For example, Ford Motor Company: they build cars that are much nicer than any single super-duper-expert guru mechanical engineer could ever build.  

 $60k is a big chunk of change, depending on how you have your coverage structured and if the loss is covered etc, and if its roof or mechanically related, you might get some nice capital improvements by filing the claim on the insurance dime -- will just have to weigh the pro's / con's and the financial aspects of your different decisions available to you.  

I know lots about construction, electrical, mechanical, and operating heavy equipment.

@Andrew Davis has some good advice.I think you should definitely have an inspection with a qualified home inspector, but know that they will just give you their opinion on the major mechanicals in the home.

It was therefore only eligible for minimal restoration (mechanicals, untaped sheetrock).

What is the mechanism? 

You may wish to confirm that the new 401k provider has experience with the particular investments in which you intend to invest your retirement funds as you very likely will have questions in terms of the mechanics (e.g. how do you invest in real estate, etc.).3.

I believe this is an Acute Sensory Mechanism take over lol .

Hi Jesse,Depends on the amount of renovation needed to be done with mechanics especially.

If you trust your contractor, they could actually file a mechanics lien, to be removed at closing.