Had a phone conversation with the architect. We will not be renovating the MIL's house. The cost would be outrageous. He said the typical cost for the area is $130.00 per sq. ft. He was very honest about how it all works even though he lost a client LOL. He would rather be honest about how much it runs. He did say that it is cheaper to level a house and start over than it is to do a major renovation.
She has a room that we know is not permitted, just to redo that one room would be approximately $31,000. The garage would be more than $31,000 for that alone. Not to mention all the updates I would need to have done before moving in there. The kitchen etc...... Just too much. That's not even talking about the pool. That needs a face lift also. I know there has to be a leak or something going on with it. Not worth doing at this point. If it needs any major repair, she would rather fill it in. LOL I don't have the heart to tell her that it would have to be removed instead of filling in.
Now we are looking at other options. Damn. I was hoping this would have worked out. I don't want to take this to a contractor that would cut corners and do non permitted work.
Back to looking at properties. If we do decide to have a custom house built, I know how much his fees are for plans. $5.00 per sq ft. is his price. That still is a good chunk of change. Say I want a 2,500 sq ft house = $12,500 just for his fee.
I wish I was rich