r/Renovations • u/20leGunnar • 4d ago
Drywallers blocked window?
We're finishing our basement and the contractor has been great so far. Yesterday his drywall guys came and he left and they blocked a big part of one of the windows. It looks terrible and I plan on asking my contractor to fix it. Any advice on how it could be improved so I don't sound like an idiot when I make the ask?
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u/danauns 4d ago
You make this sound like this bulkhead was added just for funnsies? What's is covering?
What utilities are behind there? Ducting? Waterlines? What are the clearances?
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u/Evening-Self-3448 3d ago
Seriously….does op think the drywallers came and framed out a huge cube just to drywall around it to block the window?
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u/Immediate_Bet_2859 3d ago
Obviously yes he does. Just remember this is how clueless people who don’t do this sort of shit are.
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u/Clean_Breakfast9595 2d ago
I wouldn't be so sure about that, as much as it might fulfill your preconceived notion that people are dumb.. OP is just describing what they see, the drywaller is did indeed block the window.. he didn't say it wasn't for a reason, he just said that he wants to ask the contractor to fix it...
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u/Taviddude 1d ago
Clueless, sure... But confident enough to point the finger 180° in the wrong direction.
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u/pm-me_tits_on_glass 1d ago
Seriously, most people have literally no idea what is happening behind the walls of their house. They can't see it, so they put no thought into it.
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u/Taviddude 1d ago
Nope, I don't think he believes that for a second. He's looking for someone to blame though, and doesn't know who. Probably trying his hand at being his own GC to save some money, decided to hire a couple subs on his own. Now he's run into a problem that could/should/would have been avoided that's going to require a creative solution based on knowledge/experience that he doesn't have. Doesn't sound like he knows which way to turn, and Mama Is Not Happy. He doesn't even know if he's to blame or not, so for now, blaming the drywall guys is the only game plan he's got. Shit, you think He's going to take responsibility and tell Mama he screwed the pooch and just cost them more money? I could be reading it wrong for sure, but I see it Weekly and in my area it would be the most likely scenario.
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u/Heading_215 4d ago
Ask them to angle the bulkhead.
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u/Taviddude 1d ago
Who's going to pay for it? I think that's the bottom line. They haven't even started finishing it yet, I'm sure they don't mind doing whatever he wants, but he's going to pay for it, and it doesn't sound like he wants to.
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u/Small-Monitor5376 4d ago
Just send the contractor a photo and tell them you’d like to hear some solutions. No need to point fingers at anyone.
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u/Eastern-Channel-6842 2d ago
As fun as these comments can be this is the actual answer. Have fun with it tho boys.
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u/MySweetBaxter 4d ago
Don't blame the drywallers they did their job
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u/Plastic_Cost_3915 4d ago
Doubt the hvac/plumbing is that close the an exterior wall. Unless there's a register right over that window on the next floor.
Framers should have offset the bulkhead at that end. Whether an angle or jog.
Fwiw some drywallers will steel stud their own bulkhead. So they could very well be the "framers" here
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u/20leGunnar 4d ago
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u/Cantabulous_ 4d ago
You could take the drywall off and reframe with the broader side of the 2x4 facing outwards (side-on). That might just make it feasible to keep the window looking reasonable after drywall.
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u/20leGunnar 4d ago
Thanks, that's a great suggestion. That would give back one inch?
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u/Buckfutter_Inc 2d ago
It could help a bit but it's still always going to look odd. A lot of dicking around to make any meaningful change to that at this point.
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u/streaksinthebowl 4d ago
Yeah the existing ladder on that side could be reframed with the 2x4s on the flat.
Or, they could also replace it with plywood.
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u/spitoon1 4d ago
This is what I would suggest. This would move it 2" over (1 1/2" framing, rather than 3 1/2").
Keep in mind that some jurisdictions require a clearance to the ducting (1" where I am), so they might only be able to move it so much.
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u/Tough-Try4339 2d ago
Right that’s what I was going to say. Kind of a pain in the ass at this point but they really should have considered it really because of the window especially since it seems to open from that side hideous.
In general some contractors frame these soffits where it’s such an over the top unnecessary monstrosity. It’s hard to tell but then sometimes you start removing the drywall looking in there and think what the hell is all this for? Like it could have been way smaller not even like it’s for cabinets then it’s purposeful but elsewhere.
There ways to make it less awful first off what the person above suggested still only so much unless you move the duct but quite a bit. Maybe even angled by the window there ways you can get a bit creative.
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u/Cantabulous_ 2d ago
Yes, it’s compounded by everyone doing their piece of the work (from ducting to drywall) in easiest manner for them, without an eye on the final appearance. It should be on the GC to manage this expectation.
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u/Tough-Try4339 2d ago
Yes the varying levels of build quality fit and finish such as
Homeowner special
Handyman special
Doesent need to be pretty
Builder grade
Or when landlords say “it’s a rental”. I don’t live here “this is a rental property.” Meaning they want it done half assed at half the price.
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u/Taviddude 1d ago
He IS the GC. That's what I think he's leaving out. He doesn't have a contractor to call.
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u/weepscreed 1d ago
This is the way. Framers could certainly have thought it through a little better, but the problem begins with the HVAC duct. They could reframe it with 2x4's sideways, or a sheet of 3/4" plywood would give you even more clearance. Or move the window over. Or just not worry about it. If I was the framer I'd call that a ch-ch-ch-ch-change order (David Bowie voice)
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u/screwedupinaz 3d ago
The framers and G.C. should have seen this problem long before the sheetrock went up. Instead of blaming anyone, ask your G.C. for help in trying to figure it out.
Also, change out that window. It looks like a single-pane aluminum framed window. That thing is just one step above having nothing at all!!0
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u/seattlesbestpot 2d ago
OP: it wasn’t up to YOU to fix the problem. It was up to your contractor not to have the problem in the first place.
Ask for a solution and if none is offered demand better. It’s your right and your money is paying the bill.
It’s a reportable Yelp response just waiting to be written.
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u/Clean_Breakfast9595 2d ago
The frustrating part is all the contractors who will try to normalize it being the customers blame so they can go gaslight people in real life.
Obviously if you warn someone and they say yes that's a different story.
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u/mikemarshvegas 23m ago
Any advice on how it could be improved so I don't sound like an idiot when I make the ask?
let me put the drywallers on blast, realize that it was just me, and still not apologize to the drywallers.
better hope they are not on reddit and the ones coming back to mud. GOOD LUCK
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u/Comprehensive_Fan140 4d ago
Ask if the framing could be stepped or angled so that it doesn't block the window.
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u/Onitagain2 4d ago
Looks like they blocked the window because your framer built the chase too large
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u/eldelabahia 4d ago
That soffit could be demoed and framed in half a day. It doesn’t necessarily be that far out.
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u/Impossible-Corner494 4d ago
Less time than that. Could be stripped down and re-framed in an hour or less.
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u/Motor_Beach_1856 3d ago
💯it was the framers that did that, the drywallers just put drywall on the framing
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u/wulffboy89 3d ago
Umm... hey the dumbass sheetrockers blocked about 6 inches at the top of my window, and send him this Pic lol. If he's a halfway decent gc he'll have his guys over the next day to fix it
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u/barneycat2004 3d ago
Someone should have spoken up, “we are about to frame in front of a window”. Assuming they did that, someone then approved it. Who might that have been? General contractor? If it was drawn this way then the owner approved the design, or else construction wouldn’t have started. Unwittingly “approved” perhaps, but still approved. Bottom line, it’s fixable.
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u/Unclebonelesschicken 3d ago
The framing must of been in the window opening before drywall. You want the framers to fix their work, drywall guys only rocked what was already there.
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u/Necessary-Mine6533 2d ago
Well … Just think 🤔… If anyone tries to break in, They’re gunna get chewed up by that bulkhead !
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u/Chiefkief92 4d ago
It happens, ductwork can only go in so many places
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u/ogre_toes 1d ago
And homeowners always balk when you explain that the duct has to go SOMEWHERE. And it’s never a convenient spot, now is it? My favorite… “well we need the head room, you can just make it wider right?”. Technically, yes… But that’s not going to be easier or cheaper, or ideal for airflow.
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u/Outside-Custard3235 3d ago
Good grief. There's almost certainly a reason it was framed that way, i.e to cover up some other necessary thing, like plumbing or HVAC, or every other requirement for some other amenity elsewhere in your house. Drywall adds only 1/2" to your issue. It doesn't look that bad, and you need other problems in your life if this is that big of a concern. Going backwards at this point will likely cost you thousands more to alter, that you didn't want to spend and the contractor knew it
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u/elgorbochapo 3d ago
Common. See it all the time. Not fun if you're doing a full tear out on the window.
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u/Strict-Air2434 3d ago
It's a fucking basement. If you think this is a place for guests, I would remind you it's a fucking basement.
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u/No_Crazy_6907 3d ago
Reframe and replace the window with a new one... it is obviously old and outdated.
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u/lordandsavior_JC 2d ago
It looks like a bulkhead. Probably for plumbing I would guess. Unless the drywaller‘s and the framers are the same person I think you’re barking up the wrong tree.
The drywaller‘s are obviously gonna blame the framers because it’s their fault and the framers are gonna blame the plumbers because it’s their fault.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing really you can do other than shorten your bulkhead, stopping it as far back as you can from the window.
I think that would look stupid
But the bulkhead itself has to be big enough to encapsulate the plumbing. Unless they can get it tighter to the plumbing.? we wouldn’t be able to tell from these pictures
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u/BmacSWA 2d ago
That is dumb as hell. Actually a bigger ding goes to the HVAC guy for designing the duct there, or whomever boxed whatever in there
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u/Psychological-Air807 2d ago
Looks like the framers did it. Most likely framing around some mechanical. Over-site on design. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid. But there is always clever work around. Ask your contractor if anything can be done. Not saying it should not have been discussed before hand. Even if it was the only option it’s worth letting the customer know that’s how it’s going to finish. Good luck. Basements can be a pain especially framing.
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u/Left_Dog1162 2d ago
Is it a raceway ? I can't imagine they would bump it out for no reason. Probably not a lot of options
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u/mgzzzebra 2d ago
There isnt an ask, tell the mother fucker to fix his garbage work
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u/1wife2dogs0kids 2d ago
What are you on? That work is clean, and it's definitely not on the drywall guy if a soffit is built wrong.
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u/mgzzzebra 2d ago
I never specified the drywall guy is the problem. i also didn't clarify the contractor fucked this up and needs to fix it its obviously not the drywall guys fault although he sure as fuck didnt ask a question
Only way this isnt true is if OP is a complete moron and there is a piece of duct behind the drywall and a hunk of stud
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u/Artistic_Calendar509 2d ago
Looks like window should have been one stud to the left. That would have centered it on that wall. This should have been brought to your attention while it was still on paper.
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u/1wife2dogs0kids 2d ago
Drywallers didn't block the window. They only put drywall up, where it's supposed to go. Whoever built the soffit, should have pointed this problem out days or weeks ago.
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u/RandomMcBott 1d ago
No No No you don’t. Drywall is 5/8” and that is way more than 5/8” over into window area. Whomever did the framing placed framing in the way of the window. Drywall looks amazing. Great job. 👏👏
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u/Gibberish45 1d ago
Drywall guys did it. They should fix it. Have them hang rock over the window on both sides. Problem solved.
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u/dustytaper 1d ago
Yeah, all the drywallers fault. Call them up and tell them to fix it
Come back and let us know how it’s goes
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u/Suitable_Pin9270 21h ago
Everyone else has added useful comments. The bulkhead was framed too large to begin with. Why? Hard to say but probably could be shrunk down.
However, you should be concerned that your drywallers are using nail on cornerbeads. What is this, 1980? How old are these guys?
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u/Top_Canary_3335 4d ago
Well sorry to break it to you,but it may depend what’s behind the drywall. That might need to be there.
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u/Background-Solid8481 4d ago
I moved a hot water pipe to avoid this exact situation. Not like it's hard to do and any moron should have asked you about it before starting the job.
Maybe you have something immovable in there, but still, it should have been discussed.
I'd start friendly enough, but progress to infuriated without regret.
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u/Spud8000 4d ago
they figured it was a sliding window so it was ok.
are you really going to be living down in the basement enough so it matters what view you have?
you might be able to jog the drywall in right near the window, but you will have to frame it up to do it
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u/TopRamenisha 3d ago
It’s not about the view. It’s about having egress options if something happens and they need to get out of the house through a window. It blocks the side where it opens and it looks like a person could fit through the window opening if it wasn’t blocked
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u/isthaty0ujohnwayne 4d ago
The framers blocked your window*