I have a feeling that the tax preparer took another shortcut and just used last years return to do this one so it was missed again. 

Again, the solution(s) may take months or even years to sort out.During the process of figuring out the cause(s) of the problem and the solution(s), you'll be paying a structural engineer (and potentially other pros like hydrologists, framing experts, foundation pros, etc.).

There are multiple ways to do this so just get clear and become an expert through studying and asking the right questions.

Feel free to message me with any questions and what areas you are considering.

Pick your top 3-5 filtering questions and include them in your post to be answered by any PMC interested:)Please feel free to PM us if you'd like to chat about creating those questions:)

Feel free to reach out with any questions!

But I feel the competition is not as much.

It gives you a false feeling of success, but really slows you down.

I want to do things the right way, but feel the pressure of a tight budget that will get drained considerably by the permit fee and multiple inspection fees. 

Or paint the perimeter cabinets in a warm white and accent the island in another darker color for a contrast that feels like it's a piece of furniture.Black Door Lever Hardware and Plumbing Hardware, Cabinet Hardware, Accents and Light Fixtures are a nice pop that feels modern and cohesive.