Do you really need that big of a wet bar/cabinets? That seems like allot of room just for a wet bar. That is allot of wasted space at the bottom of the stairs. Can the wet bar be in that area on one wall? Do you really need two walls just for a wet bar?

This post was edited by robin0919 on Sun, Nov 30, 14 at 22:35

We are definitely dialing back the length of the bar. Just now sure that buys us much as it relates to the exercise gear.

Even though I'd still want to use that space better at the bottom of the stairs and reduce the size of the bar--maybe take part of the back side of the bar and make a closet for the office in case at some point someone needs a bedroom to live down there--I'd use the unfinished area for the exercise room. I've seen many in model homes that don't have a window, and the key seems to be to open them up to the light in the rest of the lower level.

You could have double glass doors into the room, have some kind of windows or doors to the movie room, rearrange the utility room somewhat--wall it off and have a door into it from the exercise room (can the utilities be moved to the rectangle along the garage wall?--if so, then you could add windows to the short wall that's 90 degrees to the wall with the present door)), and then the exercise room would feel more open, and even sort of have a view through to the triple windows.

I hope you'll show us what the architect comes up with.

Anne

I've been kicking around some ideas with the architect. Here is a revised lower level plan that creates space for the shuffleboard table. I really can't see any downside here except maybe the fact that the office only has windows on one wall (not a big deal).

I think we will also stretch the theatre to be as deep as possible while still leaving an adequate landing at the bottom of the stairs.

What this plan still does not address is an exercise room. After trying to fit it in several different ways, I just don't see where we will have space for that.

Love to hear your feedback.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alternate LL plan

I think turning the theater so that the back seats use the space at the bottom of the stairs is an improvement. However, it doesn't make sense to have so much space wasted with the new halls. The new plan seems confining, while the old one was open and friendly. And why would you want the elliptical out in the family room when you have company??

Going back to your first plan, but with the theater changed as in the second plan, can the utilities be moved? If so, could you extend the theater wall straight across to the right all the way to the opposite wall at the angle, and have that long space be for your shuffleboard (although it does seem like a place for exercise equipment would take precedence over shuffleboard based on amount each would be used).

Or instead perhaps, extend the wall behind the fireplace down to the opposite wall where the other angle is, and make that the shuffleboard area--it would be a wider area than the other area I just mentioned. And you could glass in the part of the wall that's not by the utilities, and separate them from the exercise room with a wall. It looks like your wife wants to be by the window with the exercise equipment, but wouldn't it be better to have a less than ideal exercise room than to not have one at all? Ours is about the same distance as yours would be from the windows, and I'm happy enough just having some daylight get to the room.

The other reason I think the first plan is better is because with the theater changed, you could move the game table closer to the theater wall, since there could be times that more seating might be desired near the sofa in the rec room. In the second plan, that possibility doesn't exist with the game table so close. Also in the second plan, it's rather unwelcoming to come into the seating by the fireplace by having to first go around the back of the sofa. And the door outside is in a better place in the first plan. I'd still put a closet in the office by taking some space from some of the cabinets at the back of the bar.

Anne

Anne,

I really appreciate your feedback on the second plan. I couldn't wrap my head around what I didn't like about it, but it just feels confined and disjointed. The first plan is more open.

In either case, we are going to rotate the theatre so the back is at the stairway landing. I also want to make it as deep as possible without having a cramped landing.

The architect really wanted to keep the side of the theatre open, but I do not. I think it would work great to close off the side, move the utilities and push the door to the utility space to the North/South wall. That should give us plenty of room for the shuffleboard.

As far as the workout equipment, still haven't solved for that. Worst case, it's on wheels and could be wheeled into utility area when we have people over. Finishing the bonus room would also work, but not sure we need 1200 feet for some workout equipment.

Thanks again!

And here's what that option might look like.

Here is a link that might be useful: LL version 3

Much better. But a few more suggestions, since the future is always unknown (parents, older kids/grandkids, health of family members, terrorist events--or anything--affecting the economy longer term, etc.) so planning for almost every eventuality and possibly others living in the lower level can be good. At the very least:

Do the plumbing for a shower in the bath, and keep a closet in the office--what are its measurements?

Do the wiring for a range or induction cooktop for the bar.

Put windows in the part of the wall between the shuffleboard and where you have storage shelves--natural light in a room is almost always desirable--you can put blinds on the inside to visually close off this area when you wish. Where you have the storage shelves would be a good place for some exercise equipment. Put the shelves in the V where you have the HVAC, and put the HVAC in the corner opposite the door, and keep the water where it is. You could wall off this area and put multiple louvered doors for ventilation. The HVAC will be quiet, and should not bother someone using the exercise equipment.

Regarding unknown uncertainties--My mother had gone to live with my brother "forever" in a very nice, large house, but he couldn't deal with the stress, and wanted me to take her half of the time (she had the money, but didn't want to go into an independent living situation, and he refused to make her). She died before we got our house finished, but we'd designed the lower level for her to live there. My daughter, who I thought was happily married, divorced her husband and moved in for several years with 3 very young children (think crying, whiny, etc.) so she could finish an advanced degree. They use the lower level kitchen and family room, and the second floor bedrooms (our master is on the first floor so that we can hopefully live here a long time). With this arrangement, we've all managed to co-exist pretty well for several years.

Anne

I just looked at your lot with the plan on it, and see that the utilities will probably come in about where you have the HVAC. So I'd line them up along the garage wall, and wall that area off as a long, shallow probably rectangular utility closet with several louvered doors for easy access to each of the units. Then put the storage shelves in the area nearer the door to the rec room.

Anne

I like the third layout. It is a way better use of space, but it does separate the theatre into its own area. This won't be as nice for having a bunch of friends over to watch the game, but you still have good space around the bar and living room area for get togethers.

As for the workout room, I'd try to build into the utility area or put the equipment in that unfinished area if you really need to maximize storage. Seems like you could fit a long narrow room where the entry into the utility room is now. With another door from there to the mechanicals and storage.