by Jean Sealey
Northeast Florida Builders Association
Disabled U.S. Navy veteran George Gumpl lost both legs due to various illnesses. He is legally blind and requires dialysis three times a week. Living arrangements at his home restricted him and did not accommodate his needs.
Northeast Florida Builders Association Builders Care and its trade partners stepped in to help. The project to renovate Gumpl’s home was featured on a Builders Care television show.
“Monday started out early with more than 60 Navy volunteers helping demolish part of the house,” said Bill Wilson, NEFBA Builders Care executive director. “Then our NEFBA members and trade partners provided new plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning, carpentry, roofing, paving and interior decorating, giving George a home that greatly improves his quality of life.”
American Electrical Contracting upgraded the home’s electrical service so it could support the air conditioning system installed by All About Air and More. B&G Plumbing upgraded the bathroom with handicap-accessible fixtures, Flooring America supplied laminate flooring to make movement through the home easier and United Rentals supplied equipment necessary to complete the project.
Through the distribution center at The Home Depot, Sakrete and Duracape materials were provided for the walkways and pavers. Prior to the start date, Wilson met with NEFBA President Bryan Lendry to go over the scope of work needed to accomplish the renovation goals and set up a detailed plan for executing the daily schedule. Lendry, president of Brylen Homes, was also the project coordinator of ABC TV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project in Hastings earlier this year.
Other NEFBA builders made sure the right materials were provided on a timely basis. At the last minute we needed more sand for the front entrance and Engle Home had it there in 30 minutes. This is typical of the support provided by NEFBA members.
During the rebuild, The Hilton Garden Inn, near Tinseltown, provided George and his wife a complimentary room for a week, and Seven Bridges Restaurant supplied meals for the couple.