I'm getting ready to order a water heater and fridge for my weekender project. The studs in my DR are 14 inches apart. The service door for the 10 gal water heater is 16 inches wide, a six gal water heater is 13 inches wide. I want the 10 gal water heater. The Fridge I want has a 19 inch wide service door.  I need to install the fridge above the water heater.

The question is how do I deal with the space between the studs only being 14 inches wide. On the right side is a major structural stud, adjoins the gooseneck bulkhead, so I won't be cutting into that. That means I have to cut into the stud on the other side. Basically losing the structure that it provides. Do I install vertical bracing between the adjoining studs for strength? This must be something that conversions companies deal with all the time. I'm just not sure how to proceed.

Thanks, Betty