The Introduction to Homebuilding class, more commonly known as the Construction class, is a course held in the scene shop here at Skyline. The scene shop is located west of the auditorium on the first floor, equipped with all of the tools students need to build, whether it’s a set piece or a shed.

Some people do not have the time or interest to dedicate three hours of their school day to the full Homebuilding program; however, the Construction class is only one period, letting students have more freedom in their schedule. It’s a mini Homebuilding program, where students learn the basics of working in the trades, and how to be safe on the jobsite.

“I was gonna do the automotive class, but that didn’t fit [in my schedule],” says Construction student Isaac Warner (‘26). “The problem with the Homebuilding program for me is it takes too much time out of my day. I would definitely consider it if I had [the time in my schedule].”

Students start the class by learning how to draw and build sawhorses, allowing them to personalize their work by making modifications to a basic design. Afterwards, they start the real project for the year: a four foot by eight foot shed. 

“They have to design the room to fit a doorway, a window, and a sink, and prep it for switches, lights, and outlets,” says teacher William Campbell. “Then we’re gonna put a roof on top of that.” 

As the year progresses, the Homebuilding students transform from a framing crew into many different kinds of technicians. Working with electricians, plumbers, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians, as well as drywall specialists, they transform  the bare stud walls into a fully furnished house. 

While the students on the Homebuilding site are working with different trade specialists, the construction class students will be designing their own electrical and plumbing systems. “I’m trying to give them everything that [they] get on [the Homebuilding] site in a little package,” says Campbell.