FAQ for Construction Volunteers

Do I need to have construction skills?

No previous construction experience is required – just a willingness to work and to learn.

How old does a construction volunteer need to be?

To be present on our construction sites, volunteers must be at least 16 years old.  Youth ages 16-17 are not permitted to use power tools and must have a parent or guardian accompany them on the work site for the day.  No children under the age of 16 are allowed on the jobsite.  Please contact Margie at mlaw@seattle-habitat.org for ideas on ways youth younger than 16 can get involved.

When can I volunteer on a construction site?

Our construction sites are open Wednesday through Saturday.

What is the time commitment asked of volunteers?

All construction volunteers are asked to commit to working the full day from 8:30-4:30.  Volunteer must be onsite no later than 8:45 to receive the safety orientation and discussion of the day’s work.  When you arrive at the site, you will be asked to sign in and to complete an Adult Waiver form.

What do I need to bring to the construction site?

Make sure you have read the Worksite Safety booklet and signed the waiver you received at your volunteer orientation.

A sack lunch, water bottle and sunscreen.

If you would like to bring any of your personal tools such as a tape measure, retractable utility knife, 16 or 20 ounce hammer, marking pencil, work gloves and/or tool belt, please do so! 

What do I need to wear to the construction site?

Sturdy/closed toe shoes (preferably boots), comfortable clothes that may get dirty; layers for all weather possibilities (this is the Northwest!), rain jacket, long pants.

What about inclement weather?

Site closures are determined by local school closures.  Volunteers should tune in to TV/radio coverage about school closures.  For example, if Seattle Public Schools are closed, all of our Seattle construction sites are closed.  Should an announcement indicate a two-hour delay, volunteers should contact their site supervisor by phone.  The name and phone number of each site supervisor is on the site information sheet you received when you were originally scheduled to volunteer.

What is a typical construction day for a volunteer?

• 8:30 a.m. Sign in.
• 9 a.m. Welcome and safety meeting
• 9:15 a.m. Build with Habitat for Humanity
• 12 p.m. Lunch. Please bring lunch.
• 12:45 Build with Habitat for Humanity .
• 4 p.m. Clean-up and sign out

 

I’m ready!  How do I sign up?

You must pre-register via our online system to work at any construction site.