Please post a floorplan with all the current existing measurements including location of doorways, windows and hallways and closets. It isn't possible to discuss a modification to the floorplan without viewing the floorplan. You can post here in the comment section. You will need it to be a jpg file rather than a pdf.

Personally, I don’t see any problem with having a walk in closet off of master bath. In fact, I like the idea... super convenient. As long as it is within your area’s building code guidelines, I don’t see why it would be an issue, or why you would feel you need validation for this idea (?). People take entire rooms of their existing houses to convert to custom closets, and most folks don’t view that as being odd. I don’t view it as being odd either, btw; and even if I did view it as being odd, it wouldn’t really be my business - since it’s not my house. As far as ‘’making things easier‘’ for your husband goes, though - I hope these extra modifications do work the way you intend, and that he doesn't just forego the closet - and throw his stuff on the bathroom floor!

We did something similar last year (900 sq ft. 2 story off the back of the house) and it cost us somewhere around $250,000 all said and done. However, that was before the pandemic started driving up prices and I assume our market (PNW suburb) is cheaper than the California market. You'll hear the "just move" advice a lot and I don't necessarily disagree with it. You should definitely consider both options and weigh the pros and cons. We had the plans drawn up and got bids, then spent a few months looking at larger homes that were $230,000 more than the current value of our house. Do remember that moving isn't free - it also means moving costs and realtor fees- so it's not a one to one comparison to the cost of a remodel. We were almost swayed by one house, came close to putting in an offer, but while we loved some parts of it enough to leave our current place, there were still some bits that were problematic that we wouldn't be able to fix. No other house sang to us enough to make us leave our current property- which we loved, it was just too small as the kids got bigger. So, even if it might be a little financially inefficient, we decided remodel was the way to go for us (and we will be living here for at least another decade, so that extra expense is spread over the years of enjoyment).

I also think that not a lot has changed, but here's a couple ideas. Turn your dining table the other direction and get rid of the random bar table. That will also help if you do keep your western exposure, since right now everyone sitting facing the windows will need sunglasses while eating dinner. If you turn your table, only the person at the foot will be blinded. Unless your neighbor's hill is more like a mountain, I guess. You don't need a U shaped kitchen with an island, so you can probably trim a few feet from the total width of your living/dining/kitchen space as well, which will remove a decent chunk of SF. Your kitchen definitely needs a kitchen designer. As you will definitely get your steps in (and probably some bruised hips) if you keep it as is. But some thoughts, anyway. 1. Get rid of the entire wall of cabinetry by the door. Or if you really want cabinets there, use tall narrow cabinets and no counter. But your kitchen is already large with a large pantry, so you probably don't need all of those cabs and can trim your floorplan. 2. Put your fridge at the end of the cabinet run with the cooktop/range. 3. Move the prep sink to the other side of the island. Put your seating on the side AWAY from the fridge & range. 4. Cleanup sink is good where it is (at the window). 5. If you have wall ovens (can't read the description), put them in the corner by the pantry.