Family receives new home, loses father

The cast and crew of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” recently wrapped up a seven day build for the Kadzis family’s new home. About 2,000 volunteers and workers from around Leon County helped construct the 3,600 square foot home for the deserving family.

The Kadzis family received a knock on their door Feb. 20 by Ty Pennington and his design team. Pennington informed the family that their hurricane-damaged home would be rebuilt over the next seven days.

MyddeltonParker Builders, a local business, constructed the home for Barbara and George Kadzis, the parents of 10 children, seven of whom were adopted from China. The home was built to meet the special needs of the children. Unfortunately, during the construction of their new home, George, who had been hospitalized since Feb. 19, lost his life to brain cancer on Feb. 23.

To alleviate the total cost of the home, MyddeltonParker partnered with local businesses to raise money to assist. Volunteers and different companies around Leon County donated all products and labor.

“John and I believe we are simply captains steering this ship, and that the community in Tallahassee and throughout Leon County will provide the manpower, supplies and financial resources to make the project happen,” said Jake Myddelton, co-owner of

MyddeltonParker Builders, about the help needed for the build.

MyddeltonParker was chosen to oversee the maintenance in early February by “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” producers.

“MyddeltonParker Builders unwavering passion for their community was clear,” said Conrad Ricketts, executive producer of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

MyddeltonParker, community supporters and volunteers presented the family with donations at the revealing of the house, which took place last Friday at 2 p.m.

During the seven-day build, volunteers worked 24 hours a day. The timer started ticking with the demolition of the old house and did not stop until the new house was completed. 

Parwez Alam, Leon County administrator, said Leon County was proud to be a partner in ABC’s ‘”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project.

“Our employees were ready to assist ABC and MyddeltonParker Builders in making sure that this project was a success and a wonderful example of the strength of our community when we pull together for the greater good,” Alam said.

The family’s new home has six bedrooms and four bathrooms. The inside of the house will not be shown until the show airs on April 26 at 9 p.m. on ABC.