What It Takes to Build a Habitat Home

When you drive by a Habitat for Humanity build site, you might see volunteers raising walls or hammering shingles, and it might look like a simple construction project. But behind every Habitat home is a powerful blend of people, materials, time, and heart.

So what does it really take to build a Habitat home? Let’s pull back the curtain.

The Materials

While every home is different, a typical Habitat home can include an estimated:

  • 250-400 two-by-fours
  • 8,000-12,000 nails
  • 150-180 sheets of drywall
  • 15-20 gallons of paint
  • 1,600–2,000 square feet of roofing
  • 1,200–1,600 square feet of siding

That's just the basic structure. There are numerous windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, and appliances, plus wiring, flooring, cabinets, and more.

These materials are often discounted or donated, but they still come at a cost. On average, it takes $90,000–$120,000 worth of materials to complete a build, depending on size and local costs for permits, inspections, and other expenses. That doesn't include the cost of the land, which is also sometimes donated.

The Time

From the first shovel in the ground to handing over the keys, a home can take 4–8 months to complete, depending on weather, volunteer availability, and supply deliveries.

Volunteers—ranging from weekday regulars and weekend warriors to corporate groups, faith teams, and student volunteers—typically put in 1,000–1,500 collective hours per house.

The People

Volunteers: The backbone of every build. Some swing a hammer; others bring lunch, paint trim, or offer encouragement.

Skilled professionals: Electricians, plumbers, and roofers often donate or discount their work, ensuring everything meets code.

Future homeowners: Each family puts in 300 hours of “sweat equity” helping build their future home.

The Support

Beyond labor and lumber, every home needs behind-the-scenes support:

  • Individuals and business donors who fund materials
  • Community members who advocate and spread the word
  • Organizations who create fundraisers
  • Businesses who host fundraisers, donating a portion of sales to material and construction costs

The Leadership

Every Habitat home also rests on the shoulders of dedicated board members who guide the organization’s mission and make sure everything stays on course. Habitat homes simply wouldn't be built without them. They:

  • Help secure funding and community support
  • Make key decisions about land, partnerships, and policies
  • Ensure compliance with local and state regulations
  • Maintain good standing with Habitat International
  • Offer time and oversight to stay on mission
  • And many other must-be-done things too numerous to list

While some Habitat for Humanity affiliates have paid board members, no Wisconsin Rapids Habit board members are paid for their time or work. We believe in the mission and donate our time and effort so that every penny of every donation goes toward the cause.

The Heart

Habitat homes aren’t about charity—they’re about partnership. We don’t give homes away. Families buy them through no-interest mortgages, and their investment—financial and personal—keeps the cycle of hope turning.

So the next time you pass a Habitat build, remember: it’s more than just wood and nails. It’s the result of generosity, hard work, and shared belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live.

No one builds alone—and no donation is too small. From $5 toward a box of screws to $5,000 for a roof, every bit helps...in case you want to make a donation.