I'm guessing you end up with 50 ft of kitchen, counting appliances and island- 400 ft of flooring. Assuming you are moving toward the exterior of the house? That may make the gas line not a big deal. Don't see the structure as likely a big deal but then I haven't looked at it :) Venting out could be an issue. Then budget might look like (in thousands): Cab 50 ft kitchen 30-65 counter 8-15 electric 6-8 install 20-30 floor 400ft 6-9 structure 0-2.5 gas line 0.6-1.5 sink(s) faucet(s) 0.8-3 misc 1-3 venting 0.6-2 total 73-139 These are all off the top of my head- Hudson Valley NY. The most accurate are the cabinet numbers-still a guess based on my brands semi custom to can't get much better (but can spend more) Looking at the house my guess is the higher number is more appropriate. Then pick a number and talk with someone to see if they can do what you want for the number you want. If you end up doing it would love to hear back where it ended up- like guessing how many jelly beans in a jar :)

here are a couple of ideas to get you thinking. you'll have to know setbacks, grade/drainage and sun exposure at the very least to consider this, but it's a start anyway. how about a small perpendicular mud room size in front of the bulkhead--it'll add a lot to the plain front of the home and perhaps badly needed natural light to the downstairs. otoh if you can afford it remove the center stairway entirely and relocate it and the bulkhead to wherever makes the most sense for your family. we did that fifteen years ago (not a split level) and gained a humungous room which has become our master suite. hope that helps!

I think that a lot of people get themselves into a jam by focusing on "who is supposed to" pay for what. I don't think there were ever any RULES about that, and even the customs varied from community to community (geographic, ethnic, etc.). Today, I think that the most you can do is to try to figure out what is customary in your and your future in-laws' community/ies, if what you are really after is finding out "how things are done these days." But I think that is probably a red herring. I would worry less about "how things are done," and figure out what is right for YOU and the families involved in THIS wedding. I think that it is lovely that you are so generous. Duckie's advice is excellent. Decide what you can afford and offer to contribute it. Or, if you prefer, you might offer to host a rehearsal dinner -- and then plan what you want and spend whatever you please, as you are the hosts. Have fun! Congratulations on your son's engagement and your own anniversary!

I'm afraid I don't fully understand the plans. Where is the window in the little eating area (below the AC, beside the one sad red chair)? My first thought was what about a kitchen with no upper cabinets? You could run lower cabs / countertops right to that half wall above the living area, getting rid of the "bridge" of upper cabinets. Maybe a shallow pantry cabinet on the load bearing wall, and possibly shallower cabinets opposite it as well depending on the aisle space available.