Tag: home renovation college
This obviously does not apply to everyone, but there’s something so wholesome and fulfilling about rescuing items (or constructions) from potential ruin and restoring them to their original glory. If this desire to repair and add value applies to you, you probably are already considering home renovation college.
One area that often requires attention during a renovation is wood restoration. Wood can add warmth and charm to any home, but over time, it may lose its lustre and become damaged. Wood restoration is also one of the most common projects faced by home renovation professionals, so here are four wood restoration tips to help you bring new life to wooden elements in any home.
1. Assess the Condition of the Wooden Element
Before embarking on the restoration of your piece, it’s essential to conduct some research to ascertain its value. Carefully examine the furniture for any marks or labels that might provide insights into its origin or manufacturer. If you suspect that it holds significant monetary or historical worth, it’s advisable to consult with a professional before proceeding with any restoration work. It’s also a good idea to take detailed photographs of any markings or tags as documentation. Refrain from stripping or sanding a collectible antique’s finish until you have a clear understanding of its value, as doing so could potentially diminish or even eliminate its worth.
As you’ll discover in home renovation training, it’s crucial to assess the condition of the wood you’re working with. Take a close look at the surfaces, checking for signs of rot, pests, or water damage. Look for cracks, warping, or discolouration. Understanding the extent of the damage will help you determine the best approach to restoration. Minor issues might only require sanding and refinishing, while more severe damage could require repair or replacement.
2. Prepare the Surface Correctly as Taught in Home Restoration College
Proper surface preparation is vital for achieving a successful wood restoration. To give your furniture a comprehensive cleaning, start by using a sponge and a solution of warm water and vegetable-based oil soap. Scrub the surfaces of the furniture thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime. Rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
For intricate or detailed pieces, employ a soft toothbrush to access hard-to-reach areas and clean the nooks and crannies effectively. In case there are tight spots that are difficult to reach, you can fashion a slender wooden dowel rod into a pointed tip, similar to sharpening a pencil. This sharpened end can then be utilized to carefully extract grime from those narrow spaces.
If you have stubborn stains or old finishes, you may have to scrape them off with sandpaper or a wood stripper.
3. Choose the Right Finishing Method
The choice of finishing method will depend on the desired look and the type of wood you’re working with. Some popular options for wood restoration include staining, painting, and applying varnish or oil-based finishes. Staining can enhance the natural beauty of the wood, highlighting its grain and texture. Painting can provide a fresh and uniform appearance, while varnishes or oils offer protection and durability. Research different finishing techniques and consult with professionals to determine the best option for your specific project.
4. Home Renovation College Educates on Proper Restoration Techniques
Wood restoration requires careful attention to detail and proper technique, just as our home renovation courses explain. When sanding the wood, start with coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections, then gradually switch to finer grits to achieve a smoother surface. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches. If repairs are necessary, use suitable wood fillers or epoxy to fill cracks and holes, ensuring a seamless finish. Apply finishes evenly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow sufficient drying time between coats.
Are you looking for a world-class home renovation college?
Contact NATS for more information.
The nature of a trend is that it is perpetually changing. People are always looking for the next best thing and to modernize as much as possible. In the case of home design and renovation trends, this is no different. With the shift in the working situation that has occurred in the past few years, many people are looking to make their home a space where they can both work and relax. This means that several different trends are emerging this year which follow this train of thought. As someone invested in home renovation, it will be important that you stay updated with these trends. Read on to learn more.
Working From Home Means More Home Offices
The number of people working from home has increased in the past few years. This means that there has also been an increase in people needing home offices or home working spaces. People have renovated spaces in their homes, turning them into work-from-home offices. There has also been an increase in the number of garages and sheds converted into work-from-home offices. These rooms are generally pretty simple in design and conducive to healthy and efficient working. Paint schemes are predominantly light colours, with some accent colours mixed in.
As someone considering Home Renovation training, this trend is will be good for future business. It means more renovations, and the work itself is not complex. Your training covers everything you need to know, including desk installation, wall painting, and renovation. Due to these being spare rooms or garages/sheds, they may also require patching up in several areas. The practical training you’ll receive in your program will prepare you for such work.
Use Calming Colours After Home Renovation College
The current trend for bathrooms is to use light and calming colours. This could be in the form of light greys, whites, greens, or blues for example. People want their bathroom to be a relaxing space, almost like a mini spa in their home. This means that the bathrooms are being renovated to include larger baths and showers. People prefer their bathroom tiles to either contrast the wall colour or match it. With this, it means that you may need to lay tiles. During Home Renovation college, you’ll learn about renovating bathrooms, including laying tiles, installing baths and showers, and connecting them. Acquiring these skills will ensure you’re ready to take on bathroom renovations in the future.
People Want More Outdoor Living Spaces
After enduring so much time indoors in isolation throughout the pandemic, many people focused on bringing the outdoors into their homes. With an increase in people working from home even now, they still want to be able to get up from their desks and experience nature. This could be in the form of balconies or patios. As people look to renovate their homes to do this, a professional home renovator will be well-equipped to fulfil this gap in the market. Whether you work for yourself or a company, a good Home Renovation program will ensure that you have all the knowledge you need to thrive.
Are you ready to earn your Home Renovation diploma?
Contact NATS to learn how you can get started.
The Importance Of Physical Fitness For Home Renovation Training Grads
August 01, 2023
Home renovation is often a physically demanding job, with many tasks requiring strength, coordination, and endurance. Lifting, carrying, or moving heavy materials are routine activities. Even tasks that may seem relatively sedentary, like painting or plastering, can put stress on the body, specifically on the arms and back.
Physical fitness plays a critical role in enabling home renovation professionals to carry out their work safely and efficiently. It’s not simply about possessing brute strength but also having the endurance and flexibility to handle tasks for extended periods without risking injury. In this blog post, we shall explore the importance of physical fitness for home renovation professionals, and why home renovation graduates should pay particular attention to this.
Improved Physical Health
Engaging in the home renovation industry means embracing physically intensive tasks. Your day might involve demolition work, construction, or detailed activities like painting. Each of these tasks demands different physical attributes: strength, stamina, and flexibility. As a graduate of our home renovation training program, focusing on your physical health and incorporating regular exercise into your routine becomes crucial. This fitness regimen ensures your body is equipped to meet these strenuous demands, boosting your endurance, and minimizing the risk of work-related injuries.
Further, a fit body is less likely to succumb to chronic fatigue or other health complications. By prioritizing fitness, you can perform your duties more efficiently and preserve your overall well-being in the long run. Indeed, as a home renovation professional, physical preparedness is key to navigating the challenges of your work.
Improved Mental Health
Physical fitness is not just about the body; it also influences our mental health in remarkable ways. Regular participation in physical activities encourages the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which enhance our mood, and mitigate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, thereby promoting a sense of well-being. The physical fitness level of graduates of home renovation training plays a crucial role in their ability to navigate the tricky world of home improvement projects.
The nature of renovation work can be complex and occasionally overwhelming. Encountering unexpected challenges or project delays is not uncommon. In these moments, physical fitness plays a vital role in helping you maintain a positive mental outlook, equipping you with the fortitude to face difficulties head-on. In essence, being physically fit doesn’t only contribute to a healthier body but also fosters a more resilient and positive mind, particularly beneficial in challenging industries like home renovation.
Reduced Stress Promotes Effective Decision Making During and After Home Renovation Training
Stress reduction is another crucial benefit of physical fitness. Home renovations are notorious for unexpected surprises and the stress that follows. Whether it’s the discovery of an electrical issue or a sudden change in the client’s plans, these situations can cause significant stress. Engaging in physical activities has been scientifically proven to help lower stress levels. This effect is vital for home renovation college graduates, as lower stress levels will enable you to remain calm under pressure and make effective decisions.
Increased Productivity
Increased productivity is a significant advantage of physical fitness. A body in prime physical condition can work longer and harder. Maintaining a high level of fitness can make you more productive and capable of completing tasks efficiently. Furthermore, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, leading to better concentration, fewer mistakes, and overall better performance on the job.
Are you interested in our home renovation courses?
Contact NATS for more information.
Considering Home Renovation Training? A Day In The Life of A Renovation Technician
February 27, 2023
Home renovation is an industry that is constantly growing, and the demand for skilled Renovation Technicians has never been higher. With the right training, this career path can be rewarding and exciting. In this blog, we will be taking a look at what a typical day in the life of a renovation technician looks like and why home renovation training is a smart career move.
A Home Renovation Technician is a professional who works on home renovation projects. They typically work on many projects, from small-scale renovations, such as bathroom and kitchen upgrades, to larger projects, such as basement remodels or even complete home renovations.
A typical day in the life of a Home Renovation Technician will vary depending on the specific project they are working on. However, there are certain tasks that they will commonly perform. These tasks include:
Site Inspections and Measurements After Home Renovation Training
Before any work can begin, a Home Renovation Technician will visit the site and accurately measure the space to be renovated. They will also inspect the area for any potential hazards or issues that must be addressed.
Accurate measurements are essential to ensure that the renovation plan is feasible, and that the materials and fixtures that will be installed fit perfectly in the space. The Home Renovation Technician will rely on their home renovation training and various tools, such as measuring tapes, laser distance meters, and leveling tools, to ensure accurate measurements.
After the initial site inspection, the Home Renovation Technician will work with the homeowner to plan and design the renovation project. This will include creating a detailed plan and schedule for the work to be done, as well as selecting materials and fixtures.
Demolition, Installation and Construction
Once the planning and design stage is complete, the Home Renovation Technician will begin the actual work on the project. This typically involves demolition and preparation of the area to be renovated, including removing old fixtures and materials.
Before demolition work can begin, the Home Renovation Technician must ensure the site is safe to work on. This may involve shutting off electricity or water, or putting up barriers to protect the surrounding area. They must also ensure that hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead, are safely removed or contained. Once the site is safe to work on, the Home Renovation Technician will begin the demolition process. They will need to work carefully to avoid damaging any parts of the site that are being preserved, drawing inspiration from techniques they learned in their home renovation courses.
The next stage of the renovation process is the installation and construction phase. This is where new fixtures, appliances, and materials will be installed, and any new structures or features required by the renovation plan will be constructed.
Finishing and Cleanup
The final stage of the renovation process is finishing and cleanup. At this stage, the Home Renovation Technician will apply finishing touches to the space, such as painting walls, for instance. They will also ensure all plumbing and electrical work is completed according to the necessary codes and regulations by licenced electricians and plumbers.
In addition to the finishing touches, the Home Renovation Technician will also perform a thorough cleanup of the site. This includes removing all debris and waste materials from the renovation area, ensuring that all tools and equipment are properly stored away, and cleaning the area to ensure it is safe and ready for use.
Looking for a reputable home renovation college?
Contact NATS to learn how you can get started.
Home renovation is a rewarding career that allows workers to use their technical abilities, problem-solving skills and creative flair. If you dream of helping homeowners customize their spaces and improve your own, home renovation training is an excellent idea.
Naturally, you may be asking yourself what career opportunities await you after graduation. Here are three interesting career paths to explore as a home renovation expert.
1. Become a Carpenter with a Home Renovation Diploma
If you enjoy working with your hands, carpentry could be a lucrative, enjoyable outlet for your talents and interests. The work of carpenters supports the construction industry as they build, install, and repair wooden structures.
As a carpenter, you’ll be building foundations, installing floors, installing roofing systems, repairing wood structures, interpreting blueprints, and more. This role will require you to complete an apprenticeship and pass an interprovincial exam, leaving you qualified to work as a journeyperson and start gaining valuable experience.
2. Start Your Own Business After Home Renovation College
Entrepreneurship allows you to create your own schedule and remove limitations on your earning potential. Starting your own home renovation business will require you to put a capable team together, network, build a solid portfolio, and hunt for clients. This is the perfect path for independent self-starters who want to build a successful company from the ground up.
When you attend home renovation school, you’ll have access to hands-on labs, where you’ll learn all the fundamentals of plumbing, carpentry, interior and exterior finishes, cabinetmaking, stair construction and installation, and roof construction. In addition, you’ll learn how to use equipment like table saws, mitre saws, band saws, drill presses, and a wide range of other power and pneumatic tools in our state-of-the-art facilities.
3. Become A Property Developer After Home Renovation School
Property developers leverage their vision, planning skills and teams to purchase, develop and sell real estate. This is an extremely lucrative and interesting way to use your home renovation skills.
While there are no formal requirements for starting a property development career, there are many moving parts. As a property developer, you’ll need to successfully identify worthy investments and use your understanding of the market to plan for the creation of attractive results for buyers.
Once you have the right training and experience in the construction industry, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve optimized your borrowing capacity and then assemble a team, study the market, find your niche, and network as much as possible. After completing these steps, you’ll be ready to develop your very first property.
Where do you begin? A home renovation college can be the perfect starting point for an exciting career in property development.
Ready to receive your home renovation diploma?
Contact NATS for more information!
Trends and Features for Home Renovation School Students to Watch in 2021
December 15, 2020
A brand new home renovation project is an exciting way to start fresh and make new changes, especially with 2021 right around the corner. This year has been full of challenges and surprises, but it gave us a chance to rethink how our personal living spaces work for us—especially now that many people have to work in them as well.
As a home renovation technician, you’ll be able to help make people’s dream homes come true. With valuable skills that range from carpentry and wood (re)finishing to painting and plumbing, you will be better prepared to tackle many future home renovation projects with ease and confidence. So, here’s a quick look at the rising trends and features in home renovation set to get big in 2021.
Creating Calm but Productive Spaces Through Multi-Functional Zen Design
Those doing their home renovation training can expect many different trends to take off in the new year. With the stress of 2020, there’s now an increasing need for calm and comfortable spaces that help us get more done. Typically this means optimizing living spaces so that they serve more than one function while still maintaining a nice and interconnected aesthetic throughout the home. Having a well-designed environment that supports the new work-from-home lifestyle is a key feature that many will look for in 2021.
Multi-functional designs are a great way to create productive spaces–incorporating innovative and adaptable ideas to solve tight storage or address at-home workspace needs. These new changes are often paired with a zen-inspired aesthetic, emphasized by neutral or earth-toned colour palettes and simple minimalistic designs. For instance, rooms would feature more natural light, with window treatments adopting a subtle, down-to-earth style. Accent pieces would come in warm colours, like golden yellow or sage green, and would typically be made with natural materials to give off a warm and inviting feeling.
Adding Depth and Character to Rooms by Including Textured Elements
Textured elements in home renovations are becoming increasingly popular, so students in home renovation schools might not be surprised to see the trend for wood details and woven-style accessories continue in 2021. Various elements can feature these types of textures—ranging from walls and flooring to lighting fixtures and cabinets. This can also be applied to statement pieces that tie the whole aesthetic together, showcasing textile wall art, stoneware pieces, or even canvas paintings.
Alternative materials include wicker, rattan, or bamboo—which are slowly making their way to indoor spaces as well as outdoor ones. These materials are popular for their durability, but they’re also eye-catching due to their unique textures. Having them around would definitely bring a light and airy feel to home renovations.
Using Your Home Renovation Training to Create Eco-Friendly Spaces
Home renovation trends for 2021 will strongly favour eco-friendly and sustainable designs and features. Some of these design features include reclaimed wood, which is now becoming an aesthetic choice as well as an eco-conscious decision—used in ceiling beams or countertops, among other places, to add a rustic and homey look to any room. Green walls, also known as vertical gardens, are set to keep trending. The addition of low-maintenance houseplants can effectively change the atmosphere of a room, especially since some plants can naturally help clean the air around us.
Are you interested in attending a home renovation college?
Contact NATS for more information!
3 Things Everyone in Home Renovation College Should Know About Home Remodeling for People with Disabilities
July 30, 2020
When someone has a disability and wants to live comfortably in their own home, it must be repurposed to accommodate their needs. Remodeling a home with accessibility in mind can be tricky, but there are ways it can be done. When prioritizing the needs of those with disabilities, you’ll need the right tools and an eye for design. Whether physical or cognitive, you can get creative with how you remodel homes and make a positive difference in their quality of life.
While different people will have different needs for improving their home’s accessibility, these are some general tips that can help guide you along with these types of projects. Here are three things you should know about home remodeling for people with disabilities.
Make Sure the House Is as Easy as Possible to Navigate
For any remodeling project with disability in mind, the top priority must be to ensure those living in the home can have optimal mobility within it. This means you must make it so that they can navigate all areas of the home with ease. For example, you can install a stair lift on flights of stairs, so that those with mobility difficulties can sit on the lift as it moves up and down. You’ll also want to make sure the home’s flooring is smooth and wheelchair-friendly, and that the kitchen is also re-designed for accessibility. Furthermore, make sure all doors in the home are wide enough for them to easily enter and exit (though this may be a time-intensive part of the project), and that doorknobs are low enough for those in a wheelchair to open them.
When You Become a Home Renovation Technician, Focus on the Outside Too
If you’re remodeling the home of someone with a disability after your home renovation technician training, keep in mind that the accessibility of both the interior and exterior of the home should be accounted for. Therefore, think about how outdoor areas such as the backyard can be remodeled, such as widening doorways. You can work on paths so they can be more friendly for those with reduced mobility, or you can try to make the ground more level so that those in a wheelchair can go outside without risk of falling. One of the easiest ways to make the exterior more accessible is to add ramps in the front and the back, so those living in the home can easily move in and out.
The Bathroom Is Also a High-Priority Area in the House, Especially for Safety
Perhaps one of the most crucial areas of the home to remodel is the bathroom, as not doing so can create safety hazards for the person living in it. After you become a home renovation technician, the most important parts of a bathroom to repurpose are: the doorways (to ensure they are wide enough for easy access), sinks and countertops (so that they’re low enough to be used by those in a wheelchair), bathtub (a roll-in or walk-in bath is likely your best bet) and the shower (installing a walk-in shower is ideal for safety and mobility reasons). Another feature you can add to the bathroom is grab bars, which improve accessibility for those living in the home, since they can grab onto them whenever necessary—for example, on the sides of the toilet.
Do you want to take courses at a home renovation college?
Contact North American Trade Schools for more information!
Learning a trade like home renovation provides you with a marketable specialty. You’ll have skills that are in demand by the many people who require renovation work on their homes every year. In addition to providing a nice income, home renovation skills can benefit you in other ways.
If you’re considering training to work in the field of home renovation, you may be surprised by the number of benefits you’ll gain from it. Let’s look at just some of those benefits below.
Home Renovation Is a Skill That Will Never Be Out of Fashion
No matter how technologically advanced society becomes, there will still be a need for home renovation skills. Even if we eventually relocate to Mars, we’re going to build shelters and we’ll need home renovators to help! So long as people live in homes, they are going to need people with home renovation skills.
That’s why the demand for home renovators will continue to be strong. But there is more to a career as a home renovator than a stable income (although that’s certainly nice to have). The skills you’ll learn during home renovation technician training can serve you well both in your personal and your professional life.
Whether it’s helping your retired neighbors fix the porch or educating your teenaged son or daughter about how to read blueprints, the skills you will acquire during a career in home renovation will always benefit you and those around you. How many people can say that about their job?
Making Money Is One Thing, But Have You Thought of the Money You’ll Save?
There’s a financial benefit to being a home renovator you may not have considered: no longer having to hire someone else to renovate your own home. The average Canadian homeowner spends over $10,000 on home renovations. Now, imagine being your very own general contractor and pocketing that money. With the knowledge of a modern handyperson, you can achieve independence at home and in your career. Not only will your skills be in demand by other homeowners, but those skills will also help you save money by being able to do work on your own property.
Drop the Gym Membership—A Career in Home Renovation Is a Cheaper Way to Stay in Shape
The benefits of engaging in regular physical activity are pretty obvious. But people who spend their days in a cubicle sitting in front of a computer don’t get too many opportunities to exercise. Unless, of course, they spend hundreds of dollars a year on a gym membership! As a home renovator, however, you’re constantly staying active on the job. You might be moving from one room to the next, one residence to the next, or one job to the next. At any rate, you’ll be moving and working with your hands, which is exactly what many home renovators love about their jobs.
Are you interested in home renovation college?
Contact the North American Trade Schools to find out if a career in home renovation is right for you.
