I started with a bedroom: removed the trim, window casings, outlet/switch covers, and popcorn ceiling.

Both pros and consPROCESS MANAGEMENTHave punctuated check-ins to prevent expensive reversals of major work (closed walls, etc)Some incorporate 12–13 check points for renos (dry wall, plumbing, inspection, etc)Include others on team as needed like architect, structural engineer, designer = creates system of checks & balancesGCs may oppose very specific timelines since much uncertainty with availability of sub-vendorsManage timeline of how long different team members stay on, e.g. architect may only stay on through primary buildIf GC is already working nearby on another property, reno can move faster by limiting GC travel time from other jobs, etcContractors not always great project mgrs — CDP reviewed manpower & timeline plan with GC, and gave input that took multiple wks off project timelineBe particularly present around property for finishings, and KNOW your preferences (outlet placement, etc)A good GC is very adept at managing inspections — knows what inspector is looking for, avoids common pitfallsKnow your “snowball” problems (e.g. one bad decision upfront impacts MUCH future work)MISCELLANEOUSFor foundation, can have slab vs stilts / raised — slab tougher for work like plumbing since limited accessWhat permits / processes can you look up and manage in advance / get started early on?

A lamp caught fire, damaging the outlet and causing $400 damage to the flooring.

2) The electrical outlets 3pronged and non-grounded.

Here, maybe this will be interesting/helpful to you - I am currently working on doing this right now with my own property, which happens to have a nearly identical loan amount as yours, and there is $50,000 in equity I could refi out. Let

Hey Bill,I put together my own spreadsheet that works well for me that allows me to write in sq ft of rooms, # of items that need repair (windows, outlets, doors, can lights, etc) and so on.

GFCI outlets ($150)Washer and Dryer not working ($400)Safety glass in bathrooms (free - I can do this)Replace toilet ($400)Fix hot water supply to shower ($500-1000)Water heater is original ($500)Windows seals as windows are foggy-replace windows (suggested but not required)Upper unit needs new flooring and countertops likely. 

I have never negotiated build out before and I understand that I was going to need to add some walls and outlets anyway.

Yea that is definitely a hard situation to get out of and I hope you can work it out. Let

You can also look inside the panel (or have someone qualified do that) and see if there are any Al wires.You can look at the other end (fixtures, switches, outlets) but this may not tell you as it was/is common practice to pig-tail copper onto Al to allow Cu fixtures and switches to be used (they are far cheaper).