We started looking at moving onto the same property as Matt and Jenny during the summer of 2022. After the restrictions with the COVID-19 pandemic, we all just wanted to be together. I had some concerns because, frankly, Dave and I are pretty relaxed and have a relaxed daily routine where Matt and Jenny are more like we used to be- on the go, lots to do, working etc. will it work? Well, now it is going to. We just have to be clear about needing our own space. Plus there are projects galore on the land and barns for Dave, and gardens for me. And baby care as mulch as we want! And chickens, and possible goats …and maybe a donkey??! We are moving on to Medium Brown Dog Farm. Or Homestead, or…?
This property has a ton of potential so we were excited to get our ADU going. I researched ADU companies in the Sacramento region and we found that IMKAT had the best , totally unearned as we have learned, reputation. We signed with them in September 2024. We were supposed to be in the ADU “mid March 2025” at the latest if winter weather was bad and we are finally here and almost finished in January 2026. Almost a year longer than promised. Sacramento County inspections have been quick and thorough, and IMKAT failed most of them, some multiple times. We still haven’t had our final walk through (as of February 2, 2026) but we are living here. Permits have all cleared as of November 2025 but still so many niggling problems and some just stupid stuff keep coming up. Sheesh. I’ve known Dave for 46 years now, and have never seen him so upset and frustrated with anything. And it started to cause problems between he and Matt and that is not acceptable. And most of it is just poor workmanship and IMKAT simply refusing to answer Dave. For example, the HVAC system sat in a box for more than 2 months after the pad for it etc was ready. Just sitting there. It took 6+ weeks for them to even tell us we needed fire sprinklers and an improved driveway since they didn’t know how to deal with it. That is with Dave calling every week to figure out what was going on since NOTHING was going on. Gaaa….
But enough complaining (at least for today!). The design process was mostly done by Dave as we took a plan for 1198 sq feet with 3 bedrooms and a small kitchen, and turned it into the same footprint with 2 bedrooms (in our case a bedroom and craft room) and a nice medium sized kitchen. It is well proportioned for being so small. Our large wooden furniture barely fits but does with plenty of walking room. Cherie checks everything for safety! And we intend to live here until we die so it is very practical. We will practice how well it works when I get my knee replacement this summer and am laid up and using a walker etc!
As much as I complain about IMKAT, I did learn so much about how a house is built. And I had little to do with the actually interactions with the contractors/subcontractors. Especially when things went off track- everyone thought I might get nasty. OK I was livid often and felt like I might explode. Thank goodness for friends will to listen and commiserate! Finally breaking ground in April 2025, yes, AFTER our promise date. But finally things were moving!
So as I sit in my craft room mess (still just moving in!), it does feel like home. Now we just have to get out of Shingle Springs! Almost done – only big things left are the pool and picnic tables. And lots of boxes whose contents are going…? Good question! The weather is nice now, and Dave is building my garden bins so it slowly settles down. Have a great day from Wilton!