Construction Volunteering

What to Wear?
Four important steps to prepare for a safe and fun build day:
1. Read the Rules to Build By
2. Review the Project Build Schedule
3. Arrive at the build site on time and sign in.
4. Commit to helping for the full build day. When you volunteer to build a new house with Otsego-Antrim Habitat, you will be working on a construction site.
 
From head to toe, we want you to be safe and dressed comfortably.
■ Weather appropriate shirt, sweater or jacket.
■ Sturdy pants such as jeans, khakis or shorts just above the knee. (Leggings, tights, tennis skirts are not appropriate and potentially unsafe).
■ We provide work gloves or you can wear your own.
■ We provide hard hats, or you can wear your own.
■ Hard-sole, sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. (Construction boots, hiking boots, sturdy running shoes/sneakers. No canvas or tennis sneakers, sandals or open-toe shoes allowed on site).
■ Plenty of sunscreen, and a fold up lawn or stadium chair if you would like. 
■ No jewelry! Personal protection gear such as safety glasses, ear plugs, and dust masks will be provided at the build site for work requiring extra protection.
 
Thanks for volunteering with us! 

Rules to Build By
Time Commitment
■ Arrive on time at the work-site to participate in the required safety orientation.
■ Commit to helping for the full build day if at all possible.
■ All volunteers are needed to help clean up at the end of the workday. Many hands make light work!
 
Tools and Materials
■ All tools and supplies provided at work-site and instruction will be provided so that you can safely operate them.
■ Volunteers may bring tools; they must be marked with your name and phone number.
■ Volunteers are not permitted to bring power tools. Otsego - Antrim Habitat is not responsible for damaged or lost items.
■ Coffee and drinking water is provided on site.
■ Porta - potty is on site.
■ No smoking on the construction site please.
 
Parking and Automobiles
■ Volunteers are strongly encouraged to carpool. Parking is very limited.
■ Please do not pull into driveways to turn around. Please do not park in front of mail boxes. 
■ Please remove anything of value from your car. Otsego-Antrim Habitat is not responsible for car damage or stolen items.
 
Age Restrictions
■ No one under the age of 16 is allowed on the construction site – no exceptions.
■ Volunteers ages 16 and 17 must have a parent or guardian sign their Release and Waiver of Liability, and their media release, should we have a group photo taken.
■ Volunteers ages 16 and 17 will be excluded from certain activities, such as but not limited to, using power tools.
 
Weather Conditions
■ Otsego-Antrim builds year-round, rain or shine when the house is enclosed.
■ Workdays may be canceled in advance due to adverse weather conditions.
■ Schedule changes are posted on our ReStore FaceBook page and we also get the word out by way of Eagle Radio 101.5.
■ The builder or executive director will shorten the workday if inclement weather persists or road conditions become hazardous.