Back to an empty shell

Progress Update

With 20 people on site Saturday morning, progress on John and Ethel’s house is accelerating.

The remaining demolition was completed.  The back deck was removed and the yard clean-up continued.  The basement walls were removed and the space cleaned.  This will provide our homeowners with storage space as well as an exercise room.  The basement cleanout also provided easy access to the furnace and hot water heater.  Dave cleaned and tested the furnace and found it to be in good working order.  Dave also connected our hot water heater.  Upstairs, all baseboards and carpets were removed.  On the main floor, the bathtub was removed along with the surrounding drywall.  In the upstairs bathroom, drywall was removed in preparation for next week’s work.  Back outside, the new propane tank was buried out of the way.   The Construction Committee met with representatives from Six Flags in advance of their "Project 6" work day at our house.  We are looking forward to working with their skilled volunteers.

Shout Outs 

Thanks to Cool Beans for discounting our coffee and bagel breakfast!  A well fed crew is a happy crew.

 Thanks to Kris Johnston of Adirondack Precision Cut Stone for 

donating excavation services for our new underground propane tank.

Thanks to Dave Mahoney for his work on our furnace and hot water heater.  His efforts have had a positive impact to the budget for this project.

 

Thanks to Tanya for preparing lunch

Thanks to Steve and Brian from Six Flags and Barbara Sweet from the United Way who met with us in advance of the Six Flags "Project 6" work day.

What’s Coming Up

Next weekend we’ll be pouring footings for the new back porch, removing the old front porch, installing the new bathtub/shower, replacing drywall, and installing the two bath fans.  We’ll also frame walls for the basement stairs and prepare for the Six Flags work day.

Our official ground-breaking is coming up on November 12^th at 9:00am.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please complete the volunteer survey on our website and email it to our volunteer coordinator.

Thank you to the Saratoga Builders Association

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties thanks the Saratoga Builders Association for their generous donation after the 2011 Showcase of Homes.  Sponsored by the Adirondack Trust Company along with 60 other generous sponsors, this year represented the largest in showcase history with 19 homes on the tour. All the homes were located throughout Saratoga County and were on display for three weekends in September and October.

The donation will be used to build affordable housing for families in Saratoga County. 

The Saratoga Builders Association is proud to present a total of $75,000 to two local non-profits from the proceeds of this year's 2011 Showcase of Homes sponsored by Adirondack Trust. From left to right; Heidi Ives, VP Adirondack Trust; Tony Verhaeg, President of SBA; Barry Potoker, Executive Director of SBA; Michelle Larkin, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County; Tammy DiCara, Habitat for Humanity; Lisa Licata-Stoll, Showcase of Homes Co-Chair; Stephan von Schenk, Executive VP Adirondack Trust.

(photo courtesy of Mark Bolles)

A New Beginning!

The Board, committee members, and volunteers of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties are excited to be working on our 21st project house!

 

Our family

John and Ethel are currently Lake George residents.  After many years of care giving for Ethel’s parents, they are thrilled at the prospect of moving into a home of their own.  They’ve gotten a great start on their sweat equity and we look forward to continuing our partnership with John and Ethel.

Ethel, John, Matt, Keith

Our house

After doing service as a family home and rental property, 88 Birch Avenue in Lake George will soon be a “like new” home for John and Ethel.  

Progress

Today marked the initial work day for our rehab project at 88 Birch Avenue.  This week Matt and Keith were joined by Antoinette, Jim, and John and Ethel. 
The sinks and toilets were removed, the main and second floors were cleared out, and the kitchen cabinets were removed.  A new toilet was installed for use during the remodel.  Temporary repairs were also made to a water line to resolve a small leak. 

A master plan was also developed by the Construction Committee to be used as a roadmap for the upcoming work.

Kitchen is ready for new surfaces, cabinets, appliances

What’s Coming Up

Next weekend will see us clean out the basement, remove all floor coverings, demo the rotting back deck and replace the front steps.

Watch for information about our formal groundbreaking ceremony for this year’s project.  We are finalizing details and will post the date shortly.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please complete the volunteer survey on our website and email it to our volunteer coordinator.  Please be patient with us as we sometimes experience an overwhelming response and interest.

 

We look forward to continuing work on Ethel and John’s house and hope you can help us out!

Moving In!

In early April, Penny, Chris and Matt moved into their new home. Their smiles and tears let us know just how much this meant to them. 

After the weather dried out in the spring, our board and committee volunteers returned to spread top soil and seed a new lawn.  The shed was moved to its final home and the driveway was completed. 

We’d like to thank all of the volunteers, our board and committee members and all of those organizations that donated time, materials, lunches, and support for our build.

Thank you!

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