We've built a couple dozen new homes. The plans have never shown the location of plumbing supply and drainage lines.

Ideally, we've been able to run most drainage lines in widened partition walls. But sometimes there's no choice but to run them along the intersection of walls and ceilings. We then bulkhead the entire room, perhaps putting in pot lights. Ideally, basement cleanouts can be located in closets or utility rooms.

A cleanout halfway up the basement wall seems a bit odd. But in one build, we needed that as that's where the municipal drain line came in.

Of course, the drains might have been run through the TJIs. But if this is a sub-division home, I wouldn't expect any obligation for the builder to do that.

@worthy - This home has a septic tank on that side of the house, so there aren’t many routing options. The plans did not show any bulkhead or chase in this specific room, even though they did show bulkheads in other basement areas where this line runs before reaching this space. I hope this additional context helps.

That black-- vent? exhaust? supply?--seems to be the space robbing culprit.

You can ask the builder but honestly you most likely will not get any satisfaction or anything more than it is what it is. Not want you want to hear but just reality.

While it is typical for commercial projects to include plumbing, mechanical, and electrical plans, those plans are not typical for residential projects. You pretty much play the hand you're dealt.

I'd frame in the ductwork and drain lines behind a stud wall. You can probably rework the drain line on the side with the clean out to minimize the loss of space.

Fur the walls out and move on. It ain't all that.

Really too much missing info as to what you were told but bulkheads in basements hide many things insulate for noise and live with it . THis was hiding heating that needed to go somwhere to heat the LR and this was vaey low ceiling to start

Are you in a cold climate? Where is the insulation for those foundation walls. Adding insulation will push the walls out.

This is in charlotte metro, we are in the framing stage of the construction. Insulation to follow.

This makes perfect sense to me, and I like it. I’ll propose this to the builder, as this is a semi-custom builder, so flexibility is limited. However, I believe this won’t require much rework for them, hopefully.

" However, I believe this won’t require much rework for them, hopefully. "

They may charge you a change order for this, so be prepared.

Point out to the builder that this solution will make his work look good and not a compromised solution to an unforeseen issue that an experienced builder would have avoided. It appears at this point in the construction the change will have minimal impact on the rough carpentry and rough electrical. It is a win-win solution that the builder may be able to wave the cost to the home owner.

Bulkheads in a basement always makes me think someone's (builder and subcontractors) skills are limited.

Well, at least it is aptly named: bonus room. It is a bonus to have a room in a basement where the primary purpose is a foundation and the running of sewage lines. I'll be curious to hear how your builder responds.

The only time I designed a house with a bonus room was by the request of the owner, and they already had potential uses for the space dependent upon what the future had in store for them. I think many times the presence of a bonus room indicates inexperienced designer. In this case I think the OP has an immediate intended use for the space. I could be wrong.

The planned use for this room is dance studio.

The plan was to install mirrors across the large wall where the sewer line is currently located. However, I believe sound may be an issue if the builder insists on using a bulkhead solution to conceal the line.

Just echoing that our plans also didn’t included and sewage or water pipes etc. we had to stop our build for several weeks when they tried to put bulkheads on the main floor. They all ended up in basement instead of a wall here or there and we are happy.

The proposed new layout also gives opportunity to add windows to the space that will give the space less of a basement feel. The added windows will add cost, but the benefit may outweigh the cost.

The original design was a bit strange for a walk-out basement with only 1 window and a storage room against the walk-out wall. A usable room like a dance studio is much better along the exterior wall in some fashion like Bischak's plan.

Just a heads up if you do not know or the builder is using something else, the insulation should be min 1" closed cell spray foam in the gap between the wood framing and concrete walls.

Thank you 3onthetree - I will check on insulation

"I believe sound may be an issue if the builder insists on using a bulkhead solution to conceal the line."

Unless the occupants of the house can flush in harmony with the dance music, move the storage room.

^^Don't be so quick to dismiss the idea, Mark. A take off on synchronized swimming. I like it!

If you show all the whole floor plans there are probably other good suggestions I can make, but you may not want to hear them at this point.

I think since the septic drives the bus this is not going to change ,move on .

The septic is not driving the bus, move the storage room.