Master Homeowner Program
More than a decade ago, Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha Putnam (HFHKP) recognized that first-time homeowners often didn’t have the skills or experience to adequately maintain their homes. Many first-time homeowners have only previously lived in rental properties where the landlord had the responsibility to maintain the property and to address emergencies like water leaks, tripped breakers, failed water heaters, etc. and so they simply didn’t need to have this knowledge.
Not wanting to reinvent the wheel, HFHKP searched for an existing program that it could leverage to provide this information to new homeowners, but found that existing programs weren’t suitable. Existing programs often focused on the process of finding a real estate agent and securing a mortgage; they didn’t impart much practical knowledge about home maintenance and management. HFHKP decided that it would create its own program that would be better tailored to the needs of our homeowners.
Modeled after existing adult education programs like the Master Gardener program and the Master Naturalist program, HFHKP’s Janie Hamilton created the Master Homeowner program to provide first-time homeowners with a skill set that would prepare them to be successful when faced with the responsibilities of homeownership. Since then, Janie has taught hundreds of students in The John L. Dickinson Family Homeowner Education and Community Center here in Charleston and the curriculum has been shared across the country. Now, ten years later, more than 400 students have participated in the Master Homeowner program!
View our events calendar to see the schedule of classes and to register. You can register for the entire program of nine (9) classes or pick and choose a-la-carte.
Master Homeowner Program Class Descriptions:
Homeowner’s Toolbox
Homeowners learn what basic tools are needed for common tasks in and around the house and learn how to use the tools properly.
Home & Neighborhood Safety
Homeowners learn to identify potential threats to their property and learn the best practices in reporting and deterring security risks.
Neighborhood Relations
Homeowners learn the importance of forming positive relationships with their close neighbors and the wider community, thus being empowered to improve their neighborhood.
Legal & Insurance Issues
Homeowners learn from an attorney how to make the best insurance decisions, understand homeowners' legal rights and responsibilities, and why estate planning is important. Homebuyers learn about the legal documents they will sign when they purchase a home.
Home Electrical Basics
Homeowners learn the functions of a basic residential electrical system. This class teaches practical electrical safety, energy usage in the home and how to hire an electrician if one is needed.
Basic Home Maintenance
Homeowners learn why it is important to maintain their homes and the consequences if they do not. Students learn where to begin, what to look for, and in some circumstances how to perform maintenance that will keep the value of their investment intact.
Home Fire Safety & Prevention
Homeowners learn the most common causes of house fires, how to prevent fires, and what to do in case of fire. This class teaches participants, hands-on, how to use fire extinguishers and properly place them in the home.
Basic Household Plumbing - Part 1
Homeowners learn important plumbing terminology. This class explains the home system from water getting to the home and how it flows to every fixture; how to control the water to avoid costly damage and unhealthy conditions.
Basic Household Plumbing - Part 2
Homeowners build on the concepts introduced in part 1 and learn about how to maintain waste lines to avoid damage and unhealthy conditions. More advanced topics, including HVAC, and the mechanics of plumbing fixtures are included.
Cost to Participants
