Is this a wise decision or a waste of money?

Question

My husband is going to retire from the Navy in just over 5 years. We've decided that we want to remodel any house that we buy ourselves. I know this is a lot of work, but we really enjoy wood work, and fixing things. There is a program offered at a local JC that offers a course in construction. It's a two semester certificate program. I've spoken to my husband, and he said that we should take the course together.

The course teaches heating/air conditioning, walls, windows, floors, roofing, plumbing, dry walling, electrical, wiring, finishing etc. Pretty much from building a house from the ground up. When we find our house, we will have help from my brother, because he's been in construction for years.

Does anyone think that this is a wise decision or a waste of money? Please no rude answers, thank you.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I think it's wonderful. Not only that but the 2 of you get the same information at the same time. My hubby and I tend to bicker over "the way" sometimes. I'vee had alot more experience then he had and his dad was the kind that would put up an hook and eye if the screen door latch busted.

As long as you guys own a home the Information is invaluable.

On the job safety and methods and just the sheer knowledge to do a task in good time or troubleshoot an issue...

Go for it and Congratulations on your new lives to come!

****We have a 100 year old home that I love. It has quirks and issues. Basically all our renovating here we have done ourselves. It's been rather extensive. And I'm "one of those" that believes in holding the period true. Except for the electric, plumbing and fixtures IE the fridge. We have replaced windows and scraped paint off oak woodwork redid 2 baths. And completely overhauled the kitchen with 1900 cabinetry that was already here. I'm 5'2" and weigh 110 and did more then my share of the work. I do have a degree in engineering though. Best thing I can tell you is this course will make you aware when you need the extra help.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Great answers. Yes he is 100% supportive. I love it that we get things accomplished together. Our hard work is going to pay off in the end.

Answer 2

ask your brothers opinion, but I would say anything you learn will be useful.

Answer 3

good investment,

Source(s):

maint man /old timer

Answer 4

I think it's wonderful that you husband and you want to do something together.
Yes! Both of you take the course!

Don't you think it would be so much nicer, though, to buy a piece of property, plan and build a house - of both your likings - from the ground up?

'Not' so difficult.

Answer 5

anytime you van learn something its a good think and no one can take that away from you

Source(s):

p

Answer 6

You didn't say how much money your talking about for the 2 of you. Places like Home Depot will give demonstrations and answer any questions that you have for free. With the course including electrical work , it just might save your life if your tackling an electrical job.
The course sounds like what a person would take to get certified to get a LLC license in construction.
I paid $800 for a certificate program for just one semester.
I think it's great that the two of you would be doing it together. He sounds like a great and supportive husband. Good luck on whatever you decide to do and have fun.

Answer 7

Anything you can learn in that line will be useful. I say take the course. It beats ripping apart your own house to learn this stuff.

Answer 8

Wise decision... even if you decide to pay people to do the work, at least you will at the least know how things work, and how they should do their job... everyone that knows this stuff, had to learn it somewhere....

Source(s):

Bank excutive, remodeled my house, built all my own stick furniture, have a finish carpenter union card......

Answer 9

It's fine to take the class and get an idea of what you are dealing with. I wouldn't take this class and think you can SAFELY repair any house. Go read the NEC code book, its like 1000 pages. I wouldn't attempt to rewire a house with no experience. Sometimes you are saving a dime to spend a dollar.

Answer 10

What you may want to do is see if you can sit in on the class a couple of times to see what types of things they are going to be covering and if there will be any hands on instruction. You may find that they will not get to in depth with any of the subject matter and the tuition money will not be refundable after a certain date. Good luck with your endeavors.

Answer 11

that is a great idea ! i did it about thirty years ago (jc), then went to trade schools for electrcal, major home aplliances, and hvac&r. the g.i. bill payed for most of it. i payed some but i don't think its the money ... its the time.! you will get the basics from any schooling & then you must put it into pactice .

Source(s):

me

Answer 12

Wow. What a great way to partner up and learn something, and get to look forward to working on an important project together. Stories like yours really make me glad I am divorcing my husband, who never wanted to work on things together, especially if it made him look like he couldn't afford to pay someone else to do them.

I think it's a very wise decision.