Remodeling and Repairs Course

Lesson 1 • Overview of the Remodeling Trade

Defines residential and commercial remodeling categories and typical project scopes. Establishes the professional context for all skills taught throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Tools and Equipment Identification

Introduces hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments used across remodeling tasks. Proper identification prevents misuse and supports efficient workflow.

Lesson 3 • Permits, Codes, and Inspections

Explains when permits are required, how building codes govern work, and what inspectors evaluate. Regulatory compliance protects clients and contractors from liability.

Lesson 4 • Reading Plans and Specifications

Teaches interpretation of blueprints, floor plans, and written specifications. Accurate plan reading is prerequisite to estimating and executing any project.

Lesson 1 • Planning a Demolition Sequence

Outlines how to assess structural elements before removal and sequence work to avoid collapse. Proper planning minimizes damage to retained components.

Lesson 2 • Hazardous Material Identification

Teaches recognition of asbestos, lead paint, and mold before demolition begins. Identifying hazards triggers proper abatement protocols and protects worker health.

Lesson 3 • Selective Demolition Techniques

Demonstrates controlled removal of drywall, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures. Selective methods preserve reusable materials and reduce replacement costs.

Lesson 4 • Utility Disconnection and Isolation

Covers safe shutdown of electrical, plumbing, and gas services prior to demolition. Utility isolation prevents injury and property damage during teardown.

Lesson 1 • Assessing Structural Damage

Teaches visual and physical inspection methods for identifying rot, insect damage, and settlement. Accurate diagnosis determines the correct repair strategy.

Lesson 2 • Temporary Shoring and Bracing

Explains how to install temporary supports during structural repairs to prevent collapse. Shoring protects workers and preserves the building envelope during work.

Lesson 3 • Wall Framing and Opening Creation

Demonstrates framing new walls, installing headers, and creating door or window openings. Correct header sizing ensures load transfer above new openings.

Lesson 4 • Repairing Floor Framing

Covers sistering joists, replacing sill plates, and reinforcing subfloor systems. Floor framing repairs eliminate bounce, squeaks, and structural weakness.

Lesson 1 • Drain Line Rerouting Basics

Explains slope requirements, cleanout placement, and venting when rerouting drain lines. Proper slope and venting prevent siphoning and sewer gas intrusion.

Lesson 2 • Fixture Replacement and Installation

Demonstrates removal and installation of faucets, toilets, sinks, and showerheads. Correct fixture installation prevents leaks and ensures code-compliant water efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Diagnosing Common Plumbing Problems

Covers leak detection, slow drain diagnosis, and water heater troubleshooting. Systematic diagnosis reduces unnecessary material replacement and labor costs.

Lesson 4 • Plumbing System Fundamentals

Reviews supply, drain-waste-vent, and fixture systems as a foundation for repair work. Understanding system relationships prevents misdiagnosis and repeat failures.

Lesson 1 • Running New Branch Circuits

Covers wire sizing, routing through walls, and connecting new circuits at the panel. New circuits support kitchen, bathroom, and workshop remodeling upgrades.

Lesson 2 • Low-Voltage and Specialty Systems

Introduces doorbell, thermostat, and data cabling work common in remodeling projects. Low-voltage skills complement standard electrical work without requiring a master license.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Safety and Panel Basics

Covers lockout-tagout, panel identification, and safe working practices around live circuits. Safety discipline is non-negotiable before any electrical task is attempted.

Lesson 4 • Troubleshooting Circuits and Devices

Teaches use of multimeters and circuit tracers to diagnose dead outlets, tripped breakers, and faulty switches. Accurate diagnosis avoids unnecessary rewiring.

Lesson 1 • Sanding and Surface Preparation

Demonstrates wet and dry sanding methods to achieve a level-five finish. Surface preparation directly determines paint adhesion and final appearance quality.

Lesson 2 • Priming and Painting Walls

Covers primer selection, roller and brush technique, and achieving uniform paint coverage. Correct priming seals drywall and prevents lap marks in finish coats.

Lesson 3 • Drywall Selection and Installation

Covers panel types, fastening patterns, and hanging sequence for walls and ceilings. Correct installation reduces finishing labor and prevents future cracking.

Lesson 4 • Trim, Molding, and Casing Installation

Teaches measuring, cutting, and nailing baseboard, door casing, and crown molding. Precise trim work elevates the finished appearance of any remodeled space.

Lesson 1 • Tile and Stone Flooring

Teaches mortar bed preparation, tile layout, setting, and grouting for ceramic and stone tile. Proper substrate and layout prevent cracked tiles and uneven grout lines.

Lesson 2 • Luxury Vinyl and Laminate Flooring

Covers floating floor installation methods, expansion gap requirements, and transition strips. These products offer fast installation with minimal subfloor preparation.

Lesson 3 • Flooring Repair and Patching

Addresses replacing damaged planks, re-grouting tile, and patching carpet sections. Repair skills extend flooring life and restore appearance without full replacement.

Lesson 4 • Subfloor Assessment and Preparation

Covers flatness testing, moisture measurement, and subfloor repair before any flooring is installed. A properly prepared subfloor prevents premature flooring failure.

Lesson 1 • Project Planning and Trade Sequencing

Teaches how to schedule plumbing, electrical, framing, and finish trades in the correct order. Proper sequencing prevents rework and keeps projects on schedule and budget.

Lesson 2 • Bathroom Waterproofing and Tile

Teaches membrane application, shower pan installation, and wall tile setting in wet areas. Waterproofing failures are the leading cause of costly bathroom structural damage.

Lesson 3 • Cabinet Layout and Installation

Covers finding level reference lines, shimming, and securing base and wall cabinets. Accurate cabinet installation is the foundation for countertop and appliance fit.

Lesson 4 • Countertop Fabrication and Installation

Demonstrates templating, cutting, and setting laminate, stone, and solid-surface countertops. Correct seam placement and support prevent cracking and sagging.