@Minh LeNow that you laid out the pros and cons, we don't feel like being shut in the dark anymore in this issue and makes life a lot easier for both of us.  

- The contractor let me know that there is a lack of shut-off valves in the kitchen and bathrooms. 

Monday night I got a call about the bath tub not shutting off, only half way.

In fact, it is within a half mile of the large convention center and many restaurants and shopping centers.Think of it this way, the previous owner put his spin on the numbers and manufactured a positive result.

It's called character :) I want to cry when people tear out original details/completely gut old homes.As far as the windows, if they are in good condition/work (they aren't painted shut) then keep them.

Well he is shutting down shop and I cannot provide current insurance so I had to level with them that he has been fired.

It sounds like he's saying that he can by-pass the line under the slab and just route a new line directly to the main shut-off -- this is actually what I'd recommend (and what we've done a half-dozen times) and paying $3000 for that is ridiculous as well.

Some restaurants, colleges, and more are starting to ban smoking within 25 feet of their doors.

I currently work in a restaurant making 60k a year.

Restaurants close daily, is it because they don't have product?