Home Repair Class Syllabus

What You'll do in your fun classes
WITH PAUL PLEVAKAS
LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTOR


Taught by Paul Plevakas
Licensed General Contractor
Member NARI - National Association of Remodeling Industry
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania License #PA010442

EPA Certified LEAD remodeling contractor

e-mail Paul Plevakas
www.PaulPlevakas.com


Four Ways To Learn:

1. Your Own Personal Trainer for Home Repair

Paul teaches you in your own home for your own projects. Learn to do it yourself with expert and patient personal guidance. Do as much yourself as you want, with Paul there to make sure you are safe and it's done right (and finish anything you'd rather have him handle). E-mail Paul or call (215) 778-2634.


2.  Semester Classes At Temple Center City (TUCC) - Do-It-Yourself Home Repair

Learn to fix it all: walls, outlets, plumbing, doors, installing ceiling fans, everything you need around the house.
Temple Center City. 1515 Market St. Downtown Philadelphia. Five Saturdays (or 6 depending on semester) 10am - 1:30pm.
Click for class location and dates.
To register call Temple University (215) 204 6565 or e-mail Rhonda Geyer, Interim Director. Registration info on-line.

 

Class #1 – Reading a tape measure, hand and power tools, worksite safety

Class #2– Basic carpentry, dimensional lumber, framing, sheet goods and Fasteners: nails, screws, anchors.
In class project: Construct a stud wall (bring your hammer)

Class #3– Understanding the household electrical system.
In class project: Install receptacle, switch, light fixture, electrical boxes and wire

Class #4– Understanding the household plumbing system.
In class project: Hang drywall, tape and spackle

Class #5– Introduction to locks, doors, windows their construction and installation.
In class project: Sand and apply second coat of joint compound

Class #6 – How to find a reputable contractor plus roofing and flooring.
In class project: Prep and paint wall

 

3. Special All-Day Saturday Seminars

Learn to fix leaks, faucets, connections, and fixtures yourself, be safe, and save thousands.
Temple U . Usually held each Spring in a fun, one-day workshop.
Click for class location and dates.

Click the arrow to run this video clip from Mythbusters showing dangers of a malfunctioning water heater

 

4. Do-It-Yourself Home Repair GREEN

Clean, Earth Friendly, Renovations and Products.
Temple Center City and Temple Ft. Washington.
To register for the Center City class call (215) 204 6565 or e-mail Rhonda Geyer, rgeyer@temple.edu,


 

Students Love The Classes. Here is What They're Saying:

 


"Useful! Want more."

 

"I liked the hands-on experience. This was a very informative class. Learned a lot."

 

"Great overview of subject."

 

"Paul's attitude and interaction with students is excellent. I recommend this class."

 

"This was a great class! Paul structured it in a very digestible format. We got to create an entire wall section, learning about each layer as we progressed. Having just bought an old house, I feel I now know about how to fix problems. Everyone in the class was so excited to be learning about home repair. Paul was very generous with his time. I want Home Repair II! After we learned about electricity, my husband and I bought a new light fixture. The guy at the store warned us not to buy it unless we knew electricity. We cautiously took the process one step at a time and were thrilled when we flipped the switch and the new ceiling light worked. We never would have had the confidence to do this if not for Paul's class. Also the structure of the class was really smart. By building and wiring our wall, we touched on every subject including plumbing, drywall, electricity, carpentry, etc."

Essential Tools for the Home Toolbox

• Claw hammer 16oz. – 22oz.
• Grooved pliers 12in.
• Lineman pliers 8 – 10in.
• Needlenose pliers
• Adjustable wrenches 6in. and 10in.
• Straight slot screwdriver 1/4in.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Flashlight, drop light, or work light
• 30’ tape measure
• 6’ Step ladder
• 25’ or 50’ extension cord
• 3/8” electric or battery drill/driver
• 7 1/4” electric power saw

 

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Not required for class, but helpful to have around the house.

• Safety glasses, goggles or faceshield
• Gloves
• Ear protection device
• Hardhat
• Steeltoe shoes
• Respirator
• Fall protection harness



Man stands in his own shadow and wonders why it is dark

- ancient Zen saying


Empower yourself. (Learn to fix the lamp)

 

More Classes With Paul Plevakas

 

Search for books, tools, and equipment, and to see Paul on the cover of the book Healthy Martial Arts:

 

 

 

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