Yup, he is trying to make you feel beholden to him--look what I'm doing for you and the kids, I'm spending all this time and money on this house, of COURSE you're going to let me come back--look at all the sweat equity I've put in.
IOW, there are strings attached--he just hasn't told you that yet.
Personally, I would sooner live with the house as it is and get someone else to do any needed repairs/improvements when you can afford them.
Before I bought this disaster of a town home, I was considering buying a condo that was under construction. My last ex (not alcoholic, but a liar and very manipulative), whom I had broken up with the previous year, offered to help me pick out floor tile. I'd never shopped for floor tile, and was inclined to do it when one of my friends asked me, "Are you INSANE?? Do NOT let this guy help you pick out floor tiles or anything else--in fact, don't let him know anything about your plans." And she was right. I said no. And I'm very, very glad that I did.