One Day = One Month

In his evening update, Daryl Braham, CEO of Heritage Homes, reminded spectators and volunteers it typically takes 4 1/2 months to build a quality home. This team is accomplishing the monumental task in just 4 1/2 days. That translates to one month's work per day.

Below are the highlights of this month...rather day:

Despite a day of rain, volunteer workers were radiant. Smiles. Cheers. Hugs. All are freely exchanged as construction nears its finale.

This home is built by heart...
More than 3,000 volunteers have logged in on the project at last count (assessed Wednesday at noon), representing all corners of the state, and other states as well. 

Students arrived with cheers and donations. And while they didn't lift a hammer or a paint brush, students from McKinley Elementary School and Minot Ryan High School contributed greatly to the Blivens' home project.

Minot State University graciously opened its doors and dorms to the visiting NDSU students who are working on the landscaping.

Progress inside the house...
Because the home is completely sealed, rain didn't delay any inside tasks. Workers began installation of appliances in the kitchen and laundry room.

Crews are completing construction overnight, and preparing for the quality-control inspection by the Heritage Homes foremen. Their ultimate goal is for the Bliven family to have a quality-built home.

Outside the house...
Every detail of this project has been planned and is being executed to make life a little easier for Aaron and his family-right down to the slope of the yard.

Brick pavers have been laid in both the front and back yards, to make paths for the family and Aaron;  a gentle slope allows Aaron full access.

The rain caused some delays outside, but not before motivating the roofing crew to work at warp speed. When the rain intensified, so did their intensity for the project. They worked faster and harder to beat the weather.

After rain delays, outside work resumed at 7:00 p.m.

It was a revolving day of media involvement in the project. WDAY AM radio from Fargo broadcast their morning show live from the site. Next, the Zoo in Minot broadcast their morning show live. Reporters from all over the state gathered information for stories about this incredible project.

Around the community...
The Blivens will have an extra surprise when they return. The crew has renovated a community baseball field where Aaron's Dream Catchers league plays. A special event for the league was scheduled for Thursday night but was delayed until Friday because of the rain.