Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I bring with me to the site?
Most tools and materials that are needed for construction are available on site, so we will let you know if there is anything specific you should bring with you for a particular project. We always have plenty of hard hats, safety glasses, ear plugs, and any other safety equipment you might need, so you do not have to worry about providing those things.
We are also set up at most sites with plenty of water and Gatorade, but you might want to bring a water bottle to refill in order to cut down on your trips back and forth to the water cooler. We do recommend keeping sunscreen and bug spray on hand as well!
- What should I wear to the work site?
In general, you should wear comfortable, breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. In cooler weather you may want to bring along extra layers. During the summer months loose, cotton clothing is optimal. Shorts are permissible. Also, closed toe shoes such as work boots or tennis shoes are required. Anyone not wearing proper shoes will be asked to leave the site.
- What should I do when I arrive on site?
When you first arrive at the site, there will be a table set up with a sign-in book and name tags. All volunteers should report to the table and sign-in. If you have not brought a signed copy of our waiver of liability, there will be extra copies available in the back of the sign-in book for you to read and fill out. After this, there will be a morning devotion and a brief orientation and safety talk.
- Are there any age restrictions?
Individuals under the age of 14 years are not allowed on a Habitat work site. Individuals between the ages of 14 and 16 may do limited work on the site, such as painting or landscaping, but they cannot be on site when heavy construction is underway. Volunteers age 16 and 17 may do general construction and carpentry, but they may not do excavation, demolition, operate power tools, or do roof work.
- Do I need experience in construction?
No prior construction experience is required to work on our site. Volunteers of all different skill levels are welcome to work with us.
- What hours do you work?
Generally, we build Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We do ask all of our volunteers to arrive on time so that they can all be present for the morning meeting and we can get the build day started promptly. If you cannot arrive until later, please let us know, so we can accommodate.
- What type of work will we be doing?
Volunteers work on nearly all phases of homebuilding including framing roofing, siding, painting and landscaping. The Volunteer Coordinator will let you know specifically what activities you will be doing on your scheduled build day.
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