Platt Tech wants to build you a home

Milford (WTNH) - Interested in getting a house built and saving big bucks on it? Platt Technical High School is offering to let their students build your home and you'll get it at a 90-percent reduced rate.

Students at Platt Technical High School, in Milford, are working on dry erase boards, practicing laying out a set of stair stringers. They get plenty of hands-on experience in the classrooms here. But it is still the classroom.

"We're very eager to get out on the job site," said Peter McDevitt, the Head of the Carpentry Department of Platt Tech.

McDevitt said professional carpenters charge $150 an hour but Platt will do it for $15. For students, it is the opportunity of a lifetime.

"If I could do like designs in the cabinetry work, that'd be a really good experience," said Platt Junior Reina Melendez.

These are no ordinary high school students; they're highly motivated and already thinking of career opportunities involving carpentry.

"Cause I want to study to be an architect; so I want to be able to draw my house and be able to participate in building it," said Platt Junior Michael Myers.

And they say don't be concerned that they're only teenagers.

"I'm somewhat of a perfectionist so I like to make things perfect and get it right the first time," said Platt Junior Juan Ruiz.

There are a few requirements: it has to be a private citizen with the deed to the property, the homeowner must obtain the building permit and have the foundation in. But they'll build it from the ground up; 36 students will spend the whole school year making your dream home, and their own dreams, come true.

"The job that they do is of very high-quality and it's something that I think they need to experience. To become a full-fledged apprentice carpenter, they need to build a home," McDevitt said.

If you're interested, you can contact Platt Technical High School and ask for the Carpentry Department; call (203) 783-5300.

They hope to choose a home within the next few weeks. Once the house is done, you can also get the plumbing and electrical work done at a low-cost from other classes at Platt.

The money will be put back into the program to buy tools and materials.