On Site with Habitat Austin

Habitat for Humanity volunteers frame a house in a day using prefabricated wall panels.

Standing the First Wall

Habitat officials and volunteers from the Austin Board of Realtors stand the first wall with prospective homeowner Jessica Foster.

The House Takes Shape

With plenty of volunteers on hand, walls quickly start to go up.

Carrying Panels

Volunteers carry a wall panel.

Carrying Panels

Volunteers carry a wall panel.

Standing Walls

Volunteers stand another wall.

Painting Trim

As walls are going up, Diane Kennedy, chairman of the Austing Board of Realtors, paints trim boards.

Pinning the Plate

A volunteer pins a wall plate in place with a powder-actuated gun nail.

Cutting Out Doors

A Habitat crew leader cuts out the wall plate at a door opening.

Anchoring the Wall

A volunteer nails an anchor strap for a wall plate.

Anchoring the Wall

A volunteer nails an anchor strap for a wall plate.

Anchoring the Wall

JLC Editor Ted Cushman does it right on site.

Marking Trusses

Volunteers learn to make layout marks on a truss.

Stacking Trusses

By lunchtime, walls are up and the volunteers begin to stack trusses.

Roof Sheathing

On day three of the build, volunteers sheathe the roof.

Fastening Fascia

Volunteers nail Hardie fibercement trim boards to the eave.

Installing Windows

A volunteer installs a window.

Installing Siding

Volunteers attach Hardie Panel siding to the walls.

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