Did the builder size the HVAC unit currently servicing the main level so that it could accomodate the basement? if so, adding the duct work for the basement is not a big deal. Post some details on what size units you currently have for each level and the sq footage. In my first home, they did no duct work in the basement but they did size the heater and AC unit to accomodate the basement living space. I acted as my own general contractor when I finished the beasment and I paid an HVAC company $1200 (this was in 1998) to add in ducts & registers in the basement. I did not add a seperate zone down there but could have easily done it for not much more. The basement was mostly below grade and worked fine running off the tstat on the main level. One thing you should get right now is a humidistat (costs about $20) and measure the humidity in your basement. With tighly sealed and insulated houses, moisture can be a big issue in the basement and lead to musty smells or mould. You might find that a dehumidifier is a worthwile investment when you finish your basemenent. I just added a large dehumidifier made by Sante Fe in my basement (currently mostly unfisished with some HVAC ducts) and it not only controls the humidity in the the basement, but we get the effects of drier air on the main level as well. This fixed a musty smell that my wife detected soon after we moved in, and then mildew spots we found on the basement cement floor when we had temperatures that were in the low 70's but humidity around 80% - very damp. Best of luck.

First I have to say that I wish I had your problem! I could spend a week thinking about your house's plans! I think I like the architect's master bedroom/bath layout better. The second version, with the toilet and bidet, looks rather cramped and clausterphobic. Looks like there is hardly room to turn around. Looks like if you are sitting on the toilet, you are staring at the wall just a few inches from your face. ( Hard to tell because I don't know the dimensions). Is that a pocket door for getting in and out of the toilet compartment? Not sure if having a closet to the left of the sinks, instead of at the entrance to the bathroom, does anything as far as reducing the noise that husband makes in the morning? I would think that most of the noise is from the water running, the toilet flushing, etc. and not from him opening drawers or pulling his clothes off the hangers. You also have a bedroom door that separates the bath entirely from the bedroom, so wouldn't that help with the noise and the light while you are sleeping? With the architect's plan for the dressing room, you could put a chair where he can sit down while dressing, so he can do all the dressing in the dressing area and not in your bedroom. WIth your closet plan, there doesn't look like there is room for a place to sit? This is just my opinion. Only you know your family's needs the best... I liked both the kitchen plans. Your plan with the stove against the wall looks a little safer in terms of having kids running around while you are at the stove. But I also like the large single island/cooktop arrangement too. It doesn't make the kitchen look so chopped up. I thinks sinks are inherently wet and messy areas, so maybe having it against the wall instead of on an island might make more sense. Cannot tell where the refrigerator goes.

Just wrap your kids in bubblewrap. No need for any protection other than that. :)

It seems like another trip to IKEA to purchase the Vittsjo (don't you just love all the names there?) will be coming up soon! Good point, joanie, about the rectangles already in the room and the potential for more rectangles with frames on the wall. She is happy with the way it's coming along. After she added the rug and the pillows, she said it feels homier. She is anxious to finish off the basics with the coffee table, a different lamp for the end table and something on the wall above the sofa so she can start planning a holiday open house! I think she'd eventually like to replace the rocking chair with an upholstered chair, but in the meantime, it's extra seating.