habitat for humanity - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

newguy07 · 10-11-2007, 09:39 AM

Anybody ever do it before? I am going to try it out tomorrow since i am just waiting for my job and I wouldn't mind working on a house.

**Cole** · 10-11-2007, 10:10 AM

Yeah, what do you want to know about it?

newguy07 · 10-11-2007, 10:16 AM

Just if anybody has done it. I am looking to learn some construction but also glad I will benefit people also.

**Cole** · 10-11-2007, 10:21 AM

You will get out of it, what you put into it!

It is a very rewarding experience, have fun most of all!

newguy07 · 10-11-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole

You will get out of it, what you put into it!

It is a very rewarding experience, have fun most of all!

I will. Thanks a lot.

**joasis** · 10-11-2007, 10:46 AM

We do the insulation and some of the specialized work in the Habitat homes in my area. It is a great place to show your willingness to learn, in front of contractors who may be looking for a new guy.

newguy07 · 10-11-2007, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joasis

We do the insulation and some of the specialized work in the Habitat homes in my area. It is a great place to show your willingness to learn, in front of contractors who may be looking for a new guy.

I never thought of that. It could also be a good networking tool also.

Good advice thanks!

Bob Kovacs · 10-11-2007, 11:55 AM

I did some work on a HFH house in college, and it was pretty cool. Lately though, it seems like they're more interested in getting large groups of know-nothings from companies that will throw some $$ into the mix than guys who know what they're doing. I sent numerous requests to the local chapters in NJ over the past few years, explained my background, listed the tasks I'd be willing to help with (just about anything), and got absolutely zero response. Pretty sad, actually....

curapa · 10-11-2007, 02:45 PM

A contractor I worked for quite a few years back (when I was a hourly framer) did the framing on a Habitat house every year. I always declined helping out because of the chaotic conditions. He'd have a few of us from his custom home crew along with numerous Mexicans from his track home crews go at it. Poor communication lead to long aggravating days (from what the people that helped out said). Here they have competitions to see who can build the house fastest. Imagine 5 or 6 small houses being slammed together in a day, each one having 15 to 20 people climbing over each other to get done the fastest while not being able to understand what more than half of them are saying.

NO THANK YOU!

True North · 10-11-2007, 08:33 PM

I'm the builder for HFH in our county... We do one house a year, working mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.

At first I thought it was a really good thing, but I'm quite discouraged with it after doing it for a while.

Reasons?

#1 Pompous know-nothing admistration that DOES NOT work together.

#2 Lazy recipients. I've put in many hours on this build. The owners have put in four, yes 4 hours.

#3 It's really not that good a deal for the recipients.

#4 No volunteers.

#5 The volunteers I do get want to hammer. That's it. No marking, measuring, cutting, or thinking, period. I'm surprised I don't have to hold each individual nail for them.

I don't mean to come off as bitter about this. I really want it to work...

Ben

Higgs · 10-12-2007, 09:22 AM

hey,
i have been working with HFH for a couple of months every other weekend. i haven't been impressed with them at all they seem very unorganised and cobble wobble some of their stuff. granted i am in the military and i am use to a little more order and dicipline. but when i show up for a job i kinda expect to have work lined up to do, since you have to call in advance. instead i tend to find myself looking for work to do while i am there.

Higgs · 10-12-2007, 09:29 AM

has anyone had any other experiences with building/relief volunteer organizations. i have thought about trying to start my owner or something along those lines but not sure if i want to put the time in. cause i am getting a little tired of trying to volunteer and than getting put with a crew chief that doesn't care or has no idea what is going on.

kylemfk · 10-12-2007, 10:50 AM

my supply company donates to HFH. They aren't picky and it's nice to help out.

Flikka · 10-12-2007, 12:03 PM

I'm currently on the Family Selection Committee in my area for HFH and started with them painting our area's first build. Our second build will be started next spring where I hope to swing a hammer or two.

All partnering families have to sign an agreement to put in 500 hours of sweat equity and agree to the terms of the mortgage. The 500 hours can come in the form of actually helping to build their home, another HFH home, admid stuff, cooking ect. It's not always about helping with the build because not all people are capable.

I found it very rewarding.