New Construction and Repair Volunteers
As a construction volunteer, you’re in good hands, under the guidance of our awesome AmeriCorps Construction Volunteer Leads and our stellar Construction Site Managers. With you, we can keep building homes, community, and hope!
New Construction Volunteers
Construction volunteers help with tasks from foundations and framing to flooring and finish work. New construction tasks vary according to the build phase of each particular home, and volunteers help us build year-round, 4 days per week.
More New Construction Information
8:45 – 9:00: Check-in, distribute Personal Protective Equipment
9:00 – 9:15: Habitat introduction, safety orientation, and description of work assignments
9:15 – Noon: Work under the guidance of Habitat site staff
Noon – 12:45: Lunch: Please bring your own, if not provided by your group
12:45 to 3:45: Work under the guidance of Habitat site staff
3:45 – 4:00: Clean-up and sign out
No experience required! We provide all tools and training needed
Must be at least 16 years old (under 18 accompanied by adult 21+)
Group size 2-15 volunteers (larger groups by request)
Parking varies by site, either on location or nearby streets. Please be courteous to our neighbors!
Repairs Volunteers
Repair volunteer tasks include exterior work like siding, painting, and deck construction. Recycled or “Buyback” tasks include interior work like replacing flooring and painting, to update homes Habitat originally built for a new family. Repair/Buyback volunteers help us build Spring to Fall, 3-4 days per week.
More Repairs Information
Repairs: Renton, Federal Way, White Center & Rainier Valley
Recycled/Buybacks: located throughout King County
8:45 – 9:00: Check-in, distribute Personal Protective Equipment
9:00 – 9:15: Habitat introduction, safety orientation, and description of work assignments
9:15 – Noon: Work under the guidance of Habitat site staff
Noon – 12:45: Lunch: Please bring your own, if not provided by your group
12:45 to 3:45: Work under the guidance of Habitat site staff
3:45 – 4:00: Clean-up and sign out
Must be at least 16 years old (under 18 accompanied by adult 21+)
Group size 2-8 volunteers (larger groups by request)
Parking varies by site, either on location or nearby streets. Please be courteous to our neighbors!
Current Volunteer Build Sites
FAQs & Orientations
I’ve never held a hammer in my life, can I still work onsite?
Yes! We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and provide all the training you’ll need! No previous construction experience is required to volunteer with us.
Please, however, be aware that construction is a physically demanding activity. Plan on getting a good night’s sleep and eating a good breakfast before your build day.
How old do I have to be to volunteer on site?
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to work on at any of our construction sites, or at our Habitat Stores. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout their volunteer day. Groups of young adults (under 18) must have one adult (over age 21) per every five youth.
Habitat does not provide childcare at any of our sites.
Are there volunteer orientation sessions? Do I need to attend?
You can check out Open Doors, our monthly volunteer orientation sessions to learn more about our organization and opportunities. Attendance is NOT required before volunteering on our construction sites.
The orientation sessions are recommended for everyone interested in non-construction volunteer positions, and we offer them on the third Thursday of each month at noon via zoom. To sign up to attend, email volunteer@habitatskc.org, or call 206-866-6783!
Habitat does not provide childcare at the orientation.
What is a typical volunteer day schedule?
Our build sites are typically open to volunteers every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday for full day shifts (8:45am-4:00pm).
The schedule for a typical day on a construction site is:
8:45 – 9:00 – Check-in, distribute Personal Protective Equipment
9:00 – 9:15 – Habitat introduction, safety orientation, and description of work assignments
9:15 – Noon – Work under the instruction of Habitat site staff
Noon – 12:45 – Lunch: Please bring your own, if not provided by your group
12:45 to 3:45 – Work under the instruction of Habitat site staff
3:45 – 4:00 – Clean-up and sign out
*Habitat Stores are open to volunteers Tuesday through Saturday, with morning (10am-2pm), afternoon (2pm-6pm), or full day (10am-6pm) shifts available.
How far in advance do I need to schedule a group build day?
Most groups can schedule six weeks in advance. For some groups, such as sponsors or Build Hope groups, we can typically schedule up to 3 months in advance. In general, we advise that all interested groups contact us at least 1 month prior to their desired volunteer day.
Individuals are also encourage to plan ahead, as our sites tend to fill up quickly.
What should I wear?
Please wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, be aware that much of the work is done outdoors, so bring layers and dress appropriately for the weather including wind, sun, and rain. We will provide you with a hard hat and safety gear.
What should I bring?
Bring a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing for weather changes. Please leave your valuables at home–there is no secure storage at any of our sites. While we provide all the tools you’ll need, you may bring your own hand tools, hardhat, work gloves, or safety goggles (please label with your name). Smoking, alcohol, and radios are not allowed on our sites. We also ask that you do not use cell phones on active construction sites as they are distracting and can cause accidents.
It’s raining! What do I do?
Don’t fret! We typically build rain or shine, but if weather conditions cause safety concerns, then your build day could be canceled. We try to provide as much advance notice as the weather allows, and contact volunteers via email. If you don’t hear from us, bring your rain gear!
What about lunch?
Lunch is from 12:00 – 12:45pm. It is recommended that you bring your own lunch, as one will not be provided unless otherwise noted. We ask that all volunteers remain on site during lunch, so please plan ahead.