Construction Trades Project: Building a Single-Family Home
Construction Trades Project: Building a Single-Family Home
This year, the Indian Valley Vocational Center’s Construction Trades class is taking on a major hands-on project — building a single-family home from the ground up! Our goal is for the students to understand every step of the home building process, from foundation to finishing touches, while gaining valuable experience for future careers in the trades.
The Project is taking place on 720 Bender Street in Sandwich. We broke ground at the end of August of this year and intend to finish the house by the end of the 25-26 school year. There are 64 total students that will be working on this project, some of them first year students and some of them second year. This project helps the students apply what they learn in class — reading blueprints, using power tools safely, measuring accurately, and working efficiently as a team.
Progress So Far
Framing the Floor
We started by laying out and framing the floor system. This included installing the sill plates, joists, and subfloor sheathing. It was our first big step toward creating the structure that supports the rest of the house.
Building Interior and Exterior Walls
Once the floor was complete, we framed all the interior and exterior walls. This required teamwork, precision, and communication — especially when lifting and aligning the walls into place.
Roof Framing (Current Phase)
Right now, we’re framing the roof. This is one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the build so far. The students are learning how to measure, layout, cut and install rafters, ridge boards, hips and valleys. Making sure everything is plains out nicely for a nice straight roof to put sheathing on.
Our goal is to give students a strong foundation in residential construction practices — from reading blueprints and measuring layouts to framing, roofing, and finishing work. By the end of the year, the class will have completed every major stage of home construction under professional supervision.
Skills in Action
Through this project, students are gaining hands-on experience in:
- Reading and interpreting construction drawings
- Safe and efficient use of power and hand tools
- Measuring, cutting, and assembling framing materials
- Applying math and geometry to real-world situations
- Communication, teamwork, and job-site safety practices
Next Steps
Once the roof framing is complete, students will move on to:
- Installing roof sheathing
- Setting windows and doors
- Beginning exterior siding and interior finishing work
Each phase builds on the last, helping students understand the complete process of residential construction.
As an instructor It’s been rewarding to watch our students grow in both skill and confidence as the project progresses. Every stage of this build offers new learning opportunities, and the pride they take in their work is evident in the quality of the finished product. This project truly showcases the value of hands-on, career-focused education.
The Indian Valley Vocational Center Construction Trades program continues to provide students with meaningful, career-ready experiences that prepare them for success in the workforce. By the end of the school year, our students won’t just have learned about building — they’ll have built something real and lasting.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue construction on our single-family home project!