It all started in late May.
The Tenants
For eighteen years we rented our home to a lovely family. In May they informed us that they had purchased a home. We were blessed to have this family living in our home for so long.
Mike made an annual trip to check in on the property, and when all went well they signed another one-year lease. We knew the home needed updating, but we could not remodel due to the renters’ occupancy. Purchasing a washer and dryer plus kitchen appliances was the best we could do. Much to our surprise, this family purchased a home five doors down the street.
This Old House
Our house was built in 1952, making it 73 years old. We specifically purchased this home because we had a distribution company in Santa Barbara. The purchase price was a little over $200,000 for the property.
Our son Mikos lived in the house while attending college. While he was living there, the house accidentally caught on fire. Three days after the fire, Santa Barbara experienced the worse rain storm in 50 years. With two different insurance claims we replaced most of the windows and a new roof. That was over twenty-five years ago. Now this house needs a complete remodel.
The Novice Crew
Together Mike and I had no clue about remodeling a home; however, we love watching DIY (Do It Yourself) home renovation programs and had an idea of what we wanted.
On our first trip to Santa Barbara we had an appointment with a vacation rental group. We thought this remodeling job would be over and done with in a few months. Our idea was to make it a vacation rental, but we quickly found out that the cost to do this would exceed our expenses. For instance we would have to pay the city a 12% fee, and that did not include the 20% fee from the vacation rental group!
Brother George
My brother George is a contractor in Palm Desert. If he could he would have taken on this project, but logistically this was impossible. He guided us through all these estimates, and we are so grateful for his input. 
Contractor Number One
Later that morning we drove around our neighborhood and stopped to look at a remodel on Shoreline Drive. This street faces the Pacific Ocean. The owner of the home happened to be there and invited us in. This remodel was over a half million; our budget was nothing by comparison. Nevertheless, her contractor was gracious enough to come to our home and give us a preview of what our cost would entail. He walked around and gave us a number that was way out of our budget. The realization of the expense for a remodel in Santa Barbara was kicking in.
We did glean some great advice from this homeowner: we could save money by hiring a draftsperson rather than an architect.
We visited Santa Barbara’s County Clerk Office to look for our property’s original plans., but with over 500 computerized pages it was overwhelming.
Chava
Our guide was Chava, who knows the ins and outs of the city. As owners we had to sign documents for Chava to find the correct information. What a relief! Chava serves as the liaison between us and the city. She knows what permits need to be pulled in order to start the project.
Within a week Chava had the blueprints for the remodel. In the meantime we were still in search of a contractor.
The Contractors
Santa Barbara is a high-end community, so many of these contractors are accustomed to working on major projects. Our project cost pennies compared to a remodel in Montecito or Hope Ranch.
On another visit we met with a new contractor; he was braggadocios, telling us how he was living in Montecito but remodeling his home not far from us. His ideas were as big as his head, so when he left I wanted so badly to say,”Don’t let the door hit you in the ass.”
We had another appointment with a kind young man that we both took a liking to. He seemed to want the job, and he actually took the time to go over a plan. I remember driving home and feeling that finally we found someone we could trust. We were instructed to purchase our appliances so that the job could start. Phase one was complete!
All was going in the right direction until the quote came in. It was way over our budget! One thing that was non-negotiable was the second bathroom. By the time we received the new estimate, we were told to go to some massive warehouse to pick out kitchen cabinets and windows, and we could forget about the second bathroom! I cried all the way home.
Father and Son
Mike was diligent and continued the hunt for a new contractor. When this father and son came in, I knew unequivocally that this job was too small for them. He immediately explained that we needed to hire a structural engineer. He lost us with those words; besides every word that came out of his mouth was followed by an awkward laugh. No thank you! Bye, bye! Again I cried on the way home.
Contractor Number Four
It was mid-August and still we did not have a contractor.
It was well into the evening, and as I was sitting in my living room praying, I heard a light knock on the front door. Mike was already in bed. I walked up to the door and asked, “Who is it?” “It’s your neighbor Chuck. Are you watering?” he asked. It turned out that we forgot to turn off the sprinklers on that side of the house, and it was flooding his yard. With a flashlight in hand, he helped me turn off the faucet.
Chuck looked at the appliances and asked, “What’s going on?” Though he was a stranger, I shared about the contractor dilemma. He quickly referred me to yet another contractor; I’ll call him Jim. Jim was different, he works on these homes, he added a second bathroom to Chuck’s home, and he lives in our neighborhood. Honestly, this man was an answer to our prayers.
Contractor Number Five
The following morning I could not wait to share the wonderful news. I wanted Mike to contact Jim as soon as possible. Mike texted him and he quickly replied. We met, he took our plans and we gave him the key to our house. I was praising God all the way home! When he ended the text with a praying hands emoji, I was sure that this was a confirmation from God.
Labor Day Weekend
Mikos and Jenny were going to spend the weekend with us in Santa Barbara. I could not stop talking about Jim and could not wait for them to meet him.
When Jim arrived with the world’s smallest note pad, I knew we were in trouble. Why he did not have an estimate we will never know. His suggestions were outrageous! He wanted to remove all the walls to rewire, and he suggested that we needed a new roof. I looked at him and said, “The roof is not leaking.” He added, “Well, eventually it will be.” Under my breath I wanted to tell him that eventually Jesus will return! To say that we were disappointed is an understatement!
The Flooring Company
In the meantime Mike was talking to Kathy, who owns a flooring business, and her husband, who is a contractor. These conversations were taking place between the second and third contractors. Kathy explained to Mike that they never turn away a small remodel, and that we should give her a chance.
By this time I had given up all hope on the second bathroom, but she captured our attention with her tenacity. She told Mike that the second bathroom was essential. Then she presented us with drawings of a lovely kitchen and main bath remodel plus the second bathroom in the plans. We have met with her over four times, and this last week we introduced her to Chava. Between the two of them the work will start soon.
Southern California Edison
Mike had contacted Edison about a new electrical box in July. After communicating with Edison, he was informed that the earliest they could accommodate our needs would be in late November.
Coastal Property
We are learning something new every step of the way. Coastal properties are in another category, so the permits are different,
The Long Walks
Above all we take long, daily walks, the most rewarding part of this project. We eat one main meal, either lunch or dinner; and on the day of our departure we have breakfast. We try to eat at a different restaurant each time. Bouchon, a French restaurant, has the best onion soup in the world.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, I know Your timing for this project is in Your hands. I continually pray for wisdom to trust in You. Thank You for the patience You have graciously bestowed on Mike and me, bringing us closer together as we go through this trial. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen.
