Construction Resources

Below is a short description of Quick Reference & Quality Point Guides and their intended use on the build site:

• Quick Reference Guides (QR’s) are a one-page summary of steps for performing a specific task (e.g. Installing Interior Doors & Trim).   QR’s are strictly a “what to do” guide or checklist and are designed for individuals who are comfortable and well versed in the task but just need a reminder of “what to do” (vs. “how to do it”).
• Quality Points (QP’s) help volunteers by providing the expectations for each task as it is performed and completed. QP’s also function as a checklist to review before acknowledging the task is complete.

If you have any questions or concerns with the Construction Manual, please send feedback to constructionsuggestionbox@foxcitieshabitat.org.

A few of the “key” changes are listed below (not a complete list so be sure to check each chapter for all the changes for this year). As usual ALL changes are denoted by the change indicator (“I”) in the left margin and the changes or added text in RED or a “shade of gray” if you do not print in color. 

• Chapter 1: Sill Plates-where bolts interfere with I-joists, cut bolt flush with top of sill plate and add a ½” wedge anchor bolt 6” in either direction. 
• Chapter 5: Upper plate Joints-Ideally should fall on an existing 24” o.c. stud, if not a stud needs to be added. 
• Chapter 5: 42” height wall posts-These posts will be made of 2×4 plus ½” OSB sandwiched in-between. When laying out the wall, make the wall 3 ½” shorter in length and add post to the end. Short post will go through the floor and secured below. Full height post will be installed after ceiling rock is up, it will need to be cut to length. With this post, 2×6 blocking will be installed above where the post will go. 
• Chapter 9: Exterior Door Install-strike plate area, adding extra shims before installing screws.  
• Chapter 10: Bath Fans-centered over the front edge of the tub. To allow for good lighting in the tub. 
• Chapter 10: Cabinet Blocking-2×6 blocking installed between studs. Top of blocking at 84” & 59”. 
• Chapter 10: OH Door Blocking-keep top of blocking 4” down from upper plate. 
• Chapter 10: Tub Flange Blocking-use 2×6 verses 2×4. More area to secure tub flange. 
• Chapter 11: Egress Covers-MUST fit between the basement foamboard and finish skirting and up tight to the foundation. 
• Chapter 11: Garage Sheetrock Metal-Using coil stock. 12” wide by “X” length, fold in half and bend to create a 6” wide double thickness piece. This will be done during siding. 
• Chapter 11: Garage Siding-any nails protruding through the OSB must be cut off with multi tools. 
• Chapter 12: Air Sealing- “Menasha” air sealing will be done on all houses; this is so we are consistent on things. 
• Chapter 12: Tub on Exterior Wall-Insulate and poly this area as soon as shingles are installed. 
• Chapter 13: OH Door Wires-Drill ¼” hole about 1” away from electrical box and pull wire thru. 
• Chapter 13: Ceiling Rock for LR/Kitchen-Snap parallel chalk line from the exterior wall for 1st row. 
• Chapter 19: Base Trim on hard Surface Flooring-hold tight to floor; if needed, use block plane or belt sander to fit trim to flooring. 
• Chapter 19: Platform over Stairs-a piece of base trim will be installed upside down on the front edge of the platform to finish it off. 
• Chapter 20: Storm Doors-for closer install, use #12×3” screws (located in door kit) 

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity takes safety very seriously. It is our number one priority to keep all of our volunteers, contractors and staff out of harm’s way at all times.

This 2025 Safety Manual was written as a guideline to work safely on site. Common sense should be used at all times. If at any time you feel unsafe or that something isn’t right, stop what you are doing immediately and talk to a staff member or site leader.

Mission of this manual:

• To create safety awareness and a safe working environment for all Habitat volunteers and staff.
• Construction can be a hazardous activity. It is expected that the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity construction process will be completed without any accidents.

The 2026 bid process is now closed.

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity provides a wide range of affordable housing solutions to individuals and families in the Greater Fox Cities Area serving Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca, and northern Winnebago Counties.

Bids are for all Fox Cities Habitat new construction projects for the entire year. The number of bedrooms depends on family size. There are up to 17 new home projects throughout the year. A schedule of work showing work dates will be provided at the beginning of each building year for all projects. This allows the contractor to schedule Habitat work well in advance of the date needed.

The Bid Milestones for 2026 are:

Last day to submit a bid: 1/15/2026
Bids awarded: 1/30/2026

IMPORTANT:

Please read the appropriate Bid Request Information document for detailed information about the process, insurance and other requirements.

Suppliers:
Contractors:

Bid Specifications:

2026 Typical Home Plan

Please view the Construction Specifications document here:

The following categories are applicable for this Construction Specifications document:

General Supplier Bids:

• Building Materials (Trusses, Windows, Doors, Drywall, Siding, Finish Material, Roofing Materials, etc..)

Contractor Bids:

• Ceiling Insulation
• Concrete Flatwork
• Concrete Walls
• Excavation
• Flooring
• HVAC
• Landscaping
• Plaster
• Plumbing

Thank you for your consideration of our projects located in the Fox Cities. Questions can be sent via email to constructionbids@foxcitieshabitat.org or directed to Howie Fuerst at howief@foxcitieshabitat.org or Doug Salmi at dougs@foxcitieshabitat.org.

GFCA Habitat for Humanity, Inc., through a Lead Grant with DHS works with owners, certified contractors and community organizations to provide lead abatement services to qualified area homeowners. These are residential projects and consist of a variety of interior and exterior work. We regularly have residential lead projects available for bidding. If you are interested in providing an estimate, please contact us for a current listing of available projects.

All companies that are credentialed with the State of Wisconsin Department of Health services to perform lead abatement work are encouraged to submit bids for available projects. GFCA Habitat for Humanity, Inc., has funding for construction companies and individuals that would like to secure training leading to certifications in lead abatement work.

Grantee abatement companies must:

• Be a DHS state-certified lead company in good standing.
• Hold current Dwelling Contractor Certification issued by Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
• Have a crew who works in a lead-safe manner with skills appropriate for the scope of work required by the project.
• Provide one year craftsmanship warranty on all work conducted for each awarded LSHP lead hazard reduction project.

Grantee abatement company perks:

• Free process for completing an application to work on a lead risk assessment or lead abatement project.
• Free business promotion: On the application process service, promote your business at no cost to you.

Grantee abatement companies can be reimbursed for:

• Training: Increase the size of your crew. Get more trained lead workers.
• Certification: Get reimbursed for your costs for certifying yourself and your workers.
• Work time: Bill for lead work done as part of the scope of work.
• Extra insurance: Include your costs of pollution protection insurance in the cost of the project.
• Mileage: If you travel out of your county for work, you can be reimbursed for your mileage to and from the jobsite.

Grantee environmental investigation companies can be reimbursed for:

• Work time: Get reimbursed for the cost of doing risk assessments and clearances on LSHP-enrolled properties.
• Training: Build your company/crew of trained staff with the skills to complete full risk assessments and property clearances.
• Mileage: If you travel out of your county for work, get reimbursed for your mileage to and from the jobsite.

For more information please contact Sarah Wylie via email at sarahw@foxcitieshabitat.org or phone at 920-316-2414.

Fox Cities Habitat offers comprehensive construction training for volunteers at various levels:

For Senior Crew Volunteers:

• Courses offered at 101, 201, and 301 levels in February/March each year at the Education Center or Warehouse.
• Detailed training plans, tools/materials lists, and quality points provided.
• Hands-on training at the warehouse with a model training house for practical learning.
• Emphasis on collaborative and enjoyable learning environment.

For General Volunteers:

• On-site training provided on build days for all experience levels.
• No specific experience required, only the willingness to learn and support Habitat families.

For Homebuyers:

• Construction Basics 101 course to prepare new homebuyers for build site participation.
• Offered multiple times per year, covering various topics including safety, tool usage, and terminology.