Livingston County will host a seven-part homeowner workshop series this fall, with Tuesday evening classes in Mount Morris covering basic repairs, safety, insurance and household systems. Registration is open for individual sessions or the full series beginning Sept. 15.
The Master Homeowner Educational Series runs from Sept. 15 through Nov. 3 at the Building 1 Conference Center, 1 Murray Hill Drive. Sessions are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., according to a county flyer accompanying the announcement.
Residents can enroll in individual classes for $20 each or attend the entire series for $100. Registration is available through the county's Master Homeowner program; questions can be directed to housing@livingstoncountyny.gov or 585-243-7550.
The first class, on Sept. 15, addresses basic home maintenance. Legal and insurance issues follow Sept. 22, home fire prevention and safety Sept. 29, and home and neighborhood safety Oct. 6.
The remaining sessions cover home energy efficiency Oct. 20, basic household plumbing Oct. 27 and home electrical basics Nov. 3. The county's flyer says there is no class Oct. 13.
County officials say the classes will combine explanations with practical exercises, including demonstrations and opportunities to handle tools and hardware. Participants also can discuss issues such as property-boundary disputes and ways to keep a home secure.
Livingston County Senior Planner Christie Mahany is coordinating the program. The series was originally designed by Habitat for Humanity to help first-time homeowners understand maintenance and upkeep, but the county says it is intended for both new and experienced homeowners.
Mahany said she has encountered residents who are uncomfortable doing work on their homes or unsure where to seek help. Some have taken over maintenance from another person, while others are dealing with equipment or repair methods that have changed since they last encountered a problem.
The county frames the workshops as a way to help residents recognize routine issues before neglect leads to more costly repairs. It has not provided an estimate of savings for participants.
Mahany said the goal is not to make residents tackle every repair themselves. The sessions also aim to help them decide when to hire a professional, ask useful questions and understand the work being proposed.
The series is open to homeowners regardless of prior experience. Residents seeking a place can register at the county's published signup page or contact Mahany's office for details.
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