Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity Construction Manager Roger Wilt is a retired contractor with years of experience building hospitals who enjoys working with project volunteers. “It’s really rewarding to work with people from all walks of life,” he said. “They get a real kick out of volunteering. I’ve worked on jobs where you pay people $50 an hour, and I couldn’t get this kind of work out of them. And they’re doing it for free.”

The volunteers gain personal satisfaction from helping build a family’s home, but also benefit from the construction skills they can apply in their own lives. Learning how to use tools and perform basic carpentry is only a portion of the opportunities offered to participants. Interacting with like-minded people and building friendships is also part of the experience.

After the concrete foundation for Home 100 was poured, the floor decking was installed. A truck with the pre-assembled wall frames from May’s volunteer event arrived on site. Over the course of a week, volunteer groups placed and fastened the walls based on the predetermined plan, beginning with the exterior perimeter and then the interiors to complete the house framing.

After passing inspection, the roof trusses were installed, followed by the roof deck and shingles. Now that the house frame is covered, this stage of construction clears the way for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC subcontractors to begin their part.

Roger explained the next few steps of the interior’s progress. “After we pass inspection, we’ll come in and install the insulation in the walls. Then, the drywall goes up, and we’ll paint it. The flooring, cabinetry, lights, and everything else will go in. One step after another after another.”

“The project is going so well, and so smoothly, it’s almost scary,” he said.