If those photos are the worst you have, then you are in pretty good
shape. Really. Nothing in those photos is much to get terribly upset
about.
I find myself
tackling the wrong projects first, usually because they are the easiest and
provide the most direct evidence that something has been accomplished.
Here is where I start to disagree with you. Definitely do the things
that make you happiest. My overall advice is to do stop tearing your
hair out, and just admit that your tastes are mor important than
whatever imaginary "right" project. I'd reccommend, in this order:
1. Fix things that are dangerous (only the electrical could even
possibly count here, but see below), or need immediate attention so
they don't get drastically worse (things like a leaking roof, or a pipe
fit to burst, of which you don't seem to have any).
2. Fix things that please you the most. Of all the projects I have
done on our house (major renovations, structural repairs, complete
rewiring and replumbing, etc.), most of which were planned out weeks or
years in advance, discussed, re-planned, thought about endlessly, etc.,
the two we are most happy about are the nice garden gate in the back
yard (2 hour project, on a whim), and refinishing the living room floor
(weekend project, on a whim). We happen to go out that gate every day,
several times a day, and it is so pleasing every time. For years we
lived with this crappy piece of fence that had to be dragged out of the
way to get to the garden.Same with the carpet -- we put up with a
ever-filthier, ever-dog-hairier, ever-more-unpleasant carpet in our
living room because there were more pressing repairs, like adding
outlets in a room we never use. So go for the stuff that will make you
happy.
3. Lastly, do all those other little things that should be done for
the sake of resale value, easy of maintenance, convenience, etc. All
your photos seem to fall in this category (except maybe the
electrical).
Basement stairway entrance.
http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenve...e/P7290014.JPG
This looks entirely cosmetic. And its in a basement, right, or at least
the entrance to the basement? Not exactly where your important visitors
will be poking around. A friend of my wife's family has a kitchen that
looks something like that. It has for at least 20 years. Just not on
their priority list... but you should see the beautiful hand-painted
kitchen floor.
Junction between crawlspace wall, foundation, and ceiling/floor
http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenve...e/P7290016.JPG
Hard to tell, but that wall is just a divider wall in an unfinished
space, right? And it doesnt quite reach the ceiling/floor? So what. If
you are worried about mice getting through, then tack up some hardware
cloth. Or if it is drafts, then put some insulation and tack up some
drywall, plywood, or pressboard. You could even paint it white if it
you like to match the rest of the wall. Only the mice and the plumber
will ever see it.
The most hazardous wiring job I've never wanted to see
http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenve...e/P7290017.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenve...e/P7290018.JPG
Sorry, that doesn't even look dangerous. The first is impossible to
see, except that the box has no cover, and the wires could use some
more staples. Coverless boxes are pretty common, especially in a
crawlspace. Stick a cover on to keep the mice and your fingers out.
Tack up a few staples to neaten up that wire. Five minute job.
The second looks like a temporary / piecemeal lighting job for the
crawlspace. Is that thing hardwired, or does it have a plug? The tape
looks okay, and it seems to be stapled up fairly well. Is this thing
ever turned on, or is it just for the occational repair of something
down there? I'd probably just disconnect it and put in a simple ceramic
socket instead. Thats like a 45 minute job, if you include picking out
the supplies at the hardware store.
Plumbing from bathroom. Supply lines punch through crawlspace wall, hook
to
bathroom, then punch back into the crawlspace to kitchen. Big pipe is
septic tank line.
http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenve...e/P7290019.JPG
The don't look to be leaking. A hack job for sure -- all those crazy
angles. But supply lines are forgiving in how you route them. I'd leave
it alone until there is a pressing reason to change it -- a leak, or
remodeling the bath or kitchen, or whatever -- then just tear out the
part that you think is odd and put it in right.