At Stranville Living Master Builder, we believe in the power of community and the ability to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. In the summer of 2023 and with the help of many partners, we completed a main floor renovation for the Blake family – the first Who Deservers Better? Program recipients. That program was met with widespread appreciation from our local communities and the Blake family, themselves. That’s why we were excited and proud to continue our “Who Deserves Better?” program for 2024, aiming to help a deserving family by transforming their home—and their lives. This year, we’re excited to share the inspiring story of the Molyneux family, the latest recipients of a complete home renovation. 

What is the Who Deserves Better? Program? 

In its second year, the “Who Deserves Better?” program continues Stranville Living’s commitment to uplifting the community by addressing the housing challenges faced by families in need. At Stranville Living Master Builder, our belief that “YOU DESERVE BETTER” extends beyond the homes we build. While not everyone can live in a brand-new home, everyone deserves a safe, comfortable place to call their own. 

The “Who Deserves Better?” program was created to address the unique challenges some families face in their living spaces—whether it’s accessibility issues, deteriorating windows or doors, or other obstacles that make daily life more difficult. By leveraging our expertise and community partnerships, we assess, design, and execute solutions that make a real difference in someone’s life. 

This initiative is our way of giving back, using the skills and resources we have to improve the quality of life for a deserving family each year. 

Finding the Molyneux Family 

Like our inaugural year, we again received many nominations of deserving families in our area. After an extensive nomination period and selection process, Stranville Living Master Builder selected the Molyneux family. This family consists of brothers Dylan, who with his two young children lives upstairs, and Cody, who lives in the basement. Dylan has faced challenges with substance abuse and mental health that have been difficult for him over the past several years. On top of that, his partner left him and the kids which left Dylan struggling and eventually he ended up in the hospital. After that, he says, “My family and my children, their help definitely brought me through. People around me rely on me and [that fact] helped pick me up and get me through and I made it.” 

One of the people that relies on him is his older brother Cody, who lives in the basement of their home. Cody is on the spectrum and the family remarks that they never thought it would be possible for him to live on his own. But with Dylan’s support, Cody enjoys a relatively independent life. He helps with the kids and volunteers throughout the community. 

The Challenge 

With no extra income to fix issues in their home, the house was slowly breaking down. With serious issues like two crumbling kitchens and an older furnace, this would prove to be a challenging renovation – especially since all this work had to be completed in only 5 days and as a surprise to the Molyneux brothers! 

The Renovation 

With the help of many hands, work began! As many as 25 people were in and out of the home, ripping off siding, flooring, demoing the kitchen, and looking for any hidden problems. As can be expected when renovating an older home, there were some additional issues waiting to be discovered. After removing the casing around the window, the demo team found moisture and mold. To remediate the issue, drywall would need to be cut back and the area surrounding the window would need to be refinished.  

The team also noticed one piece of the home that had extra value – markings of the kids’ heights on the wall. Not wanting these memories to be wiped away, this piece was removed for safe-keeping and then added again afterwards as a removable piece of MDF with the exact heights recreated. 

By the middle of the renovation, temperatures soared to about 35°, making the work that much more tiresome. Every volunteer continued to push through and keep the project moving. This program was only possible through the help of many local trades and companies pitching in their labour, supplies, and time. 

After 5 long days of renovating, the final touches were underway. With some delays with furniture, the stress level was running a bit high, but everything was able to be completed on time including furniture installation, staging, and cleaning. 

The Big Reveal

The reveal day for the Molyneux brothers was nothing short of emotional. As they stepped into their newly renovated home, a sense of joy and gratitude was evident on their faces. What was once a challenging living space had been completely transformed into a functional and welcoming haven. The exterior received a full makeover, giving the home a fresh and sturdy appearance that will withstand the elements for years to come. Inside, the main floor saw a complete renovation, including a beautiful new kitchen with cabinets generously donated by Adora Kitchens. Granite Rocks provided all-new countertops, elevating the space to a modern, sleek design. Every piece of furniture throughout the home was donated, while Rocky Mountain Deal contributed all the wallpaper that added texture and warmth. Matthew’s Design Company handled all the staging, bringing the entire vision together seamlessly. 

The upgrades didn’t stop there; a brand-new furnace from Kodiak Heating was installed to ensure the home stays comfortable year-round. Downstairs, a full-size dishwasher is now permanently hooked up and ready for use, eliminating a long-standing inconvenience. The new full-size shower in the basement completed the transformation, offering both functionality and comfort for the brothers. 

Reflection, Thanks, and Acknowledgements 

The Molyneux brothers’ journey and admirable qualities are a testament to the fact it is possible to overcome challenges and strive to do better. We are thrilled to have gotten to know this family and to have worked together with so many willing individuals and businesses to gift a renovation to this family in need.  

As we celebrate this transformation, we are reminded that true change is not just in the homes we rebuild, but in the lives we uplift along the way. 

Stranville Living Master Builder takes this opportunity to thank each individual and local business who had a share in this project. Please consider the long list of businesses below that donated their time, resources, and skills to help the Molyneux Family. 

Forma Steel

Mathews Design Company

Carefree Kitchens & Lighting

Logic Lumber

Delta Faucets

Quality Glass & Aluminum Ltd.

Kodiak Plumbing & Heating

Lennox

Big Steel Box

Litterbug Waste Disposal Services Ltd.

Rocky Mountain Decal

Nominate a family for our next Who Deserves Better? Program!