Part 5: The Cost of the Studio

Daniel's plan was appealing. The workshop had good light, a separate entrance, and enough space for a recording room and a small practice area. The music school's director said students could use the practice room on certain afternoons if the schedule and insurance were agreed in advance.

The numbers were less appealing. Daniel's first budget included equipment, sound panels, and a new computer. It did not include repairs to the roof, electrical work, insurance, or the cost of buying my share of the house.

“I thought I could pay you later,” he said.

“That might be possible,” I replied. “But we both need to understand the amount, the schedule, and what happens if the studio earns less than you expect.”

Priya suggested independent valuations of the house and the proposed business. She also suggested that Daniel speak with a small-business adviser who had no financial interest in the deal. His attorney agreed. We were not negotiating a family favor over dinner; we were deciding whether two people could responsibly share or transfer an asset.

The house valuation came back higher than Daniel expected. The roof needed repairs, but the location was desirable. The business adviser estimated that the studio could work if Daniel secured several regular clients and reduced the initial equipment purchase. The lender was willing to discuss a smaller loan, but would not rely on a transfer that had not been completed.

At a meeting with our attorneys, Daniel proposed buying my share over five years. Priya asked how the payments would be secured. His attorney suggested a documented lien, subject to the lender's requirements and the final agreement. Neither attorney claimed the structure was automatically appropriate; they agreed to check the details and explain the risks to us.

My mother attended at Daniel's request. She said she could contribute some savings toward the roof. I asked whether she had taken independent advice about what she could afford. She bristled.

“I'm not a child, Miriam.”

“I know. That's why I want you to make your own decision with complete information.”

She agreed to speak with an adviser. A week later she decided to contribute a smaller amount and keep the rest for her own needs. Daniel thanked her. For once, no one described a boundary as a lack of love.

Meanwhile, the administrator completed the instrument inventory. Most owners were located through receipts and the music school. A few instruments belonged to my father and would form part of the estate. The attorneys explained how they would be valued and distributed. The school offered to continue managing the student loans if the estate agreed and the owners consented where necessary.

At the workshop, Daniel showed me the revised electrical estimate. He had reduced his equipment order and included the roof repair. The practice room was still in the plan, but it would open only after the essential work was complete.

“I wanted to make it look finished before I asked for help,” he said.

“You can ask while it's unfinished.”

He laughed. “That sounds like something Dad would say.”

“Dad would have asked whether the cables were safe first.”

We stood beside the workbench, looking at the sketch. The plan no longer depended on pretending the house was free, the instruments all belonged to us, or the lender would accept a promise without documents. It was smaller and slower than Daniel's first proposal. It was also something we could assess honestly.