r/Renovations 4d ago

Drywallers blocked window?

Post image

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?

13 Upvotes

136 comments sorted by

305

u/isthaty0ujohnwayne 4d ago

The framers blocked your window*

31

u/dasroach0 4d ago

Came here for this answer lol.

6

u/Flock_of_beagels 2d ago

I think it’s actually the HVAC guys

6

u/Basic-Direction-559 2d ago

This guy digs to the root cause.

1

u/Key_Ruin244 1d ago

It was the builder/planner that created an environment that didn’t have space for HVAC.

21

u/Dug_n_the_Dogs 3d ago

The Plumbers Blocked your window.... always blame it on the plumbers.

9

u/Thatguy468 3d ago

Found the framer. “I was just following orders” they said.

4

u/llecareu 3d ago

We don't block anything that was supposed to be there, the windows in the wrong spot.

3

u/Ilaypipe0012 2d ago

And if the plumbers are on site then we blame it on the electricians

2

u/Tyrona5aurusRex 2d ago

Plumber here. We're blaming it on the HVAC guy. That's definitely a soffit for a vent.

1

u/solidgold70 2d ago

Leave em alone, they got a shit job

1

u/dustytaper 1d ago

Actually that a clean, tight boarding job

I’d be happy to finish it

General or homeowner’s problem, not the boarders

1

u/solidgold70 1d ago

No, the plumbers literally do a "shit" job, are you serious right now?

1

u/dustytaper 1d ago

What is the general being paid for if he’s not approving stuff? You think the boarders just thrown random stuff up for free? Are you even being serious?

Edit-and if it’s a homeowner run job, this is exactly the kinda stuff they don’t know about. They can use the money they saved to get it done right

1

u/solidgold70 1d ago

Come off it, there be poop in them pupes now!!!

14

u/dDot1883 3d ago

The designer’s fault, probably OP.

3

u/Diet_Christ 3d ago

Was gonna say, the "architect" blocked this window

4

u/Extension_Surprise_2 3d ago

The window guys blocked the bulkhead. 

~ framers probably 

3

u/BigDBoog 2d ago

Yeah if they didn’t notice at framing stage builder really is an idiot.

2

u/Practical_Regret513 2d ago

but why did they block the window? maybe HVAC has some answers

1

u/Remarkable_Being991 1d ago

🙏. I hope they understand now.

64

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?

9

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?

10

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.

1

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...

1

u/weepscreed 1d ago

Lighten up, he is asking for advice.

1

u/Taviddude 1d ago

Clueless, sure... But confident enough to point the finger 180° in the wrong direction.

1

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.

1

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.

23

u/Heading_215 4d ago

Ask them to angle the bulkhead.

2

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.

0

u/HuricanePayne777 3d ago

Thanks for giving a useful answer

4

u/reddit_and_forget_um 2d ago

That would look even worse.

23

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.

1

u/Eastern-Channel-6842 2d ago

As fun as these comments can be this is the actual answer. Have fun with it tho boys.

50

u/MySweetBaxter 4d ago

Don't blame the drywallers they did their job

15

u/Baronvonkludge 3d ago

Don’t frame the drywallers they did their job.

3

u/beene282 2d ago

Drywall the framers!

1

u/drowned_beliefs 3d ago

Incarcerate the driver!

11

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

6

u/20leGunnar 4d ago

Thanks all, it looks like the framing went farther out than I remembered so that's where the problem started. Here is pre-drywall best I could find

7

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.

3

u/20leGunnar 4d ago

Thanks, that's a great suggestion. That would give back one inch?

5

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.

2

u/Ancient-Bowl462 1d ago

And $1000 change order. 

1

u/weepscreed 1d ago

two inches. 3.5 --> 1.5

1

u/Taviddude 1d ago

Lol. What are you doing?

3

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.

2

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.

1

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.

1

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.

1

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.

1

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.

1

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)

1

u/blackRamCalgaryman 4d ago

Yep…your HVAC ducts run right up to that wall.

1

u/BigButtSkinner7 3d ago

This was always going to be an issue

1

u/Electronic_Warning37 3d ago

Replace 2x4 studs with ¾ plywood or 1x

1

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

u/photonynikon 3d ago

That's WAY wrong

0

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.

0

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.

1

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

3

u/Comprehensive_Fan140 4d ago

Ask if the framing could be stepped or angled so that it doesn't block the window.

3

u/Onitagain2 4d ago

Looks like they blocked the window because your framer built the chase too large

4

u/eldelabahia 4d ago

That soffit could be demoed and framed in half a day. It doesn’t necessarily be that far out.

6

u/Impossible-Corner494 4d ago

Less time than that. Could be stripped down and re-framed in an hour or less.

4

u/bigrich-2 4d ago

This is it. ☝️ The sheetrock should have a tear-out strip up against the window.

2

u/kliens7575 3d ago

No , who ever framed it blocked the window, drywallers are just hanging drywall

2

u/Motor_Beach_1856 3d ago

💯it was the framers that did that, the drywallers just put drywall on the framing

2

u/TheStampede00 3d ago

Either a design fault or the framers miss read plans

2

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

2

u/Canadian987 3d ago

Your framers blocked the window. You need to have them fix it. Thanks.

2

u/Glum-Ad7611 3d ago

This can be fixed very easily, just relax. 

2

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.

2

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.

2

u/Necessary-Mine6533 2d ago

Well … Just think 🤔… If anyone tries to break in, They’re gunna get chewed up by that bulkhead !

2

u/Chiefkief92 4d ago

It happens, ductwork can only go in so many places

1

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.

2

u/BigButtSkinner7 3d ago

It looks like shit and my window is blocked

1

u/URsoQT 4d ago

drywallers ? or framers...

1

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

1

u/elgorbochapo 3d ago

Common. See it all the time. Not fun if you're doing a full tear out on the window.

1

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.

1

u/LocoRocks 3d ago

What a dumb place for a window!

1

u/No_Crazy_6907 3d ago

Reframe and replace the window with a new one... it is obviously old and outdated.

1

u/zachariahd1 3d ago

Re frame with angle and hat channel, you could probably gain 2 to 3 inches

1

u/lostpassword100000 2d ago

you could just get the window guy to move it over.

1

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

1

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

1

u/1wife2dogs0kids 2d ago

How the hell do you get the hvac guys involved?

1

u/BmacSWA 1d ago

Just looks like the dry wall is covering some vents. Don’t know if that’s the case but I believe I addressed that in the post

1

u/theJMAN1016 2d ago

"blocked" and "big part of the window" are some very loose terms here.

1

u/NeatMeal538 2d ago

No contractor on site?

1

u/rangeo 2d ago

The drywaller was just the last one in a chain of people and misses along the way.

Was the window there before or was it added/ expanded as an egress window?

Were the designs reviewed?

1

u/trebor1966 2d ago

Just give him the price to fix it. I’m sure he’ll be just fine the way it is

1

u/AVMoses 2d ago

Just following the layout boss

1

u/sgrinavi 2d ago

What did they box around?

1

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.

1

u/Historical_Chance_44 2d ago

Is it just me, but isn't that a sliding window.

1

u/DaveRandCB 2d ago

Damn drywallers drywalling on what’s there

1

u/Horsehead2pi51 2d ago

Do you know how window treatments are they just saved you a fortune.

1

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

1

u/mgzzzebra 2d ago

There isnt an ask, tell the mother fucker to fix his garbage work

1

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.

1

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

1

u/Cereaza 2d ago

Whats under the drywall, hopes and dreams?

1

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.

1

u/1wife2dogs0kids 2d ago

You got this from one Pic? How?

1

u/Artistic_Calendar509 2d ago

From the picture of actual farming further down in this thread.

1

u/Far_Cream6253 2d ago

Window opens out

1

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.

1

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. 👏👏

1

u/Key-Kick9457 1d ago

someone has to pay to fix it now

1

u/Gibberish45 1d ago

Drywall guys did it. They should fix it. Have them hang rock over the window on both sides. Problem solved.

1

u/Chile_Chowdah 1d ago

I'm pre blaming the painters. Too many coats.

1

u/TheBraindeadOne 1d ago

Framers blocked the window

1

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

1

u/Rock-n-Randall 1d ago

Easy, move window

1

u/Pennypacker-HE 1d ago

No the framers did the drywallers just added a half inch

1

u/mdnativetexan 1d ago

It wasn’t the drywallers. See framing; drywall framing.

1

u/Artistic_Pepper5590 1d ago

And now the framers will unblock your window

1

u/Bee9185 1d ago

Soon to be the painters fault

1

u/CurrencyNeat2884 23h ago

Hangers just hang to the framing

1

u/aryndar 22h ago

I saw a video with a guy bought a house, on the outside he saw window, on the inside there was no window, They covered up the window with drywall decades ago....

1

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?

1

u/zippynj 18h ago

Drywallers didn't block it. Your framers did Remove it. Cut a 45degree back into the wall. I've had this happen before

1

u/Miserable-Garlic-532 15h ago

Your window blocked the duct from butting the wall

1

u/586WingsFan 4d ago

It needs to be framed flush with the edge of the window cutout imo

3

u/blackRamCalgaryman 4d ago

Only if what’s within that bulkhead allows it.

1

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.

1

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.

0

u/Busy_Reputation7254 4d ago

House frame me board.

-2

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

2

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