What are Habitat Houses like?

Habitat for Humanity Houses: Simple, Decent, & Affordable Housing

Whether in the United States, Canada or in nearly 100 other countries around the world, Habitat for Humanity houses are built according to the same guiding principles. Habitat houses are:

• Simple. Habitat houses are modestly sized -- large enough for the homeowner family's needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs to a minimum.

• Decent. Habitat uses quality, locally available building materials. Trained staff supervise Habitat house construction and educate volunteers and partner families. House designs reflect the local climate and culture.

• Affordable. The labor of volunteers and partner families, efficient building methods, modest house sizes and a no-profit, no-interest loan make it affordable for low-income people around the world to purchase a Habitat for Humanity house.

The “typical” U.S. Habitat House:
Some of the design criteria for a “simple, decent” house include the following:

• Living space of about 1,100 square feet (exact size depends on number of bedrooms)

• One bathroom

• Covered primary entrance

• Three-foot doorways and three-foot, four-inch hallways to allow wheelchair access

While all U.S. Habitat houses share similarities, the differences in climate and construction techniques ensure ample individuality. Plus, homeowners are given opportunities to customize their homes when possible. Average house cost around $60,000 (U.S. dollars).

Sample floor plans:

Habitat for Humanity of Nodaway County has built 4 homes throughout Nodaway County, so far, and they have all been 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Below is a couple samples of floor plans for a 3 bedroom home:

Sample Exterior Views of Habitat Homes:

Habitat for Humanity of Nodaway County has built 4 homes throughout Nodaway County in the towns of Hopkins, Skidmore, Burlington Junction, and most recently, Pickering. Below are exterior views of each of these homes:

Sample Interior Views of Habitat Homes:

Every Habitat home built is customized for that individual family chosen. Many choices like carpet color, siding color, light fixtures, paint color, linoleum patterns, and other decisions are given to the partner family to make.

Below are interior views of some of our homes:

Qualifications to become a Habitat homeowner:

There are 4 basic qualifications that the Family Selection Committee will look at when choosing a family and they include:

Families must be in need of simple, decent and affordable housing.
Families must be able to pay the no-interest mortgage.
Families must be willing to develop a partnership with Habitat and complete specified hours of sweat equity.
Family/individual must be a resident of Nodaway County for 6 months.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner and currently reside in Nodaway County, please contact Habitat of Humanity of Nodaway County at 660-582-2530.