"Could the Appraiser and Survey be incorrect?" Oh yes ... especially if there were lot splits, and other things going on. I can think of one instance from Phoenix where the house had been built before permits were required, built on a lot split from a larger property and slid past tax assessors until the original owner/builder died. The legal records started in the 1980s for a house built in the 1930s. And the handwriting on the old records is not always legible. Many areas like that began to be built up in the mid to late 20s as custom and spec homes. Then there is a gap for the depression and WWII and building starts up again.

I would stain the wood beam and corbels a dark brown. Here are some Benjamin Moore colors I think would be nice. I found that the darker colors seemed to look better than some of the lighter ones I originally picked. With any one of these, there is an opportunity to add more color in the soffit and gable ends. I sampled Storm Cloud Gray on the garage.

A few terrible photos… open floor plan between the fireplace/living/dining/kitchen. Lots of natural light. Expose pine vaulted ceilings .Red oak floors (barf- but is what it is) cherry kitchen cabinets… carpet will be an warm ‘oatmeal’ coloring- both with beige and greys… seriously struggling- thanks!

"You have a contemporary, American, suburban home with some Craftsman finishing flourishes tacked on." It just goes to show how little I know about home styles. LOL! I just thought so because that's what it said in the listing. "I don't understand why you have to change the counters." Well, it sort of evolved into that. Almost all contractors who came to look said that they will have to figure out how to take it down. Would probably damage tiles & countertops in that area, even flooring. Then, my teenager mentioned that somebody might get hurt from the rough edges. My tile contractor said he could smooth all the rough edges, but, only if there is enough space (1 inch) from the cabinets. Then, someone else pointed out all the obvious seams on the big counter and how seamless counter might look nicer. Then, another contractor said it's obviously done by out of town contractor (due to 3cm think quartz being used which is easier but not preferred and everyone in town uses 2cm). And all of a sudden, we are pricing and buying countertops :D. Also, as we are doing all the other work, the home would be empty for the next 3 to 6 months. So, perfect time to get everything done. Hard to do anything once we move in with the kids. Been at the current one for 10 years. Couldn't even manage to change the carpet that we planned to when we first got it :D. "The other thing you could do is look into just changing the uppers" Thank you for the virtual sample. I know. Since it's like that the whole house (upstairs & downstairs, so lots of work), for now, I'm thinking of leaving that decision until we are painting the wall. "Maybe try to sell the hood" Definitely. If they could take it down without damage, I would. So far, all contractors who came said (a) no idea how to take it down (b) would likely damage it. So, we'll see when they get it down. --- Well, more changes. We just visited a tile store. The lady there got an interior design degree and obvious talent. I think we are now going with her suggestion of Soho Gold Quartzite & Marin Sand Dollar tile for backsplash.