House Build Info Sheet

This is a general guide as to what you can expect on a Habitat Build. All affiliates manage their own builds, so if you have any specific questions, please contact your local affiliate.

• What might I be doing?
• Virtually anything: digging foundations, standing up walls, fixing the cladding, exterior joinery, sealing, roofing, framing, landscaping, driveway and carport, plumbing, electrical cabling (under appropriate supervision), sanding and / or painting. The work you will do will depend on the stage of construction when you arrive as well as weather conditions.
• What if the weather is not good?
• Please bring a raincoat if you have one and if rain is forecast for the day. Whenever possible, indoor work will be assigned in very wet weather. Indoor work may include fitting doors, sanding, painting, or non-construction work. The site may be closed in heavy, persistent rain if indoor work is unavailable.
• How long and what time will I be there?
• Work usually commences around 8.30 am and continues (with suitable breaks) until 4.30 pm for 30 minutes of site clean-up. Half-days and alternative start/finish times can usually be arranged.
• What about food and drinks?
• In most cases, the Habitat for Humanity affiliate provides a refreshment tent with water and morning and afternoon tea (tea, coffee, milo, milk and sugar, biscuits). Some affiliates also provide lunch.* *Please confirm with your affiliate in advance.
• What do I need to wear?
• Comfortable old clothing that can get dirty, muddy, and covered in paint. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather and should not be too baggy. Sturdy, closed-toe, thick-soled shoes* that can get wet and muddy. *Bare feet and open-toe shoes are not allowed on site for safety reasons. Rain gear and gumboots if wet weather is expected. Hat or cap. Sunglasses. Long hair should be tied back.
• What should I bring?
• A water bottle. Drinking water is available on site. Work gloves. Inexpensive cotton gloves are fine. Some affiliates provide gloves. Sunscreen. Apply liberally and frequently! Most affiliates provide sunscreen. A sense of humour, flexibility, and patience. OPTIONAL: Basic tools (hammer, square, tape measure, etc.) marked with your name, if you are an experienced builder and have your own favourites. Do not buy tools especially for the build; a good selection is provided.
• Will there be restroom and resting facilities?
• A Porta-loo type toilet, our new “Habi-loo” toilet block featuring flush toilets, or public toilets will be available, along with hand washing facilities (a tap and soap). Shelter and basic seating will be available for breaks: crates, saw horses, paint tins and planks may function as seating.

Donation

If you are volunteering as an individual, we invite you to make a donation of $50 per person per day to Habitat for Humanity New Zealand. The donation is not required, but it is welcomed as it helps us cover supervision / refreshment costs etc. and supports our ongoing building programmes.