That was funny.
If my other half was that intelligent to carry out such a grand master plan, I would have to commend him. I will praise his efforts. So much so, that I will even send him a lovely letter in the mail telling him so - via someone who has a lot of initials after his name.
Jen, as for the laundry idea, give it a miss and put a granny flat in, and move the mother in law in it. He will never ever willingly go in there. As for the roof top ob. its for your mother off course (she wants to learn the stars), and you have to be there often to teach her.