That sucks, Glen. It might be worthwhile to reach out to the small business owners on PPOT to see what experience and advice they will share with you. It's always good to learn from other people's mistakes/experiences.
I'm renovating my garage. It's the only part of the house not touched since we bought the place. Electrical/lighting, floor resurfacing, drywall work, cabinet installation, yada, yada, yada. And I thought retirement would be a life of leisure.