My head is spinning

I recently posted on another blog about some home remodeling we have to do.  It started out on Thursday when we had a plumber come out to look at and fix a leaky toilet.  The plumber was nice enough to inform us that the toilet had apparently been leaking for quite some time (since before we moved in 5 years ago) and had done some serious damage to the sub flooring.  They offered to seal it but suggested we get the floor fixed first.  We called a contractor and waited for the bad news.

In the mean time, my In Laws decided that they wanted to pay for the repairs.  Hubby is an only child and they love to do whatever they can to make our lives easier.  We decided to get an estimate to replace the linoleum flooring with hardwood and put tile down in the bathroom.  Hubby told his dad about the new and improved flooring we wanted and His dad was not to pleased.  He stated that they were willing to help us out but they were "not made of money" and was insulted that we would ask for upgrades.  Hubby explained that he wanted the estimate to see what the difference in price would be and we would pay the difference.

My In laws have been married for almost 50 years and have joint as well as separate accounts for their money.  While Hubby was having the previous conversation with his dad, his mom was telling me to pick out new carpeting for the living room and the stairwell.  I explained that the carpet on the steps continued throughout the entire upstairs (hallway and 3 bedrooms).

While we were all expecting this "job" to cost nearly $10,000, the contractor came back with a bid (for the sub floor, and replacing the linoleum with the wood and tile) under $4,000.  Elated with the news, Hubby immediately relayed the good news to his parents.  Since they "are not made of money", but expected to pay much more than this, they came up with a new plan.

They would like to have the floor done as needed.  They agreed to the hardwood floor and the tile for the bathroom.  Mom still wants to provide new carpeting, but now for the entire house.  All 3 toilets will be replaced and a new vanity will be purchased for the downstairs bathroom.  As if that wasn't enough, Mom would also like to have the entire downstairs repainted. 

The contractor will be here at 8:00 tomorrow morning and I have no idea where to begin.  I'll be taking suggestions now.  I will also be posting about the renovation project here.