Hurdle # 1

We've run into our first hurdle in our basement project. Project day 8, hurdle numero uno.

The braniacs from John Weiland who built our home really never intended on having anyone finish the basement. We know this because they just hodge-podged the duct work coming out of our furnace . . . making quite a mess for our contractors to deal with as they try to build walls in the basement 8 years after the house was built.

Because of the wacko-duct work, the closet that is being built around the furnace and hot water heater is . . . well . . . BIG. Way bigger than a traditional closet used to house such equipment. We knew there would be a closet, but we are shocked at the size that ours has become. And these lovely equipment-housing closets usually require a double set of doors in order to pass 'code' -- there has to be enough clearance to get the units in and out if there were ever a problem.

Oh, and did I mention that the furnace and hot water heater are RIGHT in the MIDDLE of the basement? Not off to the side or in a corner . . . RIGHT in the middle.

So, what we have is a cluster f&*%, to say the least. See for yourself . . .

We don't know WHAT to do. For starters, if they can't move the ducts any more than they have (it's those going up to the ceiling that are the problem), I have requested that they at least move the doors to one side or the other . . . I really don't want huge doors in the middle of the room. In reality, we'd like to see if we can hire someone to come move the ducts ($$ cha-ching, cha-ching $$) . . . the closet should be a good 2 feet smaller, which would make a big difference in the space it's in.

The big ole' closet really ruins the room . . . it's not a rectangular room any more, it's some funky shaped room that won't be suitable for any type of furniture. I told the contractor it was going to be a playroom for now . . . so he replied with, "Well, are you really going to need to put a couch in a playroom?" UM -- where are GROWN UPS supposed to sit? On the floor?? YES we'll have a small couch at least -- but with nowhere to put it, that isn't really our issue now, is it?! And this room will be used as a playroom for the next 8-10 years . . . the it will graduate to a game room and STILL won't be suitable for furniture OR a pool table!

UGH. Deep Breath. I know these things will come and go throughout our whole process . . . I guess I should get used to the hurdles.

The GOOD NEWS is that the media room looks awesome, and they built a pretty cool inset to put our new TV and cabinets. And the bedroom with the huge storage closet looks great, too. They are pretty much done with the framing, so next it's on to electrical work and the our first round of inspections.

Now if we can just fix this playroom . . .