10 Tips on How to Learn Home Improvement Skills

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:

• Udemy
• Coursera 
• Skillshare

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.

7. Books And Magazines 

Many DIY experts have chosen to share their knowledge by writing books or regular magazine columns on home management and DIY projects. 

Try a quick search online for the top-rated books on these subjects, or visit your local bookstore to browse and get recommendations from staff. Your branch library is a wealth of free information, too. Ask your librarian where the home care book section is and start reading.

Don’t forget: Your local librarians are a wealth of information. Ask them if they have any other digital or local resources on how to learn home renovation. They might even have tools or pros that aren’t listed in this article. 

8. Websites And Blogs 

A quick Internet search for “how to learn home repair skills” will result in hundreds of blogs and websites. Just check out the Repair and Maintenance section of American Home Shield's Home Matters blog. We have hundreds of articles with DIY tips and illustrations explaining maintenance for home appliances and systems. These days, we have a blog post covering almost every topic imaginable, from how to clean your oven range filter to how to repair your AC unit. 

9. Helpful Mobile Apps

Every year, more and more mobile apps emerge to help busy homeowners quickly develop the skills and access the resources necessary for DIY and professional fixes. 

Our favorite: The Frontdoor® app. Available on Android and iOS, the Frontdoor app is loaded with helpful articles, recommendations on local professionals, and—the best part—face-to-face video call access with experienced technicians who can walk you through even the toughest projects around the house. 

10. Volunteering

Make the world a better place and develop some new skills in the process. Volunteering is a great way to achieve both objectives at once. One of the best options in this realm is Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit focused on building homes, communities, and hope for the future. 

With that emphasis on homes comes a need for able hands to build houses under the watchful guidance of experienced construction professionals, and you can volunteer even if you’ve never worn a toolbelt before. 

With Habitat for Humanity, you can pick up valuable skills, such as:

• Working with ladders
• Interior and exterior painting
• Framing
• And more

Prepare For the Future

Whether you hit the books or apprentice with the master DIYer on your block, at some point in your homeownership journey you’ll encounter a DIY challenge you didn't anticipate would be on the test—one that made you wish you had a few more resources on how to learn home repair skills.

Don’t worry. You can prepare for these eventualities by purchasing an American Home Shield home warranty. After all, one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner is knowing when to call in the professionals.

So, whether it’s a problematic appliance or faulty plumbing, our plans will keep you covered. Check out our frequently asked questions to learn more.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.