Students Complete Another House

January 30, 2009 - The Oconomowoc High School Building Trades class has accomplished its mission. Students recently completed work with Brookstone Homes to construct a single-family residence in the town of Ixonia.

"The opportunities Brookstone Homes has given this kids is amazing. Without this experience, students would never have been able to learn as much." OHS technology teacher Steve Olson said. "I am extremely grateful to them for continuing this partnership for the second year and I hope it continues."

Despite a sluggish housing market, the home has already been sold, and the new owners will close on it next month.

"I was pleased with this project from start to finish. The students should be proud to see the sold sticker on the sign in front of the house, "Brookstone Homes release coordinator Tom Lincoln said.

The group of nine students worked three hours a day on school days under the supervision of their teacher as well as Brookstone Homes licensed contractors.

"I will never forget seeing the trusses for the roof being built," OHS senior Sean Auter said. "It was great to see the house come together in different stages."

The 1,624-square-foot home, which is in The Preserve at Deer Creek subdivision, consists of three bedrooms and three baths. The main floor features a two-car garage, dining room, kitchen, great room, laundry room and two full baths. The finished basement features a partial exposure and full bath.

"Last year, the class assisted in building a two-story home," Olson said. "This year, it was a simple one-story floor plan. A selling point of this house was finishing off the basement with a full bath."

He said having a smaller group of students this year contributed to the success.

"This project required everyone to work together as a team to get things done," he said. "This year, students also had more individual ownership and were held accountable. Instead of three kids working on a task, each one was given a task to work on."

Throughout the building process, subcontractors and contractors mentored students on their disciplines, including plumbing, electrical and carpentry.

"The personnel has been awesome working and teaching the kids. This says something about the quality people Brookstone Homes employs, "Olson said.

To take part in the class, students must first enroll in two prerequisite building trades courses to learn construction principles and practices.

"This connection has been wonderful for Oconomowoc High School and the community." OHS Associate Principal Deanna Burton said. "Many students have chosen to follow a career path in this field because of their involvement with this program. I hope opportunities continue to grow in the future."

Olson said an increased interest in technology courses may lead to the start of an engineering internship in the fall to give students the opportunity to shadow professionals in the field.

"To see the house finally complete gives me a sense of accomplishment," OHS senior Ethan Klaty said. "There are many things that go into building a house. I am glad I was a part of the process."



Originally printed in the Oconomowoc Enterprise