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March 14, 2000
This is the house thatGFW students renovatedBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer WINTHROP -- Walking barefoot through their newly renovated house to avoid tracking the mud of Sunday's snow onto the white carpet, members of the GFW construction trades class proudly displayed their handiwork Monday. The house, located at 606 N. Carver St., in Winthrop, was originally located next to the high school and was in danger of being demolished. The school district, wanting additional property for expansion, bought the house and moved it to its present location. The basement was constructed by Deming Construction of Fairfax before the house was moved. With the exception of the basement, all the work inside the house was done by the students. "We put on new siding, a new roof and built the garage," one of the students said. "The house had radiators, but we changed that to base board heaters." The project began in November 1998. The interior was completely gutted at the beginning of the school year. "We moved a few walls and expanded some of the rooms," teacher Jeff Bertrang said, "The kitchen cabinets, staircase railing and downstairs bathroom are all new." With the exception of the plumbing and electrical work, which must be done by professionals to fit guidelines, the students were involved in every phase of the project. "Local contractors came in to show the students how to lay tile and carpet and walked them through the process before letting them do it themselves," Bertrang said. "It takes longer to renovate a house than it does to build it from scratch, but the students learn more this way." The house is a three-bedroom, two-bath home with a main floor laundry room. There is also a two-car garage. It has been estimated to cost about $85,000. "There was originally a porch, but that was removed and the entrance way was redesigned to expand the size of the living room," Bertrang said. Bertrang worked closely with the home economics teacher to choose the color of the carpets, tiles and the border decorating the wall of the kitchen. This is the fourth year the three-period course has been offered at GFW High School. There are 18 juniors and seniors enrolled. Many of them plan to pursue a career in some aspect of the construction business. The next goal is to construct a new house. The students have already begun working with blue prints and are preparing to begin the bid process, which is part of the course requirements, Bertrang said. "The goal is to work together with local businesses to provide a real, hands-on approach to learning and living," he said. "While working with contractors, students learn what is involved in the construction career and what is expected on the job site."
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