Since 1978, an integral part of Johnson College’s Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology (CCMT) Program has been the construction of a modular home that is then sold.
Over the years, Johnson College’s modular homes have been purchased by first time homeowners, families, and those looking for vacation homes. Many times, the customer has been part of the planning process and specified the number of rooms and layouts themselves.
The College’s CCMT Program prepares students as entry-level technicians in layout, estimation, construction, and erection of residential construction including installation of trim, furniture, stairs, and cabinets. Each year, the modular home construction process allows students to apply their skills in an authentic setting using industry standard tools and equipment. The students build a typical modular home, which includes drywall, cabinets, windows, electricity, and plumbing. Modular homes are different than mobile homes. They are created in boxes. These prefabricated boxes are then transported to the building site for the completion of construction.
John L. du Fief III ’79, a graduate of Johnson College’s CCMT Program, says of the construction of the modular home, “It afforded us, as students, to learn to actually construct a house from the ground up. To fit all the components together and understand how each step relates to the previous step… we learned that each step had to be completed with accuracy, in order to go on to the next step.”
After Mr. du Fief graduated in 1979, he began working at John L. duFief, Inc., a small family-owned construction company that his father established in 1958. In 1988, he took over as President of the company. He explains, “While at Johnson College, I learned that good workmanship will always be rewarded… My work holds up and my reputation for my attention to detail is without equal.”
Simplex Industries, Inc., of Scranton, partners with Johnson College in order to commence the engineering and building process. Additionally, students from the Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology, and Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology programs provide their expertise during construction. The homes are inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Industrial Housing Department in order to ensure that the building meets all local and state regulations before sale.
Joseph Musheno ’78, CCMT Program Chairperson, states, “There is a tremendous amount of knowledge gained from real live work experiences. Our students benefit immensely by building the modular home. It is also something that the students will be forever proud of.”
Construction of this year’s modular home is currently underway. The home, which will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms, is available for purchase. Interested home buyers can contact Mr. Musheno at 570-702-8933 or jmusheno@johnson.edu for more details.
Members of Johnson College’s Class of 2011 are constructing this year’s modular home.
From left to right (Front): Jeffrey Walter ’11, Factoryville; Tyler Rosko ’11, Taylor; Lawrence Foster ’11, Scranton; Vincent Rowe ’11, Honesdale
From left to right (Back): Justin Munley ’11, Scott Township; Matt Vacendak ’11, Clarks Summit; Lateck Miles ’11, Scranton; Michael Zangardi ’11, Scranton; Gary VanVranken ’11, Tunkhannock; Richard Norgard ’11, West Caldwell, NJ; Simon Frailey ’11, New Milford; Christopher Smith ’11, Havertown; Denny DeWolf ’11, Tunkhannock
The Class of 2010 hard at work on last year’s modular home.
