I would just like to add…how nice of you to jump in and help…with the added hope that you enjoy this project as well..but my main concern is whether this house will suit her needs and is in good enough condition structurally..if those two elements are there..then maybe delay the move-in until it can be made at least partly livable..so she can be there to participate …It is often hard for mothers and daughters to work together..but it is important that she be allowed to make her own decisions/mistakes ….without too much oversight…I have had several careers in design and some of my most important lessons,successes …were learned from having to work around a mistake ..

One other option would be to build a small caretakers unit..to live in temporarily….if you have enough land to need regular help to maintain..when the big house is done …you can use it as a guesthouse or actually have a caretaker live there to help maintain/ develop the property

My first question, now that we know this house is in Mississippi, is does the A/C work? No renovation will make them happy if they are melting in the summer. Make sure the HVAC is intact from day one. The porch hangover will be a blessing if the house faces south. They won’t care if some sunlight is unavailable in the front rooms.

The property sounds enticing. I see why she needs mock ups to convince her to take on the house.