I just bought a 1960's house in Troy, MI. The layout is mostly good but we need everything re-done as it's all original. My husband has realized if we do everything as we'd like it, we'll probably make the property too expensive for resale. Therefore, we're trying to prioritize what we want done and save money somehow. The house needs:
*a new kitchen
*2.5 new bathrooms (2 up, 1/2 down)
*new oak 2.5" floor downstairs to match the original floor upstairs
*new doors
*old huge brick fireplace surround ripped out and new mantle
*probably new crown and base moldings
*painting throughout

I wanted to attach current and proposed layout, but I can't attach pdfs...

We do have time to supervise the project although neither of us are builders, or even very handy...

We were thinking of using one contractor for everything but prices seem too high. Are we best off, for the kitchen, working with Home Depot or Lowes directly - are they trustworthy to do a good job? Should we get our countertop from them too? Instead should we work with a finish carpenter we know to order the cabinetry and install it from HD or Lowes? I like KraftMaid's painted maple Square V-Groove door. Some contractors have recommended other Masco brands or Wellborn.

ALL ADVICE MUCH APPRECIATED - THANK YOU!!