Mother's Day Build

If you've ever wanted to learn how to build stuff or if you want to know how to use tools, a great place to start is a Habitat for Humanity job site.

Carol (top fundraiser) and Amanda get ready to rock around the caulk

Photos by Nicola Betts

The Habitat Mother's Day build was a huge success this year as teams of mothers, sons and daughters lent a hand to ten families who are buying volunteer-built homes from Habitat for Humanity Toronto, which provides the families with interest-free 25-year mortgages.   

Habitat Toronto will dedicate 50 new hand-built homes in 2005.  O-yeh! (that's Swahili for 'Oh baby!')

Comments

[susie]

I need to learn how to do basic building stuff; actually I need female group courage. So where could I take a course on the most basic things? Why don't YOU organize Courses for Gurls????? Would love to hear about info on this.

[Mag]

I'm up to my ears in projects but I'll think about your suggestion. In the meantime, try the courses at your local Home Depot (Do It Herself workshops) or RONA (various project-oriented seminars). If you're in the Toronto area, Habitat for Humanity Toronto runs a 6-part Habitat University course which teaches the basics of building. If you want to start out with something basic, like learning to build a deck or create a patio, I really like the Sunset book series from California. The books cover everything from Basic Carpentry to Outdoor Kitchens and are specific, detailed and give you all the know-how you need to jump in and get going.