The Weekend Post - Real Estate
Builder goes extra mile
A CAIRNS builder has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of an Edge Hill resident.
Del Childs was diagnosed as a walking quadriplegic more than two years ag, which prompted her search for a new and more accessible home.
With her husband Mike, Ms Childs inspected a MiHaven display home in Parramatta Park that inspired her to build a wheelchair-friendly property.
“It was not just the good looking aesthetics, energy efficiency and high level of building sustainability that Del was drawn to,” MiHaven director Sarah Mort said.
“It was the possibility of adding her footprint to our design philosophy. I did not know at the time, but Del had particular needs that a standard home could not meet.
A few years back Del was watering her plants on her balcony at home and slipped and had a major fall causing significant damage to her spinal cord.”
Unfortunately, Ms Mort said the company was not building in Edge Hill at that time.
But 12 months later a large block on Glenlea St in Edge Hill was listed for sale.
“Long story short, we bought this property and built Del and her husband Mike their new MiHaven home,” Ms Mort said.
“It took 18 months (including an eight-week build) to make Del’s dream come true.”
Ms Childs said she was shocked the construction company would go to the extent of purchasing the Glenlea site, subdivide and build a new home specifically for her needs.
“A ramp was incorporated into the house design so now I can use my walker or scooter to carry parcels into the house and my wheelchair-user friends can visit,” Ms Childs said.
“The design included exter- nal power points on the veranda so that I can charge my scooter.
“All of the doorways are wider to allow for wheelchair access.
“Both the ensuite and guest bathrooms have enough room for wheelchair access and grab rails have been installed in the toilet and shower areas.”
Handles on all the cupboards and drawers were also chosen for Ms Childs to be able to hold and open without difficulty.
“We really liked that Mihaven embarked on the house building journey with us,” Ms Childs said. “It was no trouble for them to source or research specific materials or products for my needs.”
A spinal cord injury changes your life in an instant, forever Del Childs