Help Habitat Build

Construction Program

Site Selection:  The start of the construction process begins with locating affordable sites to build on. In Hendricks Co. it has become more economical and practical for the family’s sake to seek lots in town.  We generally seek lots in older sections of town where a 1260 sf house without garage will be permitted and fit with the surrounding neighborhood. City utilities are a big advantage also, and some towns help by waiving permit and tap fees. Keeping the lot cost down is very important to making the project affordable for partner families.  Habitat takes clear title to every property and files for property tax exemption before construction begins. Habitat has completed thirty-seven (37) homes in eight (8) Hendricks County communities:

  • Plainfield
  • Stilesville
  • Amo
  • Coatesville
  • Maplewood
  • North Salem
  • Danville
  • Brownsburg

House Design Criteria: In compliance with HFHI design criteria the Hendricks Co. affiliate designs a simple decent and affordable home that will complement the neighborhood.  When required by local codes the home design may exceed the HFHI standard. Typically Habitat homes are limited to 1100 sf, three-bed room with one bath.  When the family size exceeds 5 a four-bedroom two-bath house design is permitted. Since every community in Hendricks Co. has a minimum square footage of 1260 sf our house design conforms to that standard. Garages are not included in the design but consideration is given to garage location when designing the house and placing it on the lot.

Material specifications are held to the same standard of simple, decent and affordable.  Only new products are used in the construction in order to provide warranty to the homeowner. Donated used materials are sold in yard sales twice a year for cash. Material specifications are also used to keep uniformity so that every family is treated fairly.

Accessibility is designed into each home when possible. 36” door widths and entrance ramps are no problem to accommodate. Special electronic alarm devices can also be installed whenever needed. Generally, every disability has it’s own special needs for accessibility; such needs are given strong consideration in the home design as needed. While Habitat is not a “custom home” program special considerations are given to accessibility for the disabled.

Habitat Hendricks Co. controls the design and location of each home but allows the prospective homeowner to select the finish materials from a pallet of material choices.  The homeowner also has a $1,000 allowance for material upgrade to add features or upgrade the quality of finish materials.  Since the home does not include a garage, a mini-barn is included for storage of yard tools and other outdoor items. 

Construction Management:  The construction management staff is responsible for the complete construction of each home from the foundation through landscaping. Coordination of plans, permits, subcontracts, material supplies, in-kind materials, inspections, scheduling, volunteer labor, cost accounting, and warranty work are all areas of detail and constant oversight required to complete a successful build. During the heavy construction season it is often necessary to bring in staff assistants to carry this load.  The Americorp Volunteer program has been a great source in the past for this kind of help.

Materials: Since every house design is approximately 1260 sf and similar in design material quantities do not vary greatly and complete house material packages can be ordered ahead of the construction season when prices are usually lower. Fast track projects require all materials to be onsite before construction begins. The complete material package requiring secure and weather tight storage can easily fit in two (2) 8’x12’ portable storage units.

Subcontractors:  To assure the warranty of specific trades professional subcontractors are hired for the skilled trades. Each subcontractor must submit a bid and a current certificate of insurance for general liability and workmen’s comp. All other carpentry related and landscape work is done by volunteers. Typical subcontracts are:

  • Foundation   HVAC  Plumbing
  • Electrical  Drywall Fin. Floors

Jobsite Supervision: It is required to have adequate skilled and experienced leadership on each jobsite to coordinate the work and lead volunteer labor crews. Volunteer superintendents with construction knowledge and skills help lead volunteers and teach skills of the related trades. Safety is always first priority in this position. Demonstrating proper techniques and employing the right tools are essential to leading the volunteer.  The superintendent seeks the various skill levels of each volunteer and assigns tasks accordingly. Keeping each volunteer busy not only maximizes the productivity but also assures the volunteer of having a satisfying volunteer experience. If the volunteer learned something and enjoyed the experience they will most likely return.

Volunteer Labor:  Any skill level is welcome to participate on a Habitat build. There are many tasks to do and many hands make quick work. Each volunteer must sign a waiver of liability to be on the job site. Volunteers between 16 to 18 years of age are restricted from certain activities.  Volunteers under the age of 16 can not be in or on the house under construction, but may be permitted on site away from the construction and must be accompanied by a parent at all times. Volunteers should arrive at the jobsite in appropriate work clothes. Work boots are recommended except for roofing work. All tools and equipment are provided on the job site by Habitat. Volunteers may wish to bring their own personal hand tools and tool belt if they prefer

Safety:  “No job is so important that it can’t be done safely.” 
Each workday should begin with a review of the major points of safety in the Habitat safety policy.  Precaution is exercised in the following areas:

  • Personal Protection  Tools & Equipment
  • Hazardous tasks  Housekeeping
  • Power Lines  Lifting
  • Communication  First Aid

Closing:  The construction manager is responsible to perform all final “walk-through” with the partner family and complete all punch list work.
Final inspections and certificate of occupancy are required before setting a closing date.
 
Habitat staff will schedule a dedication service approximately one week before the closing. Possession is given immediately following the closing.  Partner families are strictly prohibited from moving in before closing.  Mortgage payments begin one month following the closing.

Habitat pays all the closing costs. The homeowner must have paid $1,000 down payment before closing and show proof of payment of homeowner insurance for one year. All closing are insured and performed by a licensed title company.

Warranty:  Habitat warrants the workmanship and installation of the materials installed by volunteer labor for a period of one year from closing date.  Materials are warranted by the manufacturers or suppliers and begin from date of purchase. The Homeowner receives a manual of materials and appliances with instruction and warranty information.

One year following closing Habitat will schedule a warranty inspection with the homeowner.  Items of normal wear and tear and/or abuse are not the responsibility of Habitat to repair or replace.