#@%%# control freaks just want to see how many hoops you’ll jump thru like a trained monkey to obey your masters. Then maybe you get a treat. If you really can’t deal with the room as it is, moving seems like the best option. California in the rearview mirror isn’t so bad. There are a lot of alternatives.
We bought this house in ‘87 with the intent of living here through retirement. It’s a single story, quiet, great neighborhood and close enough to anything we need. With the kids done with college we need to replace the roof so we’re also trying to upgrade/improve the layout to see us through our retirement years and ensure the kids aren’t stuck with a house they won’t be able to sell for a decent price because ‘deferred maintenance’ is required. That’s what happened with my in-laws house, too many things required work it wasn’t worth our while so we sold it and invested in our home so the kids wouldn’t be in the same situation - especially since they’ll never be able to buy a home in this area.
Every time I go to the planning dept I just want to say screw it...we’re outta here.