Renovate or relocate? That’s often the question

By SUSAN SAURASTRI Seven Gables Real Estate

our years ago, while visiting us, our friend Joyce proclaimed, “You know, if you took that wall down you could open up and expand this family room.” On the other side of the wall was our rarely used fourth bedroom.

A light went off, and I got to thinking about it. My husband suggested we no longer invite Joyce to visit. He complains that whenever Joycecomes over, it costs him money and causes upheaval. This time was no different.

We’ve been married 38 years, so I’ve learned to let ideas germinate once the seed is planted. This house, in the Old Farm tract, a few blocks west of Fountain Valley High School, has been our domicile for 20 years. It’s 2,784 square feet of living space on two levels.

Taking the wall down was not an easy decision for quite a few reasons. The loss of the fourth bedroom was a big consideration. As a Realtor, my frst thought is always about resale value How and where we live either adds to our joy and the quality of our lives or it can diminish both. Months and months of pillow talk resulted in a consensus. We’re going to stay put in Fountain Valley and in this home we love.

The expanded family room will be 25 feet by 15 feet, adjacent to the 150 square feet of kitchen space. We en tertain quite a bit and enjoy game and movie nights with friends. With a 16foot opening to the back yard, the space will blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living.

Our friend David Truong, cheerleader and supporter of all things Fountain Valley and owner of Mimi’s Jewelry, had his kitchen and home beautifully remodeled last year. David recommended we hire Fountain Valley resident and contractor Mike Schmidt of Mike Schmidt Construction.

We had interviewed others but knew when we met Mike that he was the right person for the job. He knows his stuff and is very likable. His wife Melina refers and coordinates the fnishing touches and tradespeople.

And so, here we are, four years after Joyce planted the seed, the construction crew is on the job. Our house is in disarray. The new family room rug is spread out, upside down on top of the living room rug so it won’t capture dust and will lay fat when the job is complete.

Boxes containing a new electric freplace, a 75-inch television, a cocktail table and a new sofa table take up every available space. On hold at their respective warehouses are the new sectional sofa and 16-foot sliding doors.

Our niece Deeksha, a prominent and well-regarded designer in India, has been our design consultant on

SUSAN SAURASTRI, cont.

every aspect of the new furnishings. She is arriving in early July and will decorate the new room. She is also on reserve with some friends in Huntington Beach to redesign their space. It’s going to be a busy and interesting summer.

My husband tells everyone who will listen that this is defnitely the last renovation we’re ever going to make. Truth be told the driveway needs replacing and I’d love to epoxy the garage foor, but as Scarlett O’Hara declared, “Tomorrow is another day.”

As for dear Joyce, when we meet now, it’s at local restaurants—but she’ll be the frst one I invite for the room reveal.

Around Town

►Chamber Business Expo is July 20

The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce is making plans for its annual Business Expo, which this year is set for Thursday, July 20 during the city’s Concert in the Park featuring Bruno and the Hooligans..

The expo is set for 5-8 p.m. at the Fountain Valley Sports Park. Local businesses can purchase vendor booth space at a cost of $150 for Chamber members and $250 for non-members.

Additionally, the Chamber is offering a $75 add-on premium package, which gives priority to the couple of rows of vendor booths and includes a space on the Chamber’s bingo board, which can also drive traffc to a vendor’s booth.

Info: (714) 962-3822.

►Meet the Author program to feature local cardiologist

Fountain Valley Library will present its next Meet the Author program featuring author and cardiologist Dr. Cristina LePort on Saturday, July 15.

Dr. LePort is a cardiologist at both Orange Coast Memorial Hospital and Fountain Valley Regional Hospital. She will discuss her debut medical-political thriller, “Dissection,” during her talk from 2-3 p.m.

The book follows a heart surgeon, FBI agent and a private detective as they investigate a series of deadly cardiac emergencies.

Complimentary signed books will be available while the supply lasts.

The library is at 17635 Los Alamos St. More information: Call (714) 962-1324.

►First Chinese Baptist offering summer interest classes

First Chinese Baptist Church of Fountain Valley will offer a variety of summer interest classes on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. through Aug. 27.

Information: fcbcfv.org

The church is at 16835 Brookhurst St.

►Harper School reunion is Aug. 26

The annual Harper School reunion is set for 3-6 p.m., Aug. 26 at Silky Sullivan’s. The reunion is open to anyone who attended or taught at Harper School from 1963 to 1984, and any parent who had children go to Harper.

For more information email Karen Quo at Kquo66@gmail.com