Volunteer-based construction work for the Habitat for Humanity Oradell project of four 3-bedroom duplexes along Westervelt Place and Lake Avenue had gotten off to a slow start over the summer as work was continually delayed due to a rainy season. But with the framing having started for one duplex, work can hopefully pick up for the finalized May to June 2013 ribbon cutting ceremony.

The project will include two, 1,800 sq. ft. single-family dwellings separated by a dividing wall. Neither home will be built with a basement but each of the four families will have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and use of a two-car garage. The homes, designed so they will fit in with the surrounding neighborhood, will also be LEED certified. All appliances will be energy efficient and all water fixtures will be low flow.

"There will be differences between each house," Christine Incontro, Director of Special Events & Marketing of Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County said. "The ouside coloring, spacing around the garage, columns at the front door. There will be enough that is the same for them to be equal and enough differences to have their own character. They will really be a great fit for the neighborhood."

These homes will be sold to first time homeowners through Habitat for Humanity's selection process. These families will not be solely low-income families, but the goal is to have the four units for a mix of low and mid-level income families looking to become homeowners. The chosen families are required to participate in the construction process along with volunteers as part of their sweat equity.

"The family applications are going great, we had a lot of families apply," Jacey Raimondo, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity for Bergen County said. "We hope to have the four families chosen by the end of October so they can then start working for their sweat equity."

Over the next two months, Habitat's goal is to have both buildings completely framed and the exterior walls erected so that the bulk of interior construction can be performed during the winter.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Habitat project site in Oradell can register for a volunteer date online and bring a copy of a Liability Waiver with you that day.

The site is open Tuesday through Saturday 8am to 4pm. You have to be at least 16 years old to work on the construction site. Volunteers are required to be on teh construction schedule prior to coming out to the jobsite, otherwise you will be asked to leave. 

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