December 7, 2018 at 5:23 p.m.
RHS construction trades class builds house for Habitat for Humanity
Home to be completed in spring 2019
RHS construction trades class builds house for Habitat for Humanity
By Kayla Thomason-
The longterm partnership between Rhinelander High School students and Habitat for Humanity is beneficial to all involved, Musson explained.
"The partnership with the high school allows Habitat to encourage students to explore a career in the construction trades," Musson said. "They go to 'work' each day at the building site, which is located behind the high school. They are expected to show up on time and ready for work, much like a real job in construction. And they get an opportunity to give back to the community through their labor."
For the family that will ultimately live in the home, the volunteer labor and reduced material costs result in a final cost that is significantly lower than average. Families selected to receive homes through Habitat for Humanity must also contribute "sweat equity" and help build their future residence.
The construction trades students started working on this year's house in the beginning of the school year and will continue until next spring, Musson explained. The home, which will be entered into an energy program and will be tested to ensure it meets Focus on Energy requirements. should be completed by May or June of 2019.
According to Musson, the students recently finished the roof and put in the interior walls and windows. Electrical, plumbing, drywall and painting of the walls and ceiling will be completed at the school as well.
The house is being built in two parts so it can be transferred from the school to its permanent location.
"In the spring we bring a crane in and they separate the house into two pieces," Musson explained. "Right now there is a common wall down the middle that splits apart and they lift it up and they put it on the trailer and haul it to the site."
Once on-site the home will be set on a foundation and the rest of the work, such as flooring, siding and trim, will be completed. This will also be the first Habitat House in recent years to have a full basement. It may also have a garage, depending on what the family can afford.
Habitat has not selected the recipient family as of yet, but the list has been narrowed down to three and a decision will be made after the first of the year, Musson said.
Musson believes in the program and its potential impact on students.
"As an architect, I hear regularly about the shortage of workers in the construction trades," he said. "Many students and parents are not aware of the many benefits of working in the trades. Not the least of which is the high demand for workers that is evident both locally and nationally. This program introduces the student to the possibilities and hopefully gives them a glimpse into another career option."
"Even though most of the house is built at the high school there's still the need for volunteer help once the house is set on the foundation Musson added.
To volunteer to put the final touches on the project, visit www.habitatforhumanitynorthwoodswi.org.
Kayla Thomason may be reached at [email protected].
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