"Knowing when we come back it's going to be so different and finally being able to walk out. I can walk out and i'm comfortable," said Linda Litschi.

As soon as they said goodbye, a sea of contractors marched in.

"Yeah, we're doing a lot of work here," said Jeff Musser of Musser Home Builders.

The 150-year-old home needs a makeover, in part, because some of the children have special needs.

"We really want a handicapped ramp and a handicapped shower and a roof. everything else is gravy," said Litschi.

Workers are planning to do much more.

"Essentially everything is going to be new. Every wall, every floor, every window, every door," said Musser.

A job like this would usually take five months, not seven days.

"Work hard and long. Good planning and good organization. There's a lot of people," said Musser.

More than 500 people will be pitching in during the week. Linda says she'll resist the urge to sneak a peak.

"If you open a Christmas present before Christmas, it's not a surprise. It's not fun anymore and there's nothing to look forward to," said Litschi.

"She'll be pretty excited i'm sure," said Musser.