Local suppliers provide tips, classes for do-it-yourselfers

Local building material retailers are willing and able to help do-it-yourselfers with home remodeling projects large and small.

Both Lowe's of Springfield and The Home Depot offer how-to clinics to help homeowners get started on home improvement projects.

Lowe's offers monthly sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays with topics that range from installing storm doors to laying ceramic tile.

Enrollees can get hands-on experience working with the materials involved to do a project, according to Jeff Hays, assistant store manager at the Lowe's store at Primrose and Glenstone.

Notices are posted at the stores and in newspaper advertising, Hays said. The classes are pretty well attended, especially the tile clinics, he said.

Hays added that the sales force is well-versed on the store's products and how they work. There are people on staff who can measure and give cost estimates for materials and walk the customer through the steps of a specific task.

In the paint department, for example, everyone is tested and certified to meet store proficiency requirements. "They can tell people what to use or what not to use for a specific project," Hays said.

Hays added that Lowe's tries to help people with improvement projects from start to finish, and staff members know where to send customers who need products the store does not carry. They also will advise a customer to seek professional assistance when needed.

The Home Depot offers several free how-to clinics per month. These are published in the store's catalog and in newspaper inserts, according to General Manager Roy Roberts.

Employees are trained to determine how much material is needed for a given project and can assist customers with choices.

The Home Depot offers installation services on kitchen cabinets, water heaters, doors and windows, but if the customer prefers to tackle the project on his own, staff can walk him through it, Roberts said.

"We try to help everybody we can, whether they are an expert or a beginner," he added.

Both stores carry a variety of books and other instructional materials to give the do-it-yourselfer ideas for projects or instructions on particular procedures.

Roberts said The Home Depot will special order material not found in stock if the situation arises.

Information resources are not limited to local building supply vendors. The Springfield-Greene County Library has a large section on building and remodeling. Books available cover everything from home design and decor to such specific projects as solar heating and cooling systems, fireplaces and patios.

Similar information can be accessed on the Internet. Guides for do-it-yourselfers exist on every subject pertaining to home remodeling and repair. In projects involving plumbing and electrical installation, information is included on safeguards and tools, and equipment needed for certain tasks.

Hays said Lowe's staff will advise customer that they need a permit before tackling projects such as adding a deck or installing a new water heater.

Staff also will suggest the do-it-yourselfer check with the city if they are uncertain whether a permit is needed for a particular project.