MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS

A shop class for adults

If you've been wanting to tackle a DIY home renovation project but are concerned you don't have the skillset or know-how to get the job done, why not enroll in a class?

While many of the big box stores, like Home Depot and Rona, offer helpful how-to workshops for those individuals who have a basic understanding of carpentry and home renovations, other companies - like Toronto's BIY Learning Centres - offer longer, more in-depth tutorials.

For a cost ranging between $59 and $499, aspiring home renovators can enroll in one of BIY's workshops that tackle everything from home staging to roof framing. In all, the company offers more than 35 courses that address a wide spectrum of home construction tasks - including maintenance, general repairs, carpentry, home decor and organizing. Depending on the complexity of the topic, courses range in duration from weekend bootcamps to seven-day marathons.

If Toronto is a little out of your way, you may want to try contacting your local college to see if it offers any similar programs. With more people opting to do it themselves, it won't be long before courses like these are widespread. After all, it's better to do something right the first time rather than learn by trial and error.