I'd suggest attempting the simple aesthetic repairs yourself (drywall finishing, painting, staining, etc.) and save other work for the more experienced folks.

Without limitation of the foregoing, it is the intention of Landlord and Tenant that Landlord shall maintain complete aesthetic control over any and every portion of the Premises visible from outside of the Premises.

He's the numbers guy and I have experience with construction and aesthetics so we will make a good team.

@Luc Boiron I would also suggest removing the trim, from more of an aesthetic perspective.

Typically you are not deciding to use glass for thermal performance but for other reason like aesthetics. https://www.lowes.com/pd/SEVES-Glass-Block-Glass-Block-Common-8-in-H-x-8-in-W-x-4-in-D-Actual-7-75-in-H-x-7-75-in-W-x-3-875-in-D/1000095299This window is R-0 but I think the info is not provided here. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-30001-Series-Tilting-Vinyl-Double-Pane-Double-Strength-Replacement-Basement-Hopper-Window-Rough-Opening-32-25-in-x-14-25-in-Actual-31-75-in-x-13-75-in/3683856This window is R-3.33   (U-value is reciprocal of the R-value)  1/0.3 = 3.33https://www.lowes.com/pd/ThermaStar-by-Pella-Vinyl-Double-Pane-Annealed-Replacement-Double-Hung-Window-Rough-Opening-27-75-in-x-45-75-in-Actual-27-5-in-x-45-5-in/3119077

Over the cobblestone on the outside was a 1/2 inch thick facade that looked like a block foundation (purely aesthetic).

I have had some issues with this in the past where the inspection only focused on aesthetics to the exclusion of compliance with local building code?

Generally, you do not want the county to inspect and tell you what is wrong as you may open a Pandora's box of fines and fees.Some people just punk ADU's  in and don't worry about the permitting but that approach may open you up to legal issues. 

If everything is equal area, location, bedroom, bath, sqft then it comes down to layout and aesthetics. 

People will may more for less maintenance and aesthetics as they down want to spend the money to fix it up themselves.