FINISHED HOMES

House #25 is complete

Fri, 3 November 2006

FOR EVERYONE:

 

 

The Dedication Tammy's house will be Sunday, November 5, 2006 at 3 PM. The address is 123 Church Street in the town of Amherst.

 

Look forward to seeing you there.

 

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Tue, 19 September 2006

If anyone would like a tour of the finished house please contact the office or me. The office # is 946-5927 and my contact info is below in signature block.

Many thanks to the volunteers, vendors, and sub-contractors that made house #25 a reality.

Please take a moment to offer some "constructive criticism" on the construction process.

What did we do wrong?? (What made you frown??)
What did we do right?? (What made you smile??)
How can we do it better next time??

By the way, I started the application process for house #26 today.

Thanks again,

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Thu, 24 August 2006

FOR EVERYONE:  
AEP DEACTIVATED THE TEMPORARY SERVICE TODAY AND CONNECTED PERMANENT POWER TO THE HOUSE.

THE LOAD CENTER IS NOW HOT.

CHECK WITH WALLY, RUSSELL OR ME BEFORE TURNING ON ANY CIRCUIT BREAKERS.

JUST THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW.

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Sat, 19 August 2006

Top four pictures - Sweet Briar College students assigned to the Chaplain's office (Sweet Spirits) painted and landscaped on Monday.

 

Bottom picture - How many carpenters does it take to hang one cabinet?

Pictured above left to right: John Staton, Rod Loving, Ed Stahl, Larry McDaniel, Russell Addison and Dick Keeney.

 

FOR EVERYONE:

 

Sweet Briar Student worked on Monday and offered to return on Thursday but our schedule could not accommodate the second date.

 

Rod Loving installed underlayment on Wednesday and while Russell Addison and Tammy continued priming the walls.

 

The guys pictured above installed kitchen cabinets and the bathroom vanity today.

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

The special order countertop should is due in on Wednesday (23 August) morning. We will install it as soon as it becomes available.

 

The plumbers will also be working on Wednesday (23 August) along with painters. If you would like to paint we could use your help on Wednesday at 8:00 AM.

 

Appliances are scheduled for delivery on Wednesday.

 

As soon as the painting is complete we will install switches, receptacles, and cover plates.

 

Don't schedule any interior tasks on Thursday (24 August) because the vinyl floor installer will be working early and we can not walk on the floor for 12 hours.

 

 

Anyone needing access to the house after vinyl installation can call me (see contact info below) for information on keys.

 

Regards,

 

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Sun, 13 August 2006

 

FOR EVERYONE:

Pictured above Russell Addison and Kenny Bumgarner installing vinyl siding and Ann Staton priming baseboard.

 

The vinyl siding and aluminum trim are complete and Tammy along with friends and family have started painting the interior.

 

Larry McDaniel and his wife Smith have taken all of the interior doors to their house to spray paint. They will be returned after the carpet is installed.

 

Kenny Bumgarner finished installing baseboard while Sarah Gurtler filled nail holes preparing for the painters.

 

Russell Addison has hung all of the ceiling fans and light fixtures. Russell and Wally Hanson have installed the meter base and the house is now ready for permanent electrical service.

 

John Staton, Rod Loving, Russell Addison, and Larry McDaniel finished installing the deck rails this week.

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Students from Sweet Briar College will work on landscaping tomorrow. We will continue painting and install underlayment on Wednesday. If cabinets have been delivered by Saturday we will install them then.

 

 

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Mon, 7 August 2006

 

FOR EVERYONE:

Scott Cabell Drywall put finishing touches on the interior walls this morning. Vinyl siding installers in first photo above left to right are: Sarah Gurtler (first time Amherst Habitat volunteer), Tammy Tabb (homeowner), Rod Loving, and Buddy Bryant. Pictured in the second photo above is Dick Keeney and Albert Barkdale (another first time Amherst Habitat volunteer). The workers overcame heat and height to finish installing vinyl all the way to the top of the back side of the house and made great progress on the front side.

 

Alice Bryant (Tammy's Aunt) brought ice cold lemonade and pastries for a mid-morning treat.

 

Volunteers not pictured included Ann Staton, John Staton, and Russell Addison.

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

This coming week (July 31 thru Aug 5) we will work each day starting at 9 am on Monday and 8 am Tuesday thru Saturday. Tasks will include installing vinyl siding (if it is not raining) and installing interior doors and trim (if it is raining). We do not plan to work past lunch.

 

What have you done for Amherst Habitat recently?

 

Regards,

 

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Fri, 7 July 2006

Above: Storm blew large tree from across the road into the yard this week.

FOR EVERYONE:

 

The plumbers are finished and the electricians should finish today. Will get framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-in inspections on Monday or Tuesday.

 

Vinyl siding will be done by Sherman Massie, a local home builder. This job is usually done by volunteers but we do not have adequate ladders and scaffolding to work the rear wall safely. Two other contracts will follow vinyl siding and then we will call on volunteers to hand interior doors, install baseboard, paint, and hang cabinets.

 

I will send an email when we are ready to launch those projects.

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Tomorrow morning we will need a couple of volunteers to help remove the remains of a large tree that a storm dropped in yard. Should take less than an hour. Bring gloves.   FOR MARK BRYANT: If your dad is planning on coming tomorrow, ask him to drive the dump truck to haul away the branches.   Thanks for your help and patience.   George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Thu, 29 June 2006

 

 

Top photo shows current progress on house #25.

Bottom photo: (left to right) Russell Addison and Rod Loving working on plumbing rough-in.

 

FOR EVERYONE: House #25 has come a long way in a few weeks. We are going to give the volunteers a break while some contracted services are being done and the building inspector checks us out before we close the walls. I will send another email a few days before we are ready to put you back to work.

 

FOR TAMMY'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Tammy's sweat equity hours are accumulating on schedule. Even though most volunteers are getting a break, I would like for you to continue coming on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This will insure that she does not fall behind in logging hours.

 

Thanks for all your hard work and patience.

 

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Sat, 17 June 2006

  

FOR EVERYONE:

Today we were scheduled to work on the front porch and side deck. Pictured above installing floor joists (left to right): Norris Welfare and John Staton. Digging postholes (left to right): Buck Bryant, Tammy Tabb, Norris Welfare, John Staton, and Sue Johnston.

Russell Addison and Rod Loving worked on the plumbing rough-in while the other volunteers started building the front porch. The carpentry crew included Buddy Bryant, Buck Bryant, John Staton, Tammy Tabb, Norris Welfare, and Sue Johnston. The ledger board, floor joists, and decking boards were installed and the crew made a good start on the side deck before quitting time.

Bernie Wilson of "Bernie's Heating and Cooling" completed the HVAC rough-in this today.

Juanita Henderson (Amherst Baptist Church) brought popcicles for everyone midmorning.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Wednesday 21 June: We will continue work on the side deck, frame the attic access hole, and install the kitchen door. There will be some straw to spread on the seeded yard.

Saturday 24 June: We will install windows and put down 4 mil. plastic in the crawl space.


George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Sat, 10 June 2006

 

FOR EVERYONE:

It has been a busy week at house #25.

 

Hoyt Stewart installed the front door. Erin Bumgarner and Tammy Tabb insulated the exterior wall that will be hidden behind the tub/shower unit. Erin and Hoyt also installed flashing for the front porch and rear deck.

 

Cecil and David Foster (Foster Excavations) began grading the yard. ran the waterline to the house, backfilled around the house, brought the yard and parking area to final grade, and graveled the drive.

 

Bernie Wilson (Bernie's Heating and Cooling) started the rough-in for heating and air conditioning (HVAC).

 

Russell Addison and Wally Hanson continued wiring for the electrical rough-in. Dave Bryant and Rod Loving worked on the plumbing rough-in.

 

Lee Bryant (L. R. Bryant Construction Inc.), Larry McDaniel, Jeremy Hanson, John Staton, Norris Welfare, Leigh Anne Bryant, Allison Banton, Jeff Williams, and Chris Banton installed roof shingles.

 

Betty Bryant brought cold sodas and doughnuts.

 

FOR LARRY MCDANIEL

Thanks for the use of your scaffold and the roofing nailer.

 

FOR BETTY BRYANT

Thanks for thinking of us. Everyone enjoyed the snack and sodas. Will bring your basket to church tomorrow.

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

On Wednesday (14 June) we will begin work on the porch and deck.

 

On Saturday (17 June) We will continue work on the porch and deck, begin preparing the yard for landscaping, and do a general cleanup of the site.

 

Just thought you would like to know.

 

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Sun, 4 June 2006

 

 

Setting Roof Trusses: Left to right. Paul Grey, Casey Grey, and Lee Bryant.

Nailing Sheathing: Left to right. Luke Johnston, Brian McAllister, and Dave Bryant.

 

FOR EVERYONE: What a day! Twenty-one volunteers. The crane (provided by McBride Sign Company) arrived at 8:30 AM and was finished at 10:00. That averaged about 4 minutes per truss. The roof was braced, sheathed and under black paper at 12:00.

 

Friends and relatives of Tammy Tabb (homeowner) included John and Ann Staton, Buddy Bryant, and Mark Bryant.

 

Other workers included first time volunteer Brenda Gay Efford and Brian McAllister was back for his second volunteer day on house #25. Lee Bryant (L. R. Bryant Construction Inc.), Paul Grey, Casey Grey, and Dave Bryant set trusses. Russell Addison and Wally Hansen were riggers. Kenny Bumgarner and Erin Bumgarner installed sub-fascia. Brenda Gay Efford and Sue Johnston installed "hurricane clips" and nailed sheathing. Dick Keeney ran the cut pile. Mark Bryant, Adam Johnston, Buddy Bryant, and John Staton were "jacks of all trades" and passed sheathing, nails, and rolls of black paper to folks on the roof. Allison Banton, Luke Johnston and Brian McAllister nailed sheathing. Rod Loving braced the gable end trusses and installed the "rat walk." Best of all - Nancy Banton brought barbeque and hot dogs for lunch. 

 

FOR LARRY JANOW

Tammy now has 134.5 "Sweat Equity Hours" invested in her new home. She has samples of siding and roof shingles to select colors by Wednesday. She is on track for her hours and color selections. Tammy has indicated that she would like to take advantage of the Whirlpool discount washer and dryer offer but will decline the dishwasher. Not adding the dishwasher will give her space for another large base cabinet in the kitchen. I think she made a wise choice.

 

FOR BRENDA GAY EFFORD:

Thanks for coming all the way to Amherst to help us. Enjoyed working you and hope to see you often.

 

FOR LARRY MCDANIEL:

Thanks for the loan of the rolling scaffold. It worked great and allowed for a much safer operation. I secured it to a wall in the kitchen. Give me a convenient  time and I will return it to your house.

 

FOR SUE JOHNSTON:

Please pass this to Adam and Luke. I apologize for confusing your names. Be patient with me. I will learn to tell you apart.

 

FOR KENNY BUMGARNER:

Please pass this to Erin. I lost her e-mail address before I could add it to my address book. Have her send it to me again.

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

We will install windows and exterior doors on Wednesday (7 June) and roof shingles on Saturday (10 June).

 

Just thought you would like to know.

 

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Sun, 28 May 2006

 

Shown above:

 

John Staton and Buck Bryant put finishing touches on the crawl space door and Dick Keeney saws a 2x4 for kitchen framing.

 

Tammy Tabb (homeowner) had to work her regular job on Saturday but her mother (Barbara Bryant), two uncles (Buck and Buddy Bryant), and the husband of a co-worker (John Staton) came to work on her house. As of today Tammy has  invested 105 "sweat equity hours".

 

Saturday regulars included Dick Keeney and Russell Addison. While John and Buck constructed and hung the crawl space access door Dick and Buddy framed the kitchen island and installed blocking for kitchen cabinets. Russell started installing boxes for wiring and everyone helped install "deadwood."

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

The roof trusses have been delivered to the jobsite and on Wednesday (31 May) we will sheath the gable end trusses and precut bracing and "rat walk."

 

On Saturday (3 June) we will set roof trusses, install sheathing, and cover it with black paper. The crane, provide by McBride Signs, will arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Suggest everyone park in the County Administration Building parking lot. If you have tools or equipment to unload come early and then move your vehicle to the parking lot. There will not be enough room to get the crane in or out by cars parked on the side of Church Street.

 

FOR LEE BRYANT: Could really use your help on Saturday. If you come please bring your "button cap nailer". Can I buy button caps for your nailer at Hill Hardware or Lowes? I will get them in advance or will replace yours. Let me know. (946-5927)

 

FOR PAUL GREY: Will you be available to run truss locks on Saturday? Larry McDaniel has loaned his rolling scaffold so you won't have to stand on trusses.

 

FOR ROD LOVING: If you get back from Michigan in time will you run rat walk and gable end bracing?

 

FOR WALLY HANSON: Bring hard hat, gloves, and teter line. Would like for you to be rigger to get trusses from ground to house.

 

FOR KEENY BUMGARNER: Would like for you to install gutter boards.

 

Will need a couple of strong backs to pass plywood to the roof beginning about 10:30.

 

See you there,

 

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Sat, 20 May 2006

FOR EVERYONE:
The midweek crew finished standing the exterior walls on Wednesday and the Saturday volunteers finished building and standing the interior walls. By noon the walls were up, the porch rack was in place and about one third of the double plate had been installed.

The midweek crew pictured above from left to right is Russell Addison, Rod Loving, Tammy Tabb (homeowner), and Dick Keeney. Barbara Coleman (not pictured) was also there on Wednesday. Mark Bryant is pictured in the foreground of the second picture.

Today's crew consisted of Tammy Tabb and her Cousin Mark Bryant. Regulars included Russell Addison, Larry McDaniel, Rod Loving, Kenny Bumgarner, and Paul Grey. Casey Grey (home from VMI) brought two classmates: Doug Hague and Wutthisan Luamgjinda. The Johnstons: Adam, Luke, and Ben were there to drive nails also. This was the first day on the job for new volunteer Brian McAllister.

SCHEDULE/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The midweek crew will continue installing double plate on Wednesday (May 24) beginning at 8 AM.

Saturday May 27 (Memorial Day weekend) will not be a regular workday. I will be at the jobsite at 8 AM to accommodate any volunteers that want to put in a couple of hours of light work. Enjoy the holiday weekend.

We will set roof trusses on 3 June beginning at 8 AM. Trusses should be set by 9:30 and we will start sheathing. The goal is to have the roof under black paper before we go home that day.


George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Mon, 15 May 2006

FOR EVERYONE:

Saturday morning was really busy at house #25. Buddy, Barbara, and Buddy Bryant were on hand to help build exterior walls. Together they logged 12 hours for Tammy (homeowner).

Russell Addison, Rod Loving, Larry McDaniel, Paul Grey, John Pelissier, Adam Johnston, and Luke Johnston were all on hand to help raise the two long walls. Sorry no photos. Even the photographer had to help lift the walls.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We will continue building walls on Wednesday (17 May) and Saturday (20 May).

Give me feedback on your availability/thoughts on working on Memorial Day weekend (27 May).

George Banton
Amherst County Habitat for Humanity
Construction Coordinator
(434) 946-5927 H
(434) 942-0320 C
GBNTN@AOL.COM

Sat, 6 May 2006

Tue, 2 May 2006

Sun, 2 Apr 2006

Tue, 21 Mar 2006

HOUSE #25 is started!

The lot is cleared and foundation work has begun on house #25. Tammy Tabb and her family will be our newest home owner. Both the County of Amherst and the Town of Amherst have helped out by providing dump fee rebates (from the County) and a zoning variance (from the Town) to move this project along.

Students at Sweet Brair College are raising funds for this house and will contribute time to construction. We are also in talks with the Amry National Guard to see if they can help out.

Keep up with the house progress at our website.

Bill Scharrer

Mon, 20 Mar 2006

FOR EVERYONE:

We are off to a great start with house #25.

Lee Bryant of L. R. Bryant Construction dug the footings on Thursday afternoon.

Today, Russell Addison, Larry Janow, John Pelissier, and Rod Loving dressed the footings to final dimensions, removed loose material, and set grade stakes.

Thanks guys .
Will try to install dams for the steps next week and pour concrete on Saturday morning the 25th of March.

Just thought you would like to know.

George B.

Mon, 6 Feb 2006

This was vacant house at 123 Church Street in Amherst.
It is the future location of house #25.

"What have you done for habitat recently"?
Regards,
George Banton

Contact George Banton at Gbntn@aol.com for current construction schedule.