It makes sense to me to start with a standard contract, put these vital items in there.  

We cut sections of rigid foam insulation (scraps from another job) to the size of the hatch and glue them to the topside of the hatch like a layer cake such that the top of the insulation is at, or just above, our new (12" high) skirt when the hatch is in-place.  

XPS) - probably in two layers: a thin layer which extends behind your wall framing (say 3/4 - 1") and a thinker layer in the cavities (1.5 - 2").

There are lots of formats and books on rehabbing that include tons of estimating forms and calculators.I want to add, however, that repair estimates is vital and learning how will be a huge part of the buying/renovating process if you plan to continue.

Anyways I got the pictures together and here they are.Here is a list of what we did in the kitchen- Remove 3 layers of flooring- Laid down underlayment to cover up imperfections in the floor- Refinished white formica countertops with Rustoleum Countertop Transformations - http://countertops.rustoleumtransformations.com/- Used Deglossing solution to prep cabinets, and then painted cabinets- Sanded cabinets because deglossing solution didn't work and the new paint was peeling. - Painted the cabinets a second time- Installed Trafficmaster Allure Resilient Vinyl Plank Flooring in Sedona- Installed new trim- Bought a great sink at auction for $85 (retail $500+)- New Faucet- Installed Bar Pulls in Satin Nickle and matching hinges- Painted kitchen and new trim- New Frigidaire Range- Refinished front of Dishwasher with Rustoleum Epoxy Appliance Paint.

No matter your RE strategy,building your team is of vital importance.

Bathroom, not while house) because I like to see for myself the "layers" as they peel off.

For me this is the real power of investing in Amsterdam.For an out of country investor it is vital to have a good person and or company to do this for you, it has to be as passive as possible.

Basically they sand the floors, but only the finish layers, they don't actually cut the wood.

However, there is a hole in old left bottom wood window sill, and looking in the hole you can clearly see that the outer layer of front brick on lower left section ( front has 3 layers of brick) is peeling forward and separated from inner layer by at least 4 inches.