Gellibrand Support Services has a new SDA home, Hollybrook, in Melton South. Owner Nehil Modi, who works in the health industry, had no previous experience of having SDA homes built. He didn’t let that stop him, however, because he wanted his property to be an investment that also helped the community.
“This is my first project of this kind,” Nehil said. “The house had to be built according to NDIS guidelines, of course, so there were a lot of rules and regulations. Working in the health industry helped me, but I had to do my own research regarding things like sprinkler systems, maintenance requirements, and other regulations.”
Nehil said that as the project progressed, he gained more and more knowledge. “It was a non-stop process of learning.”
As a new build, Hollybrook is up to date with the best facilities for people with a disability. It is also a large house – 29sqm – that Nehil says whomever moves into will be excited to make their home.
“I saw it all from the clients’ point of view,” Nehil said, “what they would love to be in a house.”
Client safety was primary for Nehil and this included the aforementioned sprinkler system, other properly placed safety equipment and signage, and a back-up battery for power in the event of a blackout. The bathroom is spacious and equipped appropriately for people with a disability and the kitchen, hallways, and external walkways are spacious and geared perfectly for wheelchair access.
Though it was a huge learning curve, Nehil said he would recommend to other owners and builders the prospect of building and investing in SDA homes.
“Of course, there is a lot of money you require, but if someone is a sound investor, I would definitely say to do it. There is a higher risk that goes along with it, but with the combination of good people and contacts you can achieve the goal at the end.”
Nehil said after successfully completing Hollybrook, all the research he did to gather information would pay off for future projects.
“I have the connections I need, each and every person to do this, so if I did it again it would be a smooth project for me.”
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