Seems you can easily get your property detached from his ancillary loan as the easiest solution.

They damage too easily and look awful once they are dented or scratched.

If they are professional, they can explain this quickly and easily.

So by putting everything down on paper, you can easily correct the client and keep things moving.You mentioned timelines....those are hard to get everyone to agree on in the original contract because a Contractor knows that a customer nowadays will start changing things as soon as they watch that episode of HG TV with their glass of wine.I included on my Change Orders a line to add time to the project in addition to the added dollar amount.

You can easily find out if you can subdivide the lot by finding out how it is zoned.

I couldn't post his number, but you can easily look him up. 

Try this... build a much larger column base at the same height as the bottom of the stone, maybe tapered (bigger at the bottom) and made from a similar stone, with a much larger column (easily built onto the existing post) resting on top.Find a NATURAL, neutral-colored, plain stone or slate, and tile the raised concrete stoop.Paint the entry door a deep, very rich color that complements the brick.Then, the gable on the right with round-butt shingles (I think) needs a lighter color, maybe even a bit bright to complement both the brick and the entry door, since it extends over the stoop.Finally, taller greenery under the stone with a lower front level of varying texture and color (especially around the entry) will result in the stone being much less prominent.

Your budget figure was a bit underestimated to properly correct the issue, and create the critically important curb appeal currently absent.It's not a bad looking house, but the lack of any celebration of the entry is the only serious architectural liability, which can be easily and inexpensively corrected.Here are a few pics to help you visualize:https://pin.it/ukmjsped4biaurhttps://pin.it/rrguyitwkvtqa7https://pin.it/jzcdv2vrt6wtypCheers!

The setup is structured such that you can easily make it work to gain some extra cash.3.

For tax time, can simply fill out the correct forms and claim the expenses have incurred thus far..won't turbo tax handle fairly easily?