Habitat for Humanity remodeling project

SYCAMORE - Kelli Larsen wanted a home for herself and her two sons.

"Being a single parent, I couldn't afford one," the Sycamore woman said. So she filed a request with Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County.

Established in 1998, HFHDC is a nonprofit, Christian-based group that has built 10 simple, affordable houses for people who need help. As part of their agreement, partner families are required to participate in the construction process and to have an income, since they'll have to pay the mortgage on the property once the house is complete.

"Unfortunately, we can't give away free houses," HFHDC board president Jennifer Mescher said.

Unable to find a lot in its price range, Mescher said the group decided to try its first remodeling project, settling on a Sycamore home built in 1890.

"We've completely gutted the house," she said. Remodeling has brought on some special challenges for contractor John Horst not normally encountered when building a house from scratch, she added.

As part of the demolition, Mescher said they've dug out the concrete in the basement floor and are adding furring strips to the walls to make the house more energy efficient. Roofing, electricity and plumbing are also areas to be addressed.

As with all Habitat projects, the current build has benefited from numerous donations from local businesses and from volunteer labor, which includes members of the board, like William Dawson of DeKalb. Community groups also help out, including church and student groups.

The project began Oct. 29 and is scheduled to end in September. Mescher said the volunteers only work on Saturdays, but professionals are allowed to work during the week. Even with volunteer labor, equipment and materials, the whole project is expected to cost about $100,000.

Anyone 16 and older interested in volunteering can do so by contacting Chris Peddle at 815-758-5055 or visiting http://www.hfhdcillinois.org.

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Habitat for Humanity remodeling project