How to Convert an Inward Swinging Door

Unscrew the two or three screws connecting the top, middle and bottom door hinges to the door jamb. Have your helper hold the door and remove and set it aside after all three hinges are free. Unscrew the strike plate from the door frame as well.

Pry the door stop (thin strip of wood) from the top and sides of the door frame and set the stop aside. Measure the thickness of the door (typically 1-1/4 inches for an interior door) with your tape measure. Step through the door frame and mark the width of the door on the door jamb. Place a mark near the top of the door jamb, one in the middle and another near the bottom. You'll use these marks later when replacing the door stop.

Measure the distance from the bottom edge of the door to the top and bottom edges of each hinge. Mark the distance for each top and bottom edge on the door jamb on the opposite side of the door. Hold each hinge against the jamb so that the top and bottom edges align with the marks. Trace the outline for all three hinges. Also, outline the strike plate on the jamb on the opposite side of the door.

Chisel out the wood inside the outlines (about 1/8-inch deep). Hold each hinge against the door jamb and replace the screws. Screw the strike plate to the door frame as well.

Align the door stop with the alignment marks and nail it to the door jamb with your nail gun.

Replace the screws to reattach the door to the hinges.

Remove the two retaining screws holding the door knob. Your screwdriver is better for this than your drill. Remove the two retaining screws holding the striker in place as well. Flip the striker 180 degrees, push it back into the door and reinsert the retaining screws.

Pull both knobs from the door, switch each to the other side of the door and reinsert the retaining screws.

Open and close the door to test.

Fill the holes on the other side of the door jamb with wood putty.