Women do it all. We can build too!

Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity completed three days of Women Build. Our annual event consists of electrical, plumbing, drywall, and woodwork stations.

Each day at 8:30 am, a group of fifteen women showed up, eager and excited to learn how to make simple fixes around their homes. Either they have a lot of holes in their walls, or Ms. Mona of Flipping 4 Girls made patching them exciting, no matter how you look at it.

Johnnie of Habitat and Avis (volunteer) also displayed their preference for how to patch a hole, big or small. Hammering their hole, each participant learned to use wooden blocks as an acting wooden beam. They then measured and cut drywall to patch the hole, followed by drywall tape and joint compound. With a small hole or dent costing $15 to $150 to repair, this DIY drywall station gave women a sense of pride in fixing a simple hole. Holes may start popping up just so they can fix them. Somehow, patching holes became fun.

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. March is recognized to honor women's vital, often overlooked contributions to history, culture, and society, recognizing their achievements, struggles for equity, and ongoing impact, while inspiring future generations to break barriers and advocate for a more inclusive future. It's a time to celebrate leaders, activists, and pioneers, acknowledge systemic challenges, and highlight women shaping all aspects of life, from science and industry to art and community, says the National Women's History Museum.

Did You Know? Women’s History Month started as Women’s History Week . . .

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980, as National Women’s History Week. 

Electrical and plumbing were also part of the 90-minute station rotations. There was so much to learn in such a little time, but the safe basics were explained and demonstrated. Rick, FAHFH's construction site supervisor, led the electrical station with an HBI graduate, Taryn, teaching the proper way to use an AC voltage tester and GFCI outlet tester to verify that the electrical power is off. Participants also learned how to de-energize electrical circuits before doing any type of work, and the use of lockout devices to prevent a circuit from becoming energized. These are all recommendations by the CDC.

Rick suggests taking a course from Fayetteville Technical Community College: Minor Home Repair. This course is designed to teach homeowners, renters, and/or landlords simple residential repairs. You will be taught how to repair or replace footings, foundations, walls, girders, and various wall repairs, and include the repair of faucets, toilets, water and drain lines, electrical receptacles, fuses, and circuit breakers. The instructor will also guide you to understand the proper tools to use in order to complete repairs. Supplies: You may need to purchase basic hand tools if you do not have what is necessary at home. A list of tools will be provided on the first day. FTCC also provides a course called Home Residential Electrical Wiring, which is highly recommended.

Can You Perform Your Own Electrical Work Legally in North Carolina?

According to Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement:

“The state of North Carolina allows homeowners to do their own wiring in their homes, provided the homeowner will personally reside in the home, and that it is not for rent or intended for sale within one year after you complete the electrical installation. All electrical installations, changes, additions, or modifications to wiring systems are subject to permitting and inspections. You are permitted to complete your own electrical work in your home, provided that you adhere to the guidelines above. Still, as licensed electricians, we encourage all North Carolina homeowners to use a professional electrician licensed in the state for any electrical wiring work.

Our Construction Project Manager, Francis, and volunteer Avis led the plumbing station, teaching participants how to troubleshoot faucets, repair leaky pipes under sinks, install a wax ring on a toilet, and replace a flush valve using an improved method.

Considering that hiring a plumber can cost anywhere from $99 to $950—while minor repairs like fixing a leaky faucet or clogged drain can range from $125 to $350—these hands-on skills can make a big difference for homeowners.

The final station was the perfect way to end the day. After a full schedule of learning and inspiration, participants rolled up their sleeves to build, brand, and stain a coat rack to take home. Not only did everyone leave with a handmade piece, but also with lasting memories and new friendships formed through Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build.

A heartfelt thank you to all the participants and sponsors who made this event such a success! We are already in the process of planning future builds. Come build with us! To learn more about how you can participate in upcoming build activities, please visit our website at fayettevillenchabitat.org, follow our social media, or call us at (910) 483-0952.