my layman's guess is that it IS a load bearing wall, based on the way the joists run in the basement. we won't move in for another couple weeks so unfortunately can't get a picture yet!

Does this house have a basement? If so then the supply duct is probably coming up from the bottom. You may have to turn this into a floor vent. If the supply is coming from above, then it might have to become a ceiling vent. You won't know the level of difficulty until you open the wall. If this is a load bearing wall, moving the vent will be the easiest part of the work.

Sounds familiar. lol

home remodeling is similar to boats?

Break Out Another Ten, grand.

They made a movie about it once, it was called "The Money Pit".

All jokes aside, you're having fun. At least that's what I told my self 20 years ago. Not so much now. LOL.

I service the Katy, Texas area. (HVAC)

@Austin Air Companie "Money Pit" is one of the best movies of all time especially for people looking to buy a home... It's like watching "Titanic" before going on the cruise. :-)

GN Builders L.L.C.

Yeah it's almost to the point of required homework. LOL.

I never understood the fascination people have with removing walls for the sake of opening living areas up, in a pre-existing home.

If it can be done is one thing, but the expense is often times not worth it. I think a good part of where this comes from is seeing a newly built home designed with those features, not able to afford a new home and taking a pre-existing home (cheaper upfront) trying to make it look more like a new home.

Not saying it can't be done... but why? just for a "look"?

Oh that's rich? how rich? Keep digging into walls, you'll find out. LOL.

When ten becomes twenty, grand. Thirty? BOAT.