MUSKEGON, Mich. - Students from the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center's Construction Trades debuted the home that they built at an open house on Thursday, June 6.
This is the 12th house that Construction Trades students have built in the Chestnut Trail neighborhood. This year's house is approximately 2,144 square feet and it meets EnergyStar standards.
In addition to energy-conserving features, the house also has low-flow plumbing, a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, spray foam insulation and basement walls constructed with insulated concrete forms for more comfortable, quiet and energy-efficient living.
Other features include long-lasting LED lighting, 9-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, solid surface countertops, three bedrooms, three baths, a den, a deck with access off the master bedroom and the kitchen, a partially finished basement and a two-stall garage.
“Every day is hands-on and you feel like you accomplish something,” said Construction Trades student Jett Young (Reeths-Puffer) when asked what he likes best about the program.
Several former students who now work in the industry came back to help this year. Geoff Newmyer of Newmyer Plumbing helped the students with the plumbing, and Eric Shafer of Elzinga and Volkers spent time sharing pointers on drywall finishing with students.
Once the drywall was complete, 2017 graduate Kenneth Vandersteldt, who now works for painting contractor Creations by Brain, helped direct students on proper painting techniques.
High school students who are interested in learning more about the program can visit the Construction Trades website.
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