I'm in Canada, so I completely understand that a basement FP would get used. The problem is that it's pretty hard to do any fireplace that isn't personalized. There are so many options for stone/brick/tile facades, mantels, hearths, etc, that it's either going to be really "you" or really boring. And it usually becomes a large design element in the room. Even the location of the FP can be a personalized choice. For some reason, developers here love to put basement FPs in corners here. And I don't know a designer anywhere who thinks that's a good idea. But obviously someone likes it. That's not to say you shouldn't do a fireplace. It's your house, and you've got another 10 years there, so enjoy it. My point is that even if everyone wants a fireplace, not everyone is going to love YOUR fireplace. The gas fireplace in my new house will be in the dining room. Oh, the looks and comments I get!! "But, the fireplace GOES in the living room!" Where it competes with the TV as a focal point. No, thanks. And most of these people don't even know that I'm doing brick rather than stone or tile. I'm sure their heads would explode. :)

I have the smaller bar pull down faucet in my laundry sink and it is perfect. The water flow is great, either a stream or spray. My sink is 21" wide by 15" and 13" deep. A larger faucet would be in the way. My faucet is Delta Leland,

"Seniors don't want just a first floor bedroom suite, they want a one floor *house*. Why maintain and pay taxes on a house with stairs to a second floor that may get occasional use? There are some good reasons for having bed and bath on a first floor in a family home, but don't fool yourself that this transforms a family home into one good for Seniors." ^^ This. That being said, it doesn't sound like that is the issue with the OP, first house and all. Honestly, of the two options, I'm not sure which I would choose - I don't like either of them. I think the practical and best choice for resale would be laundry on the second floor with the bedroom/full bath on the first. Maybe you can put a sink in the garage if you envision needing a clean-up area? I toured a home one time that had the laundry in the garage right off the entrance to the house - I realized it wasn't a bad idea (the garage was heated) and for me was preferable to the basement, because, let's face it, as you get older schlepping down basement stairs to do laundry is just as bad as schlepping up to second floor stairs. All the area needed was some drywall to enclose it and it would have been a terrific mud room right off the house. (I wanted to bid on this particular house, but that is another story).

Thanks everyone. Since the house Is a mid century ranch and the main bath is at the end of the hallway in almost a direct line left from the front door, proximity for guests isn’t a concern. The potential half bath would be located through either the kitchen or living room then through the family room at the back of the house so it would actually be far less accessible for guests. I guess the issue is going to be resolved when we have a plumber come in to look at the 40+ year old abandoned plumbing. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to afford to go with a bath though! And speciall thanks for the advice on drowning out the sound!