New home improvement classes give students DIY confidence
A new business is hoping to empower homeowners through the art of do-it-yourself.
The recently opened DIY Training Centre offers in-person home renovation and repair training for people who want to tackle more on their own.
Classes include framing, flooring, finishing carpentry and electrical. Students can also learn about renovations, maintenance and interior design.
The goal, said one teacher, is to put practical industry knowledge into the hands of homeowners.
"People that have homes don't want to pay big dollars out to contractors and that, so they come here so that they can learn how to do a lot of that stuff themselves," Gerald May said.
Wendy Lien has taken multiple classes at the centre since it opened.
She said the skills she's learned, and plans to learn in the future, will help her be more independent and save money.
"I've been looking for years to find somewhere like this [so] that I am able to do home improvements on my own and not have to call family or friends," Lien said.
Teacher Susan Ward-Cornish said the classes also help students gain confidence.
"It really helps them a lot and it's really nice to see them flourishing," Ward-Cornish said. "And they're going out of here empowered. It's amazing."
Helen Scheper signed up for the Women's Only DIY. She said she loves the feeling of accomplishment from tackling home repairs.
"I want to be handy," Scheper said. "I want to be someone who doesn't have to rely on someone else to do bits and pieces around the house."
Unlike a YouTube video, Scheper said the hands-on in-person classes beat learning from a YouTube video, since students can ask questions and get help when needed.
"I'm loving it," she added. "I just feel more confident."
In addition to the DIY classes, the training centre offers renovation mentoring, where an expert will come to your house and help guide you on your DIY journey.
For more information on classes, you can visit the centre's website here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children
Researchers have developed the world's first algorithm powered by artificial intelligence to identify children with undiagnosed rare genetic disorders.
Toronto awarded WNBA's first franchise outside U.S., with expansion team set to begin play in 2026
Toronto has been awarded the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026.
With 10K providers offering care to 2M seniors, health minister defends dental plan
Canada's dental care plan is 'getting there' Health Minister Mark Holland said Wednesday defending the program's rollout that's now seen two million seniors sign up, but just 10,000 oral health providers enrolled to treat them.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.