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rachel_fleming18

Any creative solutions for this eyesore?

5 years ago

We are finishing a basement as an ADU and in the process also added a bathroom to the floor above. Unfortunately there was no way around the plumbing going through an existing window in the basement. I know we could just block that window out completely, but it seems like such a shame to block a window in a basement that needs all the light it can get. We could just paint the the pipe the same color as the walls but not sure if that will still look too weird. Our contractor says we have two weeks to make a decision on the matter. Open to suggestions!

Comments (17)

  • 5 years ago

    I would close up the window. You won't miss it.

  • 5 years ago



  • 5 years ago

    I would remove window and soundproof space

  • 5 years ago

    I would have shutters installed on the windows and just keep that one closed

  • 5 years ago

    Close it up. You'll need lighting anyway - ambient, task and accent. LED's in 4000K daylight will be more helpful than that one window.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    You cant leave it like that... you have to close it in

  • 5 years ago

    Anything you do will look weird ...cover it ..the windows are not balanced......paint it and preserve the light...if you cant live with that...replace both center windows with smaller matching windows

  • 5 years ago

    Or...paint it a funky color or use pattern to make it a conversation piece instead of an eyesore.. it’s an ADU, after all. I’ve seen a lot worse in basement apartments that rent for unbelievable sums!

    Rachel Fleming thanked hermothersdaughter
  • PRO
    5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    symmetry

    eta


  • 5 years ago

    OR...remove two center windows...center one bigger window ...leaving equal wall space on each side of centered “picture window”...

  • 5 years ago

    This could leave you with two extra windows ...if there is a spot for them...

  • 5 years ago

    Anywhere in the house...

  • 5 years ago

    Your window treatment can help with the plumbing window. As an ADU, the person living in the unit will want window treatments which will give privacy when the lights are turned on in that room. A combination of sheers for the daytime, and window shades behind the sheers for after dark may work. I would simply close up the plumbing window and hang a piece of art there. The two windows on the left and the three on the right could have matching sheers and shades.

  • 5 years ago

    Unfortunate example of "stuff happens". If finances allow, the solution of new windows and placement by @mdln...if not, remove window and close it up. While daylight is desired, any below ground space will need abundant artificial lighting. Having lived in several basement apartments the need for window coverings is minimal, the windows are SO low that you don't feel like you're "on display".

  • 5 years ago

    Another prospective You will hear water and u know moving through the pipe 🤷🏻‍♀️😁. Close and insulate! I have a unfinished basement that i set up as kitchen during remodel. Never noticed till i was down their everyday you hear all drains toilet flush

  • 5 years ago

    Thanks everyone for the helpful insights! Quite a few people made comments about noise from the pipe and to be honest I didn't even think of that. We will be adding another large window across from this room which should add quite a bit more day light to the area, so we probably can afford to lose this window. We were leaning toward closing it up and now after seeing all these comments, that's exactly what we'll be doing.

  • 5 years ago

    Under the circumstances mentioned...I would explore soundproofing materials for that spot as well