DEALING WITH SUPPLIERS AND SCHEDULING DELIVERIES

Estimating lumber and materials for a small, affordable house is fairly simple, but it does take some experience to get it right. If you are building a Habitat house, you can call or e-mail affiliates and ask them to share their lists with you (check the Habitat website for the affiliate in your area). You can also take a set of plans to a local supplier. Most building-supply outlets will create a materials list and give you a bid on what everything will cost. Always get bids from more than one supplier. Just make sure every supplier understands the type and grade of each item.

If you don’t make your own list, take the opportunity to in­spect the plans closely. Get acquainted with the house and all its parts before you start. Remember that a lumber list is only an estimate of materials that will be needed for a particular job. You may need to order a few more items as you build, or
you may need to send some materials back to the supplier. Find out ahead of time whether your suppliers charge a restocking fee for returned materials.

Most builders have materials delivered as needed, rather than all at once. You should do the same. That way, you won’t have to worry as much about storage problems. Also, ask your supplier to stack the lumber load in the order in which it will be used.

Some materials (especially trim, doors, and unpainted siding) should be stored indoors. When storing material out­side, set it on blocks above the ground and cover it with plas­tic to keep it dry. Be specific about where you want the lumber company to drop the wood, and pick a level, accessible loca­tion close to where it will be used. Hauling lumber by hand from any distance is hard, time-consuming work.

Habitat

for Humanity"

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A NEW START

Salvador and Sara Arevalo almost decided not to partici­pate in the Jimmy Carter Work Project when it came to Los Angeles, CA, in 2007.

“We had another engagement," Salvador said, laughing. “But the affiliate urged us to attend."

During the event, the Arevalos (along with 29 other fami­lies) were given the opportunity to build a home for them­selves in just a matter of days. It was a family wish fulfilled.

Before their involvement with Habitat, the Arevalos never be­lieved they would own a home in Los Angeles. The high cost of housing in the city left them with few options.

Until recently they

occupied a one-bedroom fourplex, in urgent need of repair, with their three teenage daughters. Katy, soon to be a fresh­man in college, and Lesly, her youngest sister, slept in bunk beds in the dining room. Laria, 14, slept in a converted storage closet that she lovingly decorated.

When the opportunity arrived to work with Habitat, Salvador, who works in building maintenance, was eager to build his family’s home. Since the house’s completion, Salvador has dedicated himself to customizing and personal­izing the residence and making improvements when necessary.

“We are grateful to everyone who has made it possible for us to realize our dream of owning a house," he said.

Sara, who is quiet and reserved, was quick to answer when asked what advice she would give to someone considering a partnership with Habitat—“I would tell them not to miss the opportunity." —Heather Myers

к