For those of you who don’t know, I’ve been in a state of transition as of late. In my last post, I shared that I’ve been house hunting so my dad, who was diagnosed with heart failure in August, can move in with us. We made two offers on homes and made it to the inspection phase of the second, so this is an update on what has unfolded since then.
Moving is stressful enough when everything goes perfectly smoothly, but this move has layers of complexity. It has been a full-time job coordinating everything—permits, contractors, movers—and we still will not have access to the home until closing week. Trying to schedule work that must happen immediately after closing, without being inside beforehand, has been a challenge.
The Inspection Roller Coaster
Home inspections are time-sensitive, and the reports are long and overwhelming. Ours revealed several areas that need attention, including one of the two HVAC systems and the electrical panel. Also, elevated radon levels were detected and the chimney flashing has some issues.
We knew it was unrealistic to expect the seller to fix everything in under a month, so we requested a post-inspection concession. They initially agreed to pay for two-thirds of the requested costs, and they said they would handle a few of the repairs themselves. However, after seeing what they considered a satisfactory repair, we respectfully asked for the full amount. Fortunately, they agreed.
Coordinating the Impossible
And so, the race has begun!
One of the most urgent priorities is building an asphalt extension from the driveway to the pool entrance so my dad can drive directly to his in-law quarters. He will not be able to navigate the interior steps from the garage. The challenge is that the extension is on a hill, and laying asphalt is weather-dependent.
We found a contractor willing to try to complete the job before temperatures drop. The municipality, however, was another story. At first, they told us we needed three permits, including a right-of-way permit, even though we are nowhere near the road. After several conversations, it is now down to two: zoning and stormwater.
Now we wait, and hope the weather holds.
We also need to repaint and recarpet the entire in-law quarters, living room, and the entire upstairs, including the hallway and four bedrooms. Of course, painting needs to happen before flooring, and most contractors understandably want to see the property before giving accurate quotes. But we cannot access the house until closing day.
Sigh.
Movers, Fitness Machines, and Reality
In addition to the exterior and interior work challenges, the act of moving comes with its own set of obstacles. I had no idea movers were so expensive, especially when fitness equipment is involved. We do not need packing or unpacking, just assistance with transport. Yet half of the four companies we spoke to do not handle exercise equipment at all. We would need to hire another vendor solely for that.
This process is not easy or inexpensive, but we are making some progress..
Attention to planning—meticulous, disciplined planning—has been everything.
Meanwhile, Utah
In the height of all of those coordination efforts, I flew to Utah with my team for a work trip to visit our client, BYUtv.
Surprisingly, that trip grounded me.
Being surrounded by purpose, people I respect, and creative energy reminded me that life does not pause for chaos. Sometimes, the reset you need comes from stepping completely outside of what is overwhelming you.
Even in transition, life continues. And sometimes, that is the anchor.
What’s Next
Once we move, we will turn our focus to moving Dad. He is not in a rush. Right now, he is more anxious about everything he has accumulated over the years and is figuring out how to downsize. We have discussed holding an auction for his belongings, which seems like the most practical route.
Ideally, I would like him to be settled before the first snowfall. But we will take it one step at a time because this is not just a move; it is a mission.
The support I have received throughout this process has meant more than I can express. Family, friends, and even those who read and shared my last blog post have shown up for us.
If all goes as planned, a month from now we will be celebrating a combined housewarming and holiday gathering in our new home.
