Restoring hope: The house that almost broke a dream

When Michael and Cherie were ready to retire, they bought their forever home in Wichita, Kansas. But their dream of aging in place was almost destroyed by a nightmare of hidden home repairs.

The couple purchased the house online without seeing it first, a decision they now deeply regret. They soon discovered 33 FHA violations and a host of hidden structural problems that had been missed by two different home inspectors. Michael, who grew up in the construction industry, was horrified by the home’s condition. The electrical service was a dangerous mess, with exposed wires and a system so overloaded that a simple light could blow a fuse. The plumbing was undersized, the home’s siding was falling off, and a bottom board in the wall was so damaged by termites that the structural integrity of the house was in jeopardy. They even found a buried propane tank in the backyard.

“It was a living nightmare,” Cherie said. The house was unlivable, forcing them to spend over a year and a half in a hotel. They poured their retirement savings into trying to fix the problems themselves, a process that “almost put us into bankruptcy.”

At their wits’ end, the couple found a lifeline in Wichita Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repair Program. When Cherie received the call that they had been approved for repairs, she was at a grocery store and “screamed so loud, I probably shook everybody in their shoes.”

Wichita Habitat for Humanity’s skilled staff provided essential repairs including new siding and windows, making the house safe, comfortable and beautiful. In addition, a walk-in shower was installed for Cherie and Michael’s safety, allowing them to age in place in a home that is fully accessible. Michael praised the Habitat crew for their dedication and professionalism, calling their work “above excellent.”

For Cherie and Michael, the impact goes far beyond just a repaired house. The repairs have given them back their peace of mind and the opportunity to finally enjoy their retirement.

“What do you say to somebody that saved your house?” Cherie asked. “Thank you just doesn’t seem enough.” Thanks to the Home Repair Program, they can now live their dream of aging in place. Their retirement home, once a source of endless stress, is now a place where they can finally “breathe.”