SNAPSHOT FROM PRACTICE 9.4 The Fastest House in the World* December 17, 2002-after revving up their power tools and lining up volunteers, Shelby County Habitat for Humanity broke the world record for the fastest house ever built, clocking in at 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 34 seconds. Former record holder, New Zealand's Habitat Affiliate Mannakau, held the record for three years at 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 59 seconds. The Alabama project beat the New Zealand record by 18 minutes. "This was different than any construction project that I've ever been a part of," said Project Manager Chad Calhoun. "The minute-by-minute schedule, the planning of each precise movement, the organization of all the teams and materials, could not have gone more smoothly on build day. All the long hours of planning definitely paid off." In preparation for the build, Habitat volunteers put the foundation in place and constructed prefabricated wall panels. Once the whistle blew at 11:00 a.m. on December 17, the exterior wall panels were raised into place, followed by the interior panel, which took only 16 minutes. Special color-coded teams of workers connected the wiring and plumbing, put in insulation, installed appliances, laid carpet and tile, installed light fixtures, painted the house inside, applied vinyl siding outside, and attached assembled front and back porches. At the same time, the roof was constructed on the ground next to the house. Once the roof was completed- approximately 1 hours later-a Steel City crane lifted the 14,000-pound roof assembly into place. Crews attached the roof while others completed the interior work. There was even time to lay sod, plant shrubbery, and decorate a Christmas tree in the front yard-all within the official build time of 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 34 seconds. VOLOTE Blend Images/Ariel Skelley/Getty Images The recipient of this wonderful holiday gift was Bonnie Faye, a single mother and nursing technician who had applied to Habitat for Humanity three times before she was selected to receive the three-bedroom, two-bath home. "It's amazing," Lilly said. "Who am I to have this happen for me? A world record, hundreds of people coming together to build my house-I still can't believe it." Habitat for Humanity is an international charitable organization that builds simple, affordable houses and sells them on a no-interest, no-profit basis to needy families.