As a homeowner, the internet is flush with information about buying, selling, designing or building a home. You can watch YouTube videos, join Facebook groups or even follow your favorite HGTV celebs on Twitter, but what about really putting yourself to work?
Arlington Public Schools offers adult-level courses for homeowners of all ages and experience levels. You can learn how to go about buying your first home, how to invest, flip and hold properties, or even how to build the foundation to your house.
Find upcoming spring courses below. All registration is available online, and spots fill up fast, so be sure to get your seats soon.
Introduction to Homeowner Masonry
Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.
Doing your own housework may seem impossible, but if you’re truly interested in learning to lay your own pavement, bricks and more, this introductory course will give you the confidence you need. Learn to create your own backyard patio, build block foundations or install brick veneer. // Career Center: 816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington; $109 Arlington resident, $119 non-resident
Furniture Repair and Refinishing
Wednesday, April 22, 7 p.m.
If antique shopping is your forte, it may be time to try to refinish all of that cool furniture you’ve collected, or bypassed because it was too chipped, dented or broken. Bring your own projects to this hands-on course and you’ll learn how to repair, color, finish and more. // Career Center: 816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington; $219 Arlington resident, $239 non-resident
Designing a Purposeful Garden Space
Thursday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.
The warmer temperatures are on their way and you can’t wait to enjoy your outdoor space. But if it’s time for a revamp, including a potential fire pit, gorgeous flowers or just a spruce for the new season, this workshop will help you bring your ideal outdoor space to life. // Syphax Education Center: 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington; $89 Arlington resident, $99 non-resident
Over 55 Housing Decisions
Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.
It’s not quite simple enough just to tell your friends and family that you want to downsize. When it comes to making your next decision on where to move and what to do in your retirement years, you might need some help. From finding living communities to moving closer to family, find out what’s best for you at this local course. // Syphax Education Center: 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington; $69 Arlington resident, $79 non-resident
Two-Hour Homebuying Workshop
Saturday, April 25, noon
Buying a home is a long process, from the time you put up the for sale sign, to the day you sign the final contract. At this course, gather with individuals of all buying experience levels and learn the best practices and procedures for homebuying in the DMV. // Syphax Education Center: 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington; $69 Arlington resident, $79 non-resident
Invest, Flip or Hold Income Properties
Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.
So you’ve seen Flip or Flop, and now you’re interested in investing in your own income properties. To truly learn the ins and outs of the process, including remodeling, financing and more, attend this local workshop to find out if the practice is right for you. // Syphax Education Center: 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington; $59 Arlington resident, $69 non-resident
Understanding Your Home: How to Spot, Correct & Avoid Defects & Keep Everything Running
Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m.
This may just be the be-all end-all of home classes, so you should consider booking your spot if you’re looking for the best way to learn how to identify structural, mechanical and cosmetic defects in new and old homes. Not only will it make you a better homeowner by having a basic understanding of your house and its potential flaws, but will also provide additional information on construction, trade practices and environmental factors. // Career Center: 816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington; $59 Arlington resident, $69 non-resident
Hardwood Flooring – Installation and Maintenance
Thursday, May 21, 7 p.m.
No more vinyl flooring in your fixer-upper, it’s time to install your own hardwood flooring. Learn from an experienced local installer how to get the tools, materials and techniques to recreate the flooring in your home, as well as a few tricks of the trade to really get you through the project. // Career Center: 816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington; $59 Arlington resident, $69 non-resident
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