Each year HCPS students in housing industry and associated programs have the chance to apply what they've learned in a real-life setting — by building a house. Through the Henrico County Vocational/Technical Education Foundation’s House-Building Project, students gain valuable experience that will help them move from the classroom to a rewarding career in the housing industry.

Program Mission

The HCPS House-Building Project provides real-life, hands-on experience to HCPS students involved in the housing industry and associated programs.

The House-Building Project began with the formation of the Henrico County Vocational Education Foundation during the 1986-87 school year and has since sold more than 18 houses in Henrico County. Funds derived from the sale of houses are used to ensure the continuation of the project and associated programs.

Involvement of the ACE Centers:

Air conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing students:

• Establishing water and sewer services.

• Installing plumbing systems and fixtures.

• Install the heating ventilation, gas rough-in and plumbing for appliances and air conditioning systems.

This includes students at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs.

Carpentry students:

• Lay out the foundation.

• Frame the structure and roofing.

• Install windows and doors.

• Hang siding, installing drywall, trim and cabinetry.

• Construct the deck.

This includes students at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs. 

Drafting/CAD students:

• Develop working drawings for each house.

• Make design changes as needed.

This includes students at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs. and all high school CAD programs.

• Electricity and cabling students:

• Establish electrical services.

• Determine electrical requirements.

• Estimate materials.

• Wire the house.

• Install fixtures, receptacles and switches, and connect appliances.

This includes students at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs. 

Computer systems technology students:

• Wire the house for telephone and cable TV and low voltage installation, “smart home” rough-in and installation, and install security systems.

This includes students at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs. 

Landscaping and horticulture students:

• Develop and implement a landscaping plan for the house.

This includes students at the Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage and the Advanced Career Education at Virginia Randolph.

Masonry students:

• Calculate and price materials.

• Lay the block and brick foundation.

• Construct the front steps, chimney and fireplace.

This includes students at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs and the Advanced Career Education at Virginia Randolph.

ACE Center and Academy at Virginia Randolph students are involved in all aspects of residential construction.

How students can help build a house:

Students interested in learning more about any trade programs involved in the House-Building Project should talk with their counselor or contact the ACE Center at Hermitage, ACE Center at Highland Springs or the ACE Center at Virginia Randolph.

How can you help?

Interested businesses and individuals can help the project in many ways:

• Donate materials and services,

• Serve as a member of the Vocational Technical Education Foundation.

• Make classroom presentations about their trade specialty or company to interested classes.

• Agree to hire high school seniors to participate in practical work experience programs.

• Donate land for future house-building projects.

• Provide mentors to work with students at the house site.

• Sponsor and participate in the annual fundraising golf tournament.

For more information, please contact:

• Contact info for Mac Beaton, HCPS director of workforce and career development.

• Contact info for preengineering and industrial careers, agricultural education and ther JROTC educational specialist.

• Foundation members