Bob's idea of a study niche may come with some significant costs, like foundation (or can we just build on top of the garage slab?) and the cost of cleaning up the wall toward the LR, i.e., most prominently moving the furnace and water heater away from the wall. There seem to be two very different ways of approaching this move. Either we will just move everything and run vents and pipes into the crawlspace from the outside. The problem is just that there isn't a whole lot of space available. Another option might be to make the floor in the study niche the same level as the LR, allowing us to run vents and pipes there.
I thought I would gather some data from the HVAC experts. I have asked Degree HVAC and Atlas to come and look at the project [the Atlas guy turned out to be hard to communicate with, so instead I contacted Rebholtz Mechanical]. Here is my question to them:
1) What would be the cost of replacing my old furnace, all installation included?
- with a 80+
- with a 90+
- with a packaged central air conditioner
2) What is the state of the duct work? and what would it cost to repair or replace?
3) What would be the additional cost (relative to item 1) of relocating all plumbing away from the south wall? Ideas for destination: outside on east wall.
