[binary_slinger]

This is ancillary to the discussion but that was a scummy plumbing company. When I became an homeowner I read up on codes and took a few classes on plumbing, electrical and HVAC. A lot of these companies take advantage of the homeowner not being knowledgeable in those areas. Sometimes these people that come over to your house are sales people and not actual tradespeople.

[linsomniac]

Slightly related: Water pressure regulators have a typical life-span of 10-15 years. Found that out when a co-worker did battle with some low water pressure.

[mutator]

Very curious to learn about what classes one can take to build up a rudimentary knowledge of plumbing, electrical and HVAC.

[linsomniac]

I believe Home Depot runs classes on various DIY type things; I've never taken one but I've seen classes listed when I'm walking in the front door.

YouTube and a willingness to experiment will take you a really long way. ElectricianU was really good for learning about the electricals. I've been in this house for a decade now, and I pretty much do everything on it including a down to the studs remodel of a bathroom and kitchen, re-running and adding electrical circuits (replacing and pig-tailing aluminum)... I'm on the fence about whether I'd replace the furnace when it's time, it will need a new intake/exhaust run, but otherwise should be fairly straightforward I'd think. I did just pay for a new roof.

Just be patient with it, it will take longer than you'd like and longer than you'd expect, especially if you can only fit in time on weekends to work on projects. I never seem to have much gumption left after work.

YMMV related to pulling permits. Our local building dept is really easy to work with as a DIYer.

[pmulv]

I’ve been a homeowner for a mere two years and I’ve discovered many things wrong with my house. YouTube has a video outlining what I need to fix and how to fix it 90% of the time. Tradespeople get called for the remaining 10%. It’s possible a class with a curriculum and structure would help but YouTube has what you need for ad hoc homeowner issues.

[hinkley]

Binging old episodes of This Old House will give you about the same level of understanding that a football fan has of his favorite sport. You won’t necessarily be able to fix things but you’ll know something isn’t right.

[eszed]

That's an excellent analogy. I'd push it further to say that there are YouTube channels (like QB School, to stick to football) that can take you to level 2.

[hinkley]

If nothing else, This Old House will teach you how fast you should run away from a house with water damage if you don't own it. Which is, "knock your grandmother down if she's in the way" fast.