Embarking on a home renovation journey can be a path filled with excitement and dreams of beautiful transformations. This was exactly our state of mind when we first contemplated selling our current home and moving towards our long-cherished dream of owning a farmhouse in the country. Our love for the southern charm, kindled during a road trip to Tennessee in the fall of 2021, made us consider the potential of our own home in its current state versus its possibilities through renovation.

In January 2022, this vision led us to cross paths with Rachael Kaiser, a real estate agent associated with San Diego Compass (CA DRE# 01884530). Rachael, showcasing the prestige of Compass, introduced us to her sister, Megan Kaiser, presented as an ‘OUTSTANDING’ general contractor. Trusting in the reputation of Compass, we decided to embark on our renovation journey with Megan. However, what unfolded was far from our expectations.

Megan, despite being newly licensed and claiming years of construction experience, failed to deliver the standard of work we anticipated. The journey with Kaiser Construction turned into a harrowing experience, marked by poor performance and unpermitted work, particularly in our primary bathroom. This led to significant financial and emotional distress, with over $60,000 in recompletion costs and a CSLB arbitration award in our favor.

This experience has been a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence in the home renovation process. It taught us not to be swayed by the allure of a reputable brokerage name without thorough research. The necessity of getting multiple bids, checking references rigorously, and ensuring the qualifications of all involved parties became evident.

Today, we are in the process of rebuilding and rectifying the renovation mishaps. With the support of our community and the city, we have passed the final inspection on the primary bath and are making progress with the ADU conversion. We are committed to ensuring that every aspect of the renovation now aligns with industry standards, learning from our past experiences to make informed decisions.

In sharing our story, we hope to illuminate the path for others who might be in a similar situation. Always verify credentials, seek multiple opinions, and never underestimate the power of a well-drafted contract. Our journey, while challenging, has taught us invaluable lessons that we hope will guide others in their home renovation and selling endeavors.