Home Repair Lab

I started out taking a free HRL class at the library and have taken many classes since then. Mindy and Chris are extremely knowledgeable, kind, fun, and great teachers! In the past I tried reading books or watching YouTube videos, but it all felt so overwhelming and time consuming. I've gained in-depth overviews on many of the topics they cover in short periods of time and I feel confident in doing some repairs myself now. I've learned so much about the mistakes I've made over the years and how to prevent them in the future. They're also helping to clarify what I might want in buying another house. They truly are my house therapists!
Apr 2nd, 2024

I took Mindy and Chris' Saw Skills class. I learned SO MUCH. They covered the basics of safely and effectively using a miter saw, a circular saw, and a jigsaw. I got to have hands-on practice with each tool, and they kindly guided, encouraged, and gave feedback as I worked. They gave plenty of time for me to ask questions, and answered them in a way that was easy for me to understand. It was obvious that they made safety a priority for all of us, and provided safety glasses and noise-blocking headphones to use during "saw time." As someone whose prior experience with power tools was mostly limited to use of an electric drill, I now feel much more confident about using saws, and would absolutely take another one of their classes to learn about another topic/skill. They are also just really nice people, and were fun to be around.
Jan 30th, 2024

I wish something like this had been available 40 years ago when I purchased my first house. It's great for a first time buyer (should be required by the lenders) or investors or just someone that wants to learn about the nuts and bolts of a house and now to improve your investment. My only suggestion would be to provide the PPT in written form so that we would have great reference material firing forward.
Jan 30th, 2024

Coming from a soon to be first-time homeowner, the intro class was very informative and well planned. Smaller classes encourage specific questions about your home and your needs. You can tell their knowledge comes from experience and a true desire to help others. Can't wait to go back for some of the skills labs. Anyone looking to learn how to maintain or improve their home, small-scale or large, this is the place. Great for the average homebuyer too - it will give you a sharper lens to see potential rather than just what's presented.
Jan 30th, 2024

Chris and Mindy are amazing! I first learned of their business through a free event at the Durham County Library, Maintenance Fundamentals. I learned so much from that event and really appreciated the handouts. I then won a raffle ticket for their Tool Skills course which was insanely helpful! I plan to purchase seats for future courses and will also be doing their Home Fundamentals course at the library in a few months. I have learned so much already from just 3 hours of their classes and I feel much more confident doing work on my home!
Jan 22nd, 2024