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Build Schedule
This is an approximate schedule for a home build. Depending on the time of year we may clean up and leave the site earlier to be driving in daylight hours. Depending on how far the build is will change the arrival time on Saturday. Depending on the border wait will change the arrival time to your home on Sunday. Be on the look out for post-build email about sharing photos and a quick survey to help us improve! Happy building!
Saturday
7AM: Meet in San Diego and leave for TJ.
1PM: Lunch: tamales, rice, and beans!
8:30AM: Opening ceremony, build!
3PM: Plywood, drywall, exterior trim progress.
10AM: Frame, truss, cut, paint progress.
5PM: Clean up and leave for the orphanage.
12PM: Walls up, sign the walls, and trusses in!
6:30PM: Dinner followed by social hour!
Sunday
6:30AM: Breakfast preparation and coffee!
10:30AM: Roof done, prep for decorations.
7:30AM: Breakfast, lunch prep, clean up.
12PM: Decorating, furnishing and clean up.
8:30AM: Leave orphanage for site.
2PM: Key ceremony, leave for border.
9AM: Interior trim, shingles, donations.
4-7PM: Arrive home, reminiscing begins.
Suggested Packing List
This is a suggested packing list, but you are not limited to what is on these lists. We suggest your packing to be light and fit in one bag in addition to your sleeping bag because we have limited space in the cars. Be conscious that you WILL get lots of paint on your clothes and shoes! Try to avoid work clothes that you would prefer to maintain clean because you will inevitably get some paint on them. Perhaps pull out that old pair of jeans in the back of your closet?
In regards to the tools, all of the necessary tools will be provided on site. However, if you prefer using your own tools feel free to bring them! We recommend you label them with your name to ensure they won’t be mixed in with our tools. Additionally if you are bringing your own power tools such as a drill, remember that such tools are valuable in Mexico and should not be left unattended. Check out our Covid-19 protocol for builds here.
Donation List
It will vary depending on the family for each build, but the donation below are generally excepted for each build weekend.
Bed frames
Bedding
Mattresses
Dressers
End tables
Small dining room tables
Toys for the kids
Kitchen items