Home Maintenance Education

Protect your home’s value for years to come. Our educational classes empower you to handle home maintenance with confidence.

EMPOWER yourself as a homeowner with Project Home’s FREE home maintenance classes! Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we offer these public education opportunities to help you …

• • understand the inner workings of your home,
  • learn essential maintenance techniques,
  • confidently qualify contractors for larger projects, and
  • tackle your own repairs and improvements.

All of our classes are taught by experienced and credentialed Project Home professionals, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge to help you keep your home in top condition.

2025 Class Schedule

ALL CLASSES ARE SPONSORED BY MGE – Madison Gas & Electric.

**Please contact the class host library to register.  

Tues. Mar. 11th – Spring Home Maintenance — (Urban League of Greater Madison – Black Business Hub — 6:00 – 8:00pm) — Ready to tackle spring home maintenance like a pro? Our engaging course will empower you to confidently care for your home, inside and out! Learn essential skills, from maximizing your HVAC system efficiency and troubleshooting sump pump woes to prepping your roof and gutters for spring showers and revitalizing your outdoor spaces. We’ll cover key indoor systems like dehumidifiers, water heaters, and ventilation, plus crucial outdoor tasks including window and door maintenance, exterior siding and foundation, driveway fixes, outdoor spigot care and more! Discover money-saving energy tips for the warmer months, too! Don’t just clean – maintain!  Register today and make this spring your home’s best one yet! Sponsored by MG&E.

Wed. Apr. 9th – Spring Home Maintenance — (Verona Public Library — 6:00 – 7:30pm) — Ready to tackle spring home maintenance like a pro? Our engaging course will empower you to confidently care for your home, inside and out! Learn essential skills, from maximizing your HVAC system efficiency and troubleshooting sump pump woes to prepping your roof and gutters for spring showers and revitalizing your outdoor spaces. We’ll cover key indoor systems like dehumidifiers, water heaters, and ventilation, plus crucial outdoor tasks including window and door maintenance, exterior siding and foundation, driveway fixes, outdoor spigot care and more! Discover money-saving energy tips for the warmer months, too! Don’t just clean – maintain!  Register today and make this spring your home’s best one yet! Sponsored by MG&E.  Register Now.

Wed. May 28th – Basic Household Plumbing — (Fitchburg Public Library — 6:00 – 7:30pm) — Ever wonder what’s really going on behind your walls when you flush the toilet or turn on the tap? Demystify your home’s plumbing system with Basic Household Plumbing! This hands-on course will take you from clueless to confident, covering everything from how your plumbing works to tackling common repairs like toilet and faucet replacements. We’ll break down the essential parts—pipes, drains, traps, and vents—and give you the insider tips for tub and shower installations. Stop calling the plumber for every little thing and start saving money! Get the knowledge you need to handle those drips, clogs, and more. Sign up for Basic Household Plumbing and become the master of your domain (at least, the plumbing part!).

Tues. June 24th – Bathroom Renovations — (Middleton Public Library — 6:00pm – 7:30pm) — Dreaming of a new bathroom? This comprehensive course provides the essential knowledge you need to tackle a renovation with confidence. We’ll start with the fundamentals of how plumbing works, including an overview of different types of pipes, water lines, shut-off valves, and traps. We’ll then cover crucial safety protocols and important considerations for your project, such as electrical wiring, selecting the right flooring, and installing the correct toilet, tub, and shower. You’ll also learn the finishing touches of paint and caulk and be introduced to the necessary tools for the job. For those considering professional help, we’ll discuss key factors in hiring a contractor. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or planning to work with a professional, this course will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your bathroom renovation is a success.

Tues. Aug. 26th – Drywall Installation & Repair – (Memorial Public Library in Brodhead — 6:00pm-7:30pm) — Is your drywall work less than perfect? This comprehensive class takes the frustration out of drywall projects. We’ll cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques, including proper tool usage, selecting the right materials for any situation, and mastering the tricks of the trade for smooth finishes and invisible repairs. Gain the confidence and skills to tackle any drywall job with ease, saving time and money in the long run. Perfect for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Wed. Sept. 3rd – Hiring a Home Improvement Contract: Avoiding Common Pitfalls – (Monona Public Library — 6:00pm-7:30pm) — Hiring a home improvement contractor can be a daunting task, but taking the time to do it right can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered!  Credentials and licenses, written contracts, and clear communication are some of the things you will need to navigate.  We will give you valuable information and tips on avoiding common pitfalls to ensure that you will have an epic home improvement experience with a contractor you can trust.

Tues. Sept. 9th – Fall Home Maintenance — (Urban League of Greater Madison – Black Business Hub — 6:00 – 8:00pm) — Is your home ready for winter’s chill? Don’t wait until the first snowstorm to discover a leaky roof or a frozen pipe! This Fall Home Maintenance class will empower you to proactively prepare your home for the harsh winter months, saving you money and headaches down the road. We’ll walk you through a top-to-bottom home inspection, covering everything from the roof and gutters to heating systems and insulation. Learn essential maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters like a pro, identifying potential chimney issues, and sealing those pesky drafts that drive up energy bills. Plus, we’ll uncover valuable energy-saving tips, explore available rebates, and discuss the benefits of energy audits. Invest a little time now and gain peace of mind knowing your home is protected all winter long. Attend this free class and be winter-ready!

Tues. Oct. 21st – Optimizing Your Home’s Energy Performance — (Madison Public Library – Lakeview Library — 5:30 – 7:30pm) — Are you ready to lower your energy bills and create a more comfortable home? This course provides you with the knowledge and tools to achieve just that. Learn practical strategies for improving your home’s energy efficiency, from simple DIY projects to larger upgrades. We’ll cover everything from air sealing and insulation to high-efficiency appliances and HVAC systems. Discover how to reduce your carbon footprint, explore renewable energy options like solar, and take advantage of available rebates and incentives. Invest in your home’s future and start saving today!

Thurs. Nov. 6th – Understand & Maintain Your Furnace – (E.D. Locke Public Library in McFarland – 6:00pm-7:30pm) — Don’t let a cold house or unexpected repair bills ruin your winter! This comprehensive course empowers you to take control of your home’s heating system. Learn everything from the basic components of your furnace to troubleshooting common issues. Discover how your furnace works seamlessly within your home, and gain the confidence to perform essential maintenance, preventing costly breakdowns and maximizing efficiency. We’ll cover what to do if you do need to call a technician, including how to describe problems accurately and what to expect during a service call. The instructor will demonstrate on a real furnace!  Enroll in “Understand and Maintain Your Furnace” and enjoy a warm, comfortable home all season long while saving money on your heating bills.

Check back for more classes that will be added to this schedule!!

ALERT:  There is loads of valuable information in these videos so grab a notebook!

Special thanks to Ben Becs, Media Producer for Village of McFarland for these productions.