Blitz Build makes dreams reality, fast

A video feature about the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build is available here.

Jimera Baxley recently took her daughter Jasiah, 3, to visit the site of the future Habitat for Humanity home they will occupy.

At that time, the lot consisted of the foundation and the storage shed. Jasiah pointed to the shed and spoke up: "Mommy, I want to go in my new house!"

Boy, is she going to be surprised, but, in a way, no more than her mom.

Baxley is getting a Blitz Build home at Warren Ridge subdivision, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Aiken County.

Staffers with several companies began Monday at 7 a.m., and the house should be virtually complete by noon Friday.

Baxley arrived Monday about 8 a.m. to find the construction crews fully engaged, despite the rising temperature.

"It's amazing watching how fast everything is moving," she said.

Sean Wolf of Wolf Construction has worked with the three previous Blitz Build houses. The process continues to get a little bit easier each year as the crews refine the process.

Despite tough economic times, he said, the subcontractors and suppliers have remained committed to the project.

By Monday night, Wolf expected completion of the roof, as well as beginning interior work with plumbing, electrical, heating and air and the start of sprayfoam insulation. They'll work on Sheetrock and vinyl siding today.

"It's always a thrill to see it go up," Wolf said. "(Jimera) is a great homeowner and has been working diligently, picking up debris and helping out. It's good to see the excitement on her face."

Like all Habitat homeowners, Baxley is required to do "sweat equity." On weekends she has been traveling to the Montmorenci area to help out at the traditional-build Habitat home of Deborah McDonald, who has become a good friend.

"I was working on the roof, and one time I couldn't get down," Baxley admitted with a laugh. "I needed three people to come up and get me. But I love the experience of watching how they put it up. I'm starting to know how everything works."

Dusty Hall of Caldwell Design and Construction said he's just doing whatever somebody tells him to do at the Baxley residence.

"I just enjoy it," Hall said. "I love the fellowship with all the guys. It's a good Christian organization that does this, and that's important to me. Everybody works together and doesn't complain about being on top of each other. We just pull together and get it done."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.