Hold on there Pilgrim!!!
A good house is the most important thing. The square footage/foundation should suit you. The house should be insulated well, no major plumbing problems (hopefully no galvy), and look inside a few switch and plug boxes to witness copper wire. If there is aluminum, it is a extreme risk and must be redone. I'm about to carry on but I know you are a very sharp and capable person so sorry, I just know this game since ....a long time

... and have proven time and time again that a remodeled house or the willingness to remodel a "problem child" is very often a huge value. Unless there is a foundation change a general contractor is not needed. A good GC is a good thing when building new or major changes because of orchestrating workers and coordinating the chronology of the job. For new cabinets, call around and find a fair installer who just works alone or with one helper. In CA, a cabinet installer is a "finish and cabinetry sub-contractor". A small cab shop can put you in touch maybe but neighbors or family who have used a reputable installer is way better. It has to pencil of course and work with your life but it is temp. I'm droning on Jeff...truly turnkey is awesome if you have choices. Good luck, this is a huge, important but fun decision!

70's remodeled...Teak floor (Lumberliquidators), Alder (not crazy expensive) cabinets, panels and trim. I did all the cab install, 1100 sq ft floor and trim/woodwork here. It took 2 weeks with some small electric and plumbing changes. Paint is usually needed and retexturing sometimes.

80's remodeled...Cherry cabinets from Home Cheapot, not bad WITH a good installer.........
