Each semester several classes of students work on buildings which are eventually sold to recover the cost of the materials. These include storage sheds and 16 ft x 32 ft one bedroom efficiency buildings that are approximately 500 square feet (sf).

Storage Sheds

Storage sheds can be built in various sizes, from 6 ft x 8 ft and larger. They must be able to fit on a 6 ft x 12 ft or 6 ft x 15 ft trailer. They have treated wood floor framing so they can be placed directly on the ground. photos

One Bedroom Efficiency Buildings

Every semester each Conventional Wall Systems class frames a 16 ft x 32 ft one bedroom efficiency building. Download a floor plan (PDF). View photos of the various stages of the buildings.

For all of the following classes, the work done by that class may or may not be fully completed; that depends on the class (and sometimes on the weather). The main purpose of constructing these buildings is to educate the students rather than to make a product to sell.

All buildings are sold "as is".

The next semester the Conventional Exterior Finish Systems class adds a roof (metal or composite shingles), siding and exterior doors and windows. The framed 6 ft x 6 ft window has studs added and is enclosed in siding for safe transportation.

The Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical class adds plumbing, electrical and HVAC ducts.

The Conventional Interior Finishing class adds flooring, interior walls (sheet rock, tape and float and texturing), trim and floor finishes (wood and/or tile). No ceiling sheet rock is added to reduce the total weight of the building for transport and so buyers have easy access to install any additional wiring and plumbing.

The Cabinet Making II class builds and installs kitchen cabinets.

Buildings can be purchased at any stage of construction. They are designed for pier and beam and are not recommended for a slab: the floor joists - the part that would touch the ground - are not treated lumber. Within limits, the building size and floor plan can be customized. The maximum exterior size is 16 x 32.

Costs of buildings

• Framed only $5 sf
• Exterior finished  $10 sf
• Plumbing, electrical, HVAC ducts $20 sf
• Interior finish (sheet rock, cabinets) $30 if fully completed (partially completed is prorated)

Viewing the buildings

All buildings are constructed at the ACC Riverside Campus. Normally the structures are next to Building C, which contains the Building & Construction Technology department. Due to space constraints, other nearby locations may be used.

Site requirements

The main requirement is for these one bedroom efficiency buildings to be placed on two concrete stem walls that run the length of the building (example photo). Typically the in-ground footings are 18-24" wide and 6" thick. The stem walls should also be 6" wide and at least 24" high. This allows a reasonable amount of crawl space for someone to get under the building to connect the plumbing (and in the future, to possibly repair it).

Transporting the buildings

ACC Building & Construction Technology faculty will help put the storage sheds on the buyer's trailer. Buyer must move the residential buildings; the Building & Construction Technology faculty can provide names of movers.

Bidding on buildings for sale

When available, these structures are auctioned at http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/austincc,tx/browse/cataucs?catid=15

For details, contact Brad Boelter at (512) 223-6141, bboelter@austincc.edu.