Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build: Raise the Roof for a local family. And honestly… I absolutely loved every second of it.

As a General Contractor with Weis Custom Homes, I’m involved in every part of the building process — design, estimating, permitting, selections, project management, scheduling, and helping bring our homeowners’ vision to life. But this experience was different. This was a chance to pick up a hammer, wear a tool belt, and step into the physical work that our amazing subcontractors do every single day.

It gave me a whole new appreciation all over again.

Meeting the Family

The very first day, we were introduced to the family we were building for. One of the things I love most about Habitat for Humanity is that the families themselves are deeply involved in the process. As part of the program, they contribute 400 hours of “sweat equity” toward their future home.

Watching them put up the very first wall and hammer in the first nails of their home honestly gave me chills.

There was something so powerful about seeing a family physically help build the place where their memories will be made. It even had me joking that maybe I need to start having our custom homeowners throw on a tool belt and come help build their homes too.

But truly — there is something beautiful about being connected to the process in such a hands-on way.

Women Supporting Women

The core construction crew for this build consisted of women who regularly volunteer their time and talents to Habitat. These women were tough, skilled, strong, hardworking, and incredibly welcoming.

It was such a joy working alongside them.

By the end of the first day, we had the exterior and interior walls standing. The second day was spent installing exterior sheathing and beginning work on the roof trusses. Watching everyone come together — volunteers, construction crews, community members, and the family — was inspiring in the best possible way.

Women supporting women.Communities supporting families.People giving their time and talents simply because they care.

That’s what this industry should be about.

A Full-Circle Moment

This experience also made me even more excited about my role as an Ambassador for the She Built Foundation.

One of my biggest passions is encouraging young girls and women to see that they absolutely belong in construction and the trades if that’s where their heart leads them. Representation matters. Opportunity matters. Confidence matters.

I brought copies of The House That She Built book along with some bracelets to hand out and share with the women on-site. It felt like such a full-circle moment — celebrating women building homes, building confidence, and building community together.

The first day, our Office Administrator Morgan joined me as well, which made the experience even more special. I loved getting to share it with her.

A New Appreciation

This experience also reminded me just how much I appreciate our subcontractors.

They are the ones out there every day physically building these homes. They take the plans, ideas, and selections and turn them into something real. After two days of framing work, I walked away with blisters, sore muscles, a pretty impressive farmer’s tan… and an even deeper respect for what they do.

I also made new friends, learned a few new framing tricks, and left feeling more inspired than ever.

Most importantly, it reminded me why I love this industry so much.

Building homes is about more than construction. It’s about people. It’s about families. It’s about creating spaces where life happens.

And after this experience, I already know one thing for sure — I’ll absolutely be making time each month to continue helping on these builds.