Construction Project Management
As my Eagle Scout Service Project, I led a group of 14 volunteers in a comprehensive deck renovation for Boys Hope Girls Hope, an organization that provides housing and a stable home environment for at-risk youth from Chicago.
Skills Strengthened:
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Client Communication
Background and Initial Findings
The project was chosen because the residents of the house had expressed their wishes of having a backyard deck that was safe for outdoor activities and leisure. The existing structure had multiple safety and integrity issues: the stair stringers were rotted, the paint was chipped, and the deck's screw heads had sheared off. As we found out during demolition, certain joist hangers had corroded as well, requiring immediate structural mitigation.
Execution and Process Management
I successfully planned and led 14 volunteers, totaling 134 hours of service, to demolish and completely rebuild the organization's deteriorated deck using new pressure-treated lumber. We began by prying off the old deck boards, and then I divided the volunteers into three groups: One to cut up the old boards for easy disposal, another to replace the corroded joist hangers, and a third to lay down new boards. We finished with building four new sets of stairs, and final aesthetic adjustments.
Leadership and Key Takeaways
My role demanded hands-on leadership: I managed a budget of over $1,200, developed detailed work processes, and mitigated unexpected on-site challenges. This experience solidified my ability to plan complex scopes, adapt quickly to adversity, and motivate diverse, unskilled teams toward a high-quality finished product.
