Moving this post to myself down the line. But I can't help noting that various highly-trafficked so-called building/handyman forums persist in perpetuating practices long since discredited by building scientists. And none more common than the "poly on the wall, two-inches of space followed by batt-filled framing" basement finishing. Just because you post the same stuff 26,000 times doesn't make it right!

Thanks for all of your advice. We're building in Red Deer. Our garage is tight, but our lot size is maximized. I'll check if we can squeeze more width. It looks like we'd ideally want 24' for the double, and absolute minimum of 21'. Our original version of the kitchen had the configuration as attached (pantry entrance further south). But our biggest problem was the refrigerator - we wouldn't be able to have the double doors open. So the idea was to move it to the north wall, and have the contiguous space out to the right / east to facilitate doors. That would also help with the triangle (I posed this dilemma to the kitchen forums). I masking taped out the kitchen in the basement and you're right, the kitchen is surprisingly on the small side... To make matters worse, our selected fridge is 3' depth whereas it's drawn as 2' !! In terms of solutions, which one(s) would you prefer? (using the drawing of from the first post of this thread) A: Increase the sitting side of the island / desk by 1' (total 5' width) B: Increase island width by 1' (total 5' width) allowing a prep sink on the northwest corner C: All extra width is bumped out to the west keeping the mudroom area the same. The exterior elevation on the west will be less interesting as a result. D: Place the fridge on the north wall, but then we'll have to move the entire kitchen south 1' - the island will be 7' long instead of 8', and we'll probably take one stool out from the side E: Just get a 2' fridge (eg SubZero) and call it a day :) F: Other?

I didn't consider two large rugs, peony.... One to run under the bed and come out on either side, thank your that's a "duh" moment for me to be sure! I may try pieces of brown kraft paper down to see which configuration better suits the room. The more I look at the photos the more I am ready for a yellow rug! This bedroom is not included in the current design project but ID already had a yellow Maslin carpet /rug picked put when we moved here 8 years ago. I wasn't ready to decide then on carpet vs wood or lighter vs darker so I left it as was until The Frozen Pipe Debacle.

Figured I’d add to this thread as well… 40s war home in Halifax, plumbing stack is behind the block which is located in the center of the house. I believe the house was lifted to have the foundation done in I’m guessing the late 50s. I’ve come up with: coal furnace stand/platform (there is a square cut out above it), old chimney block, just a weird obstruction when the house was built.. I would really like to take it out, a little worried if causing damage but likely going to go at it soon.