Frame takes shape on student-built home

The wood-framed walls are going up for a new residence in south Maryville, a house built almost completely by students.

Northwest Technical School's Building Trades program laid the groundwork for its fourth home construction project in July with the purchase of a lot at 957 S. Market.

Shortly thereafter, concrete was poured and sewer and water lines were set. Then, following the beginning of the 2012-'13 school year, students began sawing boards and driving nails.

On Monday, the Building Trades crew was working to finish framing the three-bedroom home, which will feature a two-car garage and a walk-out basement facing a pond.

Building Trades instructor Jay Drake said that he is hoping to have the house closed in by Thanksgiving break, including windows, siding and the roof.

Though the crew is roughly a week behind schedule, Drake said the 12 students in the class are working hard to catch up.

"Our main goal is to have all of this outside wall work done by Thanksgiving," Drake said. "That way, when cold weather comes, the students can still get out here and work."

Some of the work is sub-contracted, including electrical, plumbing, concrete and finishing the sheet rock, which will be hung by the students.

All non-school work is hired locally, which Drake says is an advantage for both the program and for local contractors.

"They really help us out," Drake said. "From contractors to materials, they have always been great to us."

The rest of the work is done by students, including fixtures, cabinets and non-carpet flooring.

With a lot cost of $23,000 plus $130,000 for materials, the house needs to sell for a little more than $150,000 in order for NTS to make its money back.

However, the exact base price will not be determined until next spring, when the Maryville R-II School Board plans to accept sealed bids from prospective buyers.