Do you ever feel inspired by the latest DIY shows? We do, too. But if you’ve never held a hammer before, a complete kitchen remodel might not be the best starting point for you.
Instead, get comfortable working around the house.
Besides, every homeowner should be comfortable with some basic home repair and home improvement best practices. Being able to handle those simple tasks can save you time and money.
Fortunately, there are tons of ways to build some new skills in a way that fits your favorite learning style.
Our 10 Favorite Resources to Learn DIY Home Improvement
Here are some easy ways to further your DIY education:
1. Home Improvement Stores
Many home improvement stores offer classes on basic home repairs—often for free. Most retailers schedule a wide variety of classes, from repairing siding to planting gardens. Check the locations nearest you for a posted calendar of upcoming classes to learn home repair. You should be able to find this information either in-store or online.
Even if your local store doesn’t host classes, store associates can be a wealth of information. Most retailers strive to hire experts in a particular area. Don't be shy about asking questions. If associates can't provide an answer about a tool or material, they should be able to point you to someone who can.
And once you have the information you need, any necessary tools or hardware are readily available for purchase.
2. Local Community Centers
Your local community centers can be a treasure trove of training opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.
Not only do some centers offer volunteer opportunities, many offer neighborhood workshops on home improvement best practices.
This can be a great way to meet people from your neighborhood while developing much-needed skills that benefit you as a homeowner.
3. Your Neighbors
If you're new to home ownership, chances are one of your neighbors is much more seasoned. Don’t be afraid to look for an older, more experienced neighbor to walk you through the ABCs of home repair.
If you aren’t sure where to start, post in your neighborhood forum or start asking neighbors for referrals. Someone within your neighborhood will be able to help you with minor repairs and basic maintenance—just make sure to return the favor and pay it forward.
4. Online Courses
If you can’t find someone to teach you home improvement skills in-person, just look online. There are tons of websites with instructional courses that dive deep into growing those DIY talents. To start, check out websites like:
Here, you’ll find detailed, step-by-step videos from content creators who specialize in basic and advanced topics—on everything from patching drywall to installing natural gas piping.
The best part: Many of these courses are incredibly affordable. While many of the most expensive often run for a few hundred dollars, the most affordable are often available at a steep discount, making online courses an affordable option for developing your own DIY skills.
5. YouTube Tutorials
While online courses are great for their structure and additional assets (like worksheets and helpful PDFs), don’t forget about a wonderful free resource: YouTube.
YouTube is packed with videos from helpful home improvement experts who are passionate about creating educational videos.
Our favorite (of course) is our AHS® How-To Video Series. We explore the proper technique for:
- How to Prepare Your Pool For Winter
- How to Clean Your Gutters
- How to Childproof Your Home
- How to Check Your Smoke Detectors
- How to Fix A Broken Sprinkler
- And more
Check out our American Home Shield channel to learn even more—including about the ins and outs of home warranties.
6. Community Colleges
If you’re not into online learning, get back into the classroom at your local community college.
Many community colleges are home to programs that issue certifications to home improvement contractors. Many also offer basic job training courses in such areas as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC repair. Some community colleges even offer "Home Ownership 101" courses designed to help first-time homebuyers make and tick off the items on their honey-do lists.
These classes are often very affordable and provide more in-depth information than blog articles or one-day workshops. They also require more of a commitment—up to 14 to 16 weeks of regular classes, homework, and even exams. Check your community college's online course catalog for their specific offerings. In some cases, these courses may be offered online.
