A: We recommend you start with our Home Fundamentals class. It is the source for the vocabulary and visual identification items we use throughout the rest of our Maintenance Ready program.

A: It’s very important to us that every class you take with HRL is authentically helpful. If you find yourself in a class that’s either above or below your skill level, let us know, and we’ll refund your purchase.

A: We recommend that you do. The classes in our Maintenance Ready Series are grouped into Knowledge Labs, Skills Labs, and Repair Labs, and are ordered to build on each other. We suggest that students start with Home Fundamentals and complete the remaining 8 classes in our 9-part Maintenance Ready Series sequentially. This will prepare you for specialized labs that focus on renovations and custom projects.

A: Lecture-style classes are fully seated. For hands-on classes, expect to stand for the majority of the class. Some projects require kneeling (don’t worry — we will provide cushions for your knees), crawling into a sink cabinet and getting drywall mud on your hands (and maybe clothes). So please dress appropriately for the class. If you’re unsure feel free to reach out and ask. Also, we have plenty of chairs if you need to take a break!

A: We are here to support anyone who wants to step outside their comfort zone, but if at any point you decide a particular activity isn’t for you, just let us know! There is absolutely no pressure to do anything you don’t want to do.

A: Absolutely! We love hearing about your home and encourage questions. We do our best to answer them all AND finish on time, so we recommend bringing a photo if your issue is challenging to explain.

A: Our classes are designed for adults, but children aged 14 and older are welcome with a parent or legal guardian. We allow up to two children per chaperoning adult. 

A: Only registered students with a signed liability waiver will be allowed in the lab. 

A: You’re welcome to photograph tools, materials, projects, or us (your instructors) at any time. Please ask for permission before photographing other students or taking videos inside the lab. 

A: We don’t distribute copies of our lecture slides, but we provide you with a handout and a pen and paper to take notes.

A: We want you to be safe and comfortable in the lab. For that reason, we don’t allow: 
Open-toed shoes
Excessively loose clothing
Drawstrings
Dangling jewelry

If you have long hair, we ask that you tie it back during class. You may get dirty in our hands-on classes, so we recommend that you dress accordingly and remove any rings. We are not responsible for lost or damaged clothing or jewelry.

A: We provide eye, ear, hand, and lung protection based on the activities in each class. If you have your own protective gear, you’re more than welcome to bring it. 

A: Show up to class with a curious mind and a willingness to have fun. We will take care of everything else! If you plan to participate in an Open Lab session, you are welcome to use our tools and workspace, but you must bring your own project materials.

A: We have water available in the lab, but feel free to bring snacks (please nothing with a strong smell). Non-alcoholic drinks are welcome. There are several great spots within walking distance to grab a drink after class.

A: We pack a lot of information into each class, so our classes start on time. Please arrive 10 minutes early to take care of any paperwork. Before class is also a great time to ask questions specific to your home.

A: We keep our classes small to make sure everyone gets individualized help and quality instruction. Lecture classes are capped at 8 people, and hands-on classes can accommodate 4-6.

A: Our minimum class size is 1. We will never cancel or reschedule a class as long as there is at least 1 person registered. That said, we don’t allow drop-in attendance, so please register in advance.

A: Absolutely. Please give us a call at 919-321-7465 for pricing and availability.

A: You can book as much as 3 months or as little as 6 hours in advance for classes in our Maintenance Ready Series. Booking for private classes and events must be done at least 3 days in advance. Please contact us to book these types of classes.

A: We don’t offer refunds for non-attended classes. However, if you attend a class and feel that you did not receive the value you paid for, we are happy to refund your money.

A: We understand that life happens, and we want to be flexible. You can reschedule your class by logging into Bookeo (our scheduling platform). If you have any difficulty rescheduling, please give us a call at 919-321-7465.

A: We love that you want to give the gift of home maintenance. Gift cards can be purchased through the button in the footer of our website. You will have the option to gift a specific class or dollar value.

A: We’re located at 803 E. Ramseur Street, Suite E in downtown Durham, at the corner of Ramseur and Fayetteville Streets. Look for the only space with a white loading bay door. Enter through the green door up the brick steps under our sign.

A: Feel free to park in any open space in front of our building. If none are available, there is street parking on Ramseur on the opposite side — just pay attention to posted restrictions.