1960sbrickbungalowrenovation

So many options and various levels of upgrade that can be done on this investment. I am excited to finally close tomorrow and get some proper time in the space to plan and think it all through and create a plan.
Different levels of reno have varying price points.

Decisions to be made re: add an addition in back or work within the confines of the existing footprint. Much faster if not building an addition due to permit timelines and cost is cheaper than when needing to add a foundation...TBD
Still in planning and costing stage. Met with a couple of contractor to discuss options and will meet with architects once I have a better sense of costs and timelines to choose a direction to go.
Could consider short term rental while planning since it may take longer if do the more involved reno. Can help to add some income but can interrupt the ability to get in there and plan so its a catch 22 on that option.
Some "really want to haves" in my mind so far: relocate stairs in kitchen as they are taking up prime real estate floor space. Lay flooring to reclaim that space and remove dining room, kitchen and living room walls to open-concept the floor plan (think it is doable per initial discussions in terms of them not being load bearing)
The back nature lot this lot backs onto should remain due to creek and setback rules - cannot build back there...so feeling confident it may be a nice green space for a long time to come. It deserves that big glass wall of windows to views.
Whether that becomes an addition in back removing that brick wall or whether it just becomes a wall of windows on existing footprint is TBD.
Gain Primary Bedroom space - either using the existing dining room (which used to be a 3rd BR at one time) or again through the possibility of addition in back where Primary Bedroom is. Add Ensuite bath & Walk In closet.
Create MN FL Powder Rm
Make modern efficient and stylish kitchen with island that looks out to views in back lot.
Fix front porch. Remove current awning over door and railroad ties. Make a wider platform landing - size/width tbd - & create a covered porch but a more modern/stylish version - without over doing the front.
Add Landscape trees down sides of property for privacy.
Remove old carpet in LL as it holds a dampness when layed on basement floors so that is step ONE right away.
Reno bathroom downstairs.
Perhaps stairs to lower level Rec Room will go from beside the front Door of house down into the rec room on that south wall - seems doable based on initial discussion with contractor.
Convert Lower Level laundry room into Bedroom.
Create a nice deck out back.
Renovate detached garage with drywall. Would love to consider the cost to create an auxiliary home in detached garage as well - but likely cost prohibitive at this point in the planning stage.
I may not even be able to do all these thoughts on my wishlist but it is good to think them all out and then carve back what you can afford.
I guess if you do not dream and envision you do not get far!

I could also alternatively just renovate in the existing layout and keep the same layout for the kitchen and baths and rec room, simply change a little by removing wall into the "dining room/3rd bedroom" adjacent to it and then changing the counters and fixtures and flooring and front and back doors and keep costs much further down...TBD