The shower will be a 30-inch walk-in made of tile. 

do granite if you can find one of the independents with the tools/connections.... half bulnose/flat in a pattern and really common color.ikea has really cheap formica (almost to the point of per/renter  expandable) but you need a quick and good handyman.formica also makes solid surface (not just foil)... not sure how it handles a hot pot and knife cutting....you can also do really large porcelain/granite tiles (18-20"+ inches) with very thin grout lines...concrete can go with a very good sealer, and somebody who knows what to do.but in the end, you want something you can replicate again and again with not a lot of headaches down the road...continuous success

As long as the hump (like the side of a bathtub) is lower than the top of the tank (maybe six inches below the top of the unit itself), siphon action will pull the last of the water out.How often do I do it?

Hi, I have no idea how long it takes to wear out a 3/8 inch of granite tile.

If you see cracks, have the foundation inspected by a professional to assess the problem, especially if they measure more than three-sixteenths of an inch.

Most in that price range use 2 inch wood/faux blinds or shutters...IMO , I would include at least on all front windows....in my affordable homes I include mini blinds on all front windows...

According to the drawings, the differential is about 12 inches from back to front. 

specifically I was thinking about general cost on plumbing and drains on a 50x150 lot w alley sewer access and say a 30x50 or 30x60 by 6 inch thick concrete slab.

If you have a long blind that cost $50 then specify that specifically-60 inch blind or something along those lines.

This would make it far older than 1952, and, since it is covered in old growth 12 inch fir planks, the lumber could be multiple times the age of the house.