Whats the best way to learn carpentry/construction skills needed for home maintenance/improvement? Home Improvement Appliances

August 25th, 2010 by Grace Winston

Whats the best way to learn carpentry/construction skills needed for home maintenance/improvement?

I am a homeowner and would like to improve my carpentry/construction skills. I am a teacher and have the summers off, which I would like to spend improving my house. This isnt just to save money; I really want to learn how to do it.

I once converted a garage into a sculpture studio, so I have some skills/successes (can build a wall, install new windows and doors, wiring, put in a floor) and some failures (leaking skylights). Ive also put in fences, built bookshelves and done some plumbing. Plus sculpture!

I know I could take classes at a tech school, but Im looking for other hands-on ideas where I could learn from someone. Books are great but I need to SEE it and be able to ask questions. Though I have the summers off, they are short and I have young kids. Id like to work a bit for someone for free in exchange for the teaching – is that feasible? Im not incompetant, but I am female

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