Build Diary: a new home in Niverville from start to finish

In Spring 2024, Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a 1/2-acre lot purchased in Niverville, in an established community of modest ranch-like homes. 

Construction started at the NY State Capitol grounds, as part of Habitat NY State’s biennial “Capitol Build Day.” There, some 300 volunteers came together to build the panels for the home, following assembly plans created by our construction team. It became proof of concept that this design could be constructed off-site and easily transported.

Fast forward to 2026, and the Niverville house is now complete and waiting for a family. We are making progress on securing a site to construct clusters of these homes as part of the Rural Starter Home Initiative.

Below are pictures showing our path to progress. Thanks to all involved.

Above, our construction foreman Bud marks the studs where volunteers will fasten the lumber into walls.

May 2024: Volunteers erecting walls on the West Lawn of the NY State Capitol.

Architect Dimitri Brand (left), NY State Assemblymember Didi Barrett, and Al Bellenchia behind a model of the home being framed at Capitol Build Day 2024.

The pre-made panels of the home being offloaded from the NY Capitol onto the build site. All of the panels for the 3 bedroom, 2 bath house frame fit into a 16-foot truck.

Raising the roof, summer 2024.

Windows and doors, spring 2025.

Finished kitchen, fall 2025.

Primary bath, fall 2025.

Hibernating, December 2025.