First

Our Architect's proposal and fee schedule. I cleared the amounts. A plan creates a thing. Like when you loan or borrow money. The loan becomes a real instrument when it has a schedule for repayment and due dates and all of it is written and agreed to by the parties concerned. Anyone can do this. So, we have hired an Architect and paid a retainer. It makes this a real thing.
The first problem is a structural defect wherein the upstairs is on competition with the downstairs to relocate to the basement. Our Architect will seek a structural engineer to do a proper and legal evaluation. We find this important as we hope this unavoidable repair work will be covered in whole or in part by our homeowners policy. Some neighbors say yes, some, no. Becky is fit to be tied.
We don't know where or how we will come up with the money for this, but we can't just sit back and wonder what will happen next. It may run in the $10,000 range. BUT, in keeping with my vision, it may be possible for me to do the demolition work myself as well as the Sheetrock and finish work. We would get a Federal Historic National Parks grade structural repair and upgrade on our house for the lowest possible cost given my ability to apply my trade work and given the economic climate at this time.
This structural improvement is to be made in accord with the rest of the improvement plan to follow. As those plans are made we will know what to do next. It may be that we undertake a garage with an apartment which will provide us with rental income. But that is probably a year away.