Apologies for the low readability. I numbered items but the app remove them automatically.

@Lyn Nielson Thanks for your genuine advice. I thought I can put a laundry basket inside the cabinet, next to the washer. I will keep the soap and sofener there as well.

Can the large window in the proposed bedroom be garden doors to the outside? As a new master suite I find the bathroom crowded and that too much space has been given to the walk in closet. Try putting the bathroom where the closet is. I would also create an entrance mudroom from the garage which can hold the laundry in a closet if you like but it does not need to be as this may be a private entrance and not an area you let guests into so you can keep that area open and do not bother closing it in a room

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What is the context and opportunities here? Can you move/add windows, or the deck? Where can you tie into plumbing? Where do you prefer views from the Master to be? Where is grade with respect to the entire perimeter of this floor, because there is a lower floor and an upper floor, but Garage is at the same elevation? Is the Garage what you consider the main backhouse entry (what the family uses everyday)? Why does the designer show a huge mechanical chase in the Laundry Closet? Where is the mechanical or plumbing running vertically through this floor?

A view into the toilet from your bed is not often desirable.

@3onthetree Good questions. Here are my answers.

1. Context and Opportunities:

This is a two-story house with a basement on a sloped lot, where the basement opens directly to the backyard. The large window in the current plans faces the backyard, which offers a beautiful garden with a forest-like view.

2. Windows and Deck:

Both the windows and deck can be relocated, but to keep costs down, we prefer not to move the deck. The small bathroom window may be moved if necessary.

3. Plumbing Tie-In:

The main plumbing lines are near the garage, so the bathroom is positioned close to it in the propsed plan. There are also existing plumbing lines next to the bathroom for the washer.

4. Master Bedroom Views:

The only view from the master bedroom is to the west through the large window, while the north side faces a neighboring house.

5. Garage as Main Entry:

The garage serves as the main entry the family uses every day. The front door is between the first and second floors, while the rear door is located at the basement and leads directly to the garden. Additionally, the left balcony also provides access to the garden.

6. Mechanical Chase in Laundry Closet:

I requested a cabinet space next to the washer for laundry baskets and detergent, so it seems the designer marked it as a mechanical chase. However, I originally envisioned it to be a smaller cabinet.

7. Vertical Mechanical/Plumbing Runs:

I’m not sure about the exact locations of the vertical plumbing and mechanical runs through this floor, but it’s something that would need to be clarified with the architectural plans or a professional.

@Lorraine Leroux I was advised to minimize plumbing changes since they could significantly increase the cost—that’s why the bathroom is placed in the middle in the new plan. I actually really like the idea of having a mudroom, but I gave it up to prioritize more space for the bathroom and closet, which are more important to me.

just some ideas:

@Jennifer Hogan I hadn’t thought of it that way. Really appreciate the insight!

I might put the washer and dryer in the garage.

There is a lot of unknown information. But I made some assumptions so I could provide a thought process for a different layout to scheme for better opportunities:

To meet your desire of retaining exterior access and providing a Mudroom for the main family entry, while having a much better bathroom/closet layout and accomodating the duct and bearing wall:

@3onthetree Thank you for your insight and the detailed plan! I hadn’t considered placing the bed on the other side before, so your idea is really inspiring.