After much discussion and prayers for guidance, we have decided to put a heating and air conditioning system into our basement which will make the air fresher and less moist. The 95 degree temperatures for most of this summer did not bring much to the party as far as a comfortable basement is concerned. We've got a great team of workers who so far have been very competent and reliable. That is to me an answered prayer. They've got a solution and are implementing it steadily with skill.
Most of our water softener room has been demolished and will be rebuilt and rearranged.
We lost a very nice clothes closet in the process but the shelving units were removed in whole pieces.
Then a Dream Closet was built for our resident "clothes horse" in an old paper storage closet using the same shelves. The truth is that the carpenter built it with one rod in the usual spot but Natalie knew that wasn't going to be big enough, so Larry came home from work and rebuilt it with two rods that evening.
This should work very well. If only I could find a new place for all the stuff I used to keep in here! The trash can is starting to look really good for all that!
Meanwhile, the HVAC man is installing duct work into a completely finished basement. That takes skill which I am definitely seeing. He is snaking the flexible tubing through the ceiling to bring air to the other side of the basement from the main trunk line and putting in air returns as well.
After the ductwork was completed, the carpenters built the bulkhead, first they covered it with plywood to be sturdy and quiet, and then drywall. These gentlemen are great about showing up for work and work all day in a very pleasant and professional manner. Although I am sure that we will enjoy a warm fire in the woodstove on the weekends, it will be wonderful to be able to heat the basement this winter by adjusting the temperature on the new thermostat!
