trim or the fridge door but stick out enough to keep it off lever?
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Bill B.
OP
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
3y
Thank you guys, LMK if you have a good next step…

@David M. and @Bjorn Ahlblad I tried to go back and mention you both with a post edit. But it wouldn’t come up in editing?
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David M.
Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
@Bill B.
geezzz
First thing that comes to mind is reverse the hinges on the door to the laundry... I use the hinge stop --- the y-shape things you put into thehinges. Set it so it doesn't hit the fridge easily. now the door handle is away from the fridge side. I know its not "fun" to do, but its one idea that immediately comes to mind
Too late now, but others have done the barn door thing. Although, i see your sheetrock is bumped out for some reason.
Hmmm...
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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
3y
What about removing the door on the space where the laundry is and installing a curtain and curtain rod?
3 Reply
Bill B.
OP
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
3y
@Theresa Harris if it wasn’t a brand new house I might try that, or just a regular closet not trying to hide laundry noise.

@David M. I thought of that but thought it was an option only before the door was installed? What’s involved in a retrofit? Filling in the old hinge mortises, carving out new ones, same with the latch hole. Is that most/all of it? If that’s a $100 solution I would do it instantly, if it was a $200 solution I’d probably do it anyway. Then my little felt stopper would protect trim from fridge and the hinge stopper thing would protect fridge from closet door.

I wonder if they did it this way to make sure the laundry units would fit or so the door opened far enough to do laundry.

A little googling had one time saving suggestion. By flipping the door you can re-use the hinge mortises on the door at least. Since I assume their door is a mirror up and down and inside to outside.
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Bjorn AhlbladPro Member
Investor · Shelton, WA · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 6k+ votes
3y
What about removing the door handles and using magnets to keep the door closed and use a dummy door knob partway down the door towards the hinges?
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Bill B.
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Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
3y
@Bjorn Ahlblad that’s kind of what I was thinking about. A sunken door pull like old timey closets use to have. Even a short cabinet pull might work. I do like your magnet idea.
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Adam L.
Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 49 posts · 12 votes
3y
You can try something like this . Just needs to be lower the the fridge door. Get rid of the handle

https://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Bathroom-Hygiene-Preventio...
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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
3y
What about a fridge door stop to prevent the door from being opened too far?
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David M.
Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
@Bill B. Yup, basically that's what it would take -- but, I'm not the one "swinging the hammer" normally...
But what you and @Bjorn Ahlblad are saying makes lots of sense, too. Remove the door hardware and perhaps replace with a cover plate --- you can pick that up from a locksmith store or probably home depot, too. Get some magnets and install like weather stripping. Then, you just use a cord / thick rope to pull it open. Maybe put it in place of the door hardware.
I think the blank cover plate has a threaded hole in the middle as I recall... Thats how you screw it together. You might find a way to put a close pull on it, or just drill some holes in the plate itself.
My first idea actually was to put a "pull rope" on it --- kinda "ghetto." Could even filling in the hole of the door hardware. At least it'd be soft in case the fridge was able to hit it somehow.

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David M.
Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Adam L.:

You can try something like this . Just needs to be lower the the fridge door. Get rid of the handle

https://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Bathroom-Hygiene-Preventio...

Oh a foot pull thing. Like that too!!
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Bill B.
OP
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
3y
@Theresa Harris I can’t think of a way/place to put a fridge door stop? Can you give me an idea form the pictures?

@Adam L. I like that idea. I wonder if they make “less aggressive” ones since this might be operated barefoot or with just socks on, not shoes.

@David M. yup, I like the soft pull idea but I’m afraid anything I could think of would look ghetto. I was thinking if I was cool I’d figure out a way for a button push the door open like a little motor. BUT, then I thought about combining the magnet idea. I wonder if they make full size door “things” like they used to have in stereo system glass doors? Where it latches shut with the mage net but you push on it and the spring shoves the door open? (Does Makes\ me regret white doors, that’s going to show pretty fast. Maybe a push plate instead of the knob?) if they exist that might be the answer. Any hints on what to google? Magnetic door catch spring loaded? Of course I should just have the PM send a “real man” or woman, out there to reverse the door. But maybe the magnetic catch is cooler and easier.
Ps. Found a bunch of exactly that. “push latches” but they seem to only be for cabinet doors.
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JD MartinBusiness Member
Moderator
Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Bill B.:

@Theresa Harris I can’t think of a way/place to put a fridge door stop? Can you give me an idea form the pictures?

@Adam L. I like that idea. I wonder if they make “less aggressive” ones since this might be operated barefoot or with just socks on, not shoes.

@David M. yup, I like the soft pull idea but I’m afraid anything I could think of would look ghetto. I was thinking if I was cool I’d figure out a way for a button push the door open like a little motor. BUT, then I thought about combining the magnet idea. I wonder if they make full size door “things” like they used to have in stereo system glass doors? Where it latches shut with the mage net but you push on it and the spring shoves the door open? (Does Makes\ me regret white doors, that’s going to show pretty fast. Maybe a push plate instead of the knob?) if they exist that might be the answer. Any hints on what to google? Magnetic door catch spring loaded? Of course I should just have the PM send a “real man” or woman, out there to reverse the door. But maybe the magnetic catch is cooler and easier.

They make a flush pull latch similar to what you see on pocket doors, if I can find a link I'll post it here.
Podcast Guest on Show #243
Skyline Properties
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JD MartinBusiness Member
Moderator
Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
3y
Won't let me post the link. Search for
Brand: LEIYANG
3.6 3.6 out of 5 stars 27Reviews
LEIYANG 304 Stainless Steel Round Passager Door Knobs Hidden Doors Locks Camping Trailer Door Hardware Ring Handle Doorknob with Chicago Screws, Satin Nickel, Diameter: 75mm
Podcast Guest on Show #243
Skyline Properties
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David M.
Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
@Bill B.
Yeah, I know what you are talkinga bout... maybe put it in the center where the door hardware would be. Just "push" to open and close... Put some sort of plate on the exterior door side so hopefully the white doors don't get as dirty.
Even the ones that they use for cabinets, won't you have to adjust the door frame area a bit to fit the mechanism into it?
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David M.
Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
@JD Martin
Oh thats nifty. Its like a recessed deadbolt turn lever... I like it!
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Bill B.
OP
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
3y
@JD Martin. Yes, exactly what I was thinking and even from where I remember them now, RV doors. I couldn’t find any from that company with RV in the description like yours had. They all started around $30. I did find some “far boat” brand ones that were just $9.
Thank you all. Gave me at least a few good options.
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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
3y
These look like they attach to the fridge, but you can also get clear round things (not a technical term-lol) that attach to the wall.
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Wesley I.
Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2019 · 286 posts · 135 votes
3y
@Bill Brandt
Im in the camp of reversing the hinge locations or installing a bi fold door with a smaller knob to open.
1 Reply
Kimberly G.
Property Manager · Northeast Florida · Member since 2015 · 135 posts · 76 votes
3y
Hidden doors have push latches. Perhaps this would be an option. Good luck Bill.
1 Reply
Scott Mac
Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
3y
Maybe a bi-fold door with slats (???)

Plus I took some artistic licence in the mockup of the model home below, with some of my ideas for the space.

Good Luck!

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Bill B.
OP
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
3y
I hope you own a virtual staging company. You put waaaay too much work in to my problem, than you @Scott Mac
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Scott Mac
Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Bill B.:

I hope you own a virtual staging company. You put waaaay too much work in to my problem, than you @Scott Mac
Hi Bill,

It took less than 15 minutes.

Good Luck!
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