That is what I thought but just wanted to get some ideas here too :)

I doubt anything I say here will change anything. A builder does what a builder does. I am often consulted to fix things a builder did or didn't do after the fact.

Anything I say a builder is not likely to consider. They build things and are on the hook for 1 year typically, then they go on and build some more. Where as my goal is to offer you HVAC 'service' for life.

That is the difference between a builder and someone like me > no comparison.

I actually recently spoke with my builder, who spoke with his heating contractor. They may be able to get rid of the soffit in kitchen and relocate hvac/plumbing somewhere else. At walk through after framing I will meet with this contractor to go over options. So happy to hear this! I do have a one of a kind builder if i do say so :)

Don't get too happy... wait until the home is problem free after you've lived there a number of years.

"If I Could Turn Back Time".....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsKbwR7WXN4

I am actually very happy but thank you :)

FYI, If it wasn't for home builders a good amount of my business would not exist.