In July 2015, students at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute put the finishing touches on a beautiful new house along Rising Sun Road.

A few months later, the house became a home thanks to some very excited buyers.

Andrea and Richard Stoudt purchased the home in September.

Listed for $349,000, there were three potential buyers vying for the sale and the Stouts presented the highest bid at $360,000.

The project labeled “House 32” was the 32nd house designed and built by students at LCTI.

From start to finish or “foundation to frame,” students representing nine sending school districts and eight instructional labs - carpentry, cabinetmaking, plumbing, electrical, masonry, painting and decorating, landscaping/environmental design, heating, air condition and refrigeration, and adult heavy equipment lab - worked together for several years to complete a superior house.

Using the “aging in-place” or “universal design” concept, everything in the home is intended to promote accessibility and convenience by everyone regardless of age, ability or status in life.

After an unsuccessful auction, the home was listed with a realtor and the offers came rolling in.

After LCTI’s Joint Operations Committee voted to accept the Stoudts’ offer, a home inspection occurred followed by approval of the sale by a Lehigh County judge.

“It was a stressful process but well worth the wait” said Andrea Stoudt.

She and her husband stayed in a hotel for three months after their home in Macungie sold in July.

Finally, the waiting was over and they moved in on Oct. 1, 2015.

The couple picked out each and every piece of furniture and decoration to create a personalized warm and welcoming environment.

“Everything about this house is just amazing,” Andrea said. “My family has come to visit and they are stunned by the craftsmanship.”

Andrea with her late husband) built three homes over the years. Two were in New York and one in Macungie about 10 years ago.

“I know exactly what it takes to build a house, and this house has just exceeded all my expectations,” she said.

“They didn’t cut corners anywhere here in this house, even in places they probably could have,” said Richard.

Eight years ago, Andrea and Richard, both widowed, were introduced by friends.

The two have special ties to the community.

Andrea currently works part time as a bus driver for Parkland School District. Richard also worked for PSD and is now retired after 34 years as head second-shift custodian.

The couple enjoy trail biking, dining out and, of course, relaxing together in their new home.

Among their favorite features in the house is the universally designed bathroom, an oasis which includes a fully tiled walk-in shower with rain shower head and an easily accessible bathtub.

They also enjoy the layout of the home, with the master bedroom and guest bedrooms on opposite sides of the house. “It makes for a nice arrangement when family come to visit,” said Andrea who always adds a photograph or some sort of personal touch to make her guests feel welcome.

After living several months in their new house, the couple says their excitement about their new abode has not waned.

“I just can’t say enough about this house,” Andrea said. “It’s just perfect and we love it here.”