A bathroom remodel there would probably cost you the same $8,000, maybe $10,000 since you might be using some nicer materials....and will probably return $20,000-$25,000 in increase sales price.

Building/reno materials market used to be reasonable/rational 10 years ago.

(minus expenses) I put some sweat equity into this house ( along with $7,000 in materials) and I just received an offer last week of $250k. 

Then I went around taking lots of photos inside my storage shed on the rental property; it's huge and full of tools and materials!

- Houses, food, gas, building materials.

The rest was materials at about $75 a square.

For a more finished high end look the metal trim would have to go and the upper cupboards would extend to the end of the counter or the backsplash material continue up the wall.

If you will relent and use the right person for the job, regardless of location, and send your materials electronically, then your choices open up.  

My budget for this remodel is 45k; where 39k is to the contractor and 6k is for some materials I'm responsible for purchasing.

After inquiring into it, I was told that the company does not insure any property with any asbestos material at all.