Real Homeowners of WNY

Woman wearing overalls and safety glasses posses with a miter saw against a white wall.

Ever wished you knew how to fix it yourself? The Real Homeowners of WNY program is designed to help you build practical skills through hands-on learning in some of the most common areas of home repair and improvement. Whether you're a first-time homeowner, a DIY enthusiast or simply want to better understand your home, you'll gain real-world knowledge in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment so you can tackle projects with confidence! All are welcome.

Sign Up Today!

Each topic area focuses on a different trade — Electrical, Plumbing, Flooring, Carpentry, and General Home Repairs — giving you the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals.

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 21, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Total Sessions: 2 sessions per week/per topic, 10 sessions total
Price: $150/each topic or $650 for all ($100 savings!)
Location: Erie 1 BOCES Workforce Development South (950 Thruway Plaza Drive, Cheektowaga NY)

Registration for all sessions bundle is full.

Woman wearing gray shirt and jeans is kneeling down checking electrical voltage in outlet on a white wall.

Topic One: Basic Electrical Skills

July 21 and July 23 / 6-8pm

Replacing outlets, switches, and light fixtures
Identifying circuits and breakers
Understanding electrical safety and tools
Intro to troubleshooting common electrical issues

This class is full.

Woman sitting on floor in bathroom surrounded by tools and fixing the pipes beneath the sink.

Topic Two: Basic Plumbing Skills

July 28 and July 30 / 6-8pm

Fixing leaks and replacing faucets
Toilet installation, repair, and maintenance
Understanding water systems and shutoffs
Basic pipe repair techniques

This class is full.

Woman kneeling down installing wood-look luxury vinyl tile flooring.

Topic Three: Flooring Fundamentals

August 4 and August 6 / 6-8pm

Measuring and preparation
Flooring type specifics, including luxury vinyl tile and laminate flooring
Tiling basics for floors and walls
Carpet removal and replacement

Woman in plaid shirt and yellow gloves holds electric drill and is screwing into wooden board.

Topic Four: Carpentry Essentials

August 11 and August 13 / 6-8pm

Drywall repair and patching
Tool identification and safety
Measuring, cutting, and fastening techniques
Home improvement project planning and realistic timelines

This class is full.

Woman stands on ladder with a caulk gun in front of a white wall.

Topic Five: Basic Home Maintenance

August 18 and August 20 / 6-8pm

Appliance troubleshooting - including washing machines and dryers
Furnace and A/C unit maintenance - including filters and vents
Painting preparation and execution

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not very handy. Will I feel out of place?

Not at all! Whether you're a first-time homeowner, a DIY enthusiast, a rental property owner, or simply looking to learn new skills, this workshop series is designed for beginners and those with limited experience. Our expert instructors will guide you through hands-on learning in a judgement-free, supportive environment. All are welcome.

If you are someone who wants to build confidence in maintaining, repairing, or improving your home, then this program is for you!

How do I sign up?

Register online through the links on this page. Each link corresponds with the specific topic. Or, sign up for all sessions at a discounted rate!

Registration for:

Basic Electrical Skills
Basic Plumbing Skills
Flooring Fundamentals
Carpentry Essentials
Basic Home Maintenance
All Sessions Bundle - $100 cost savings!

After navigating to the registration page, you will be prompted to create an account before submitting payment.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to sign up early to reserve your spot.

Contact Us

Tammy Ormbsy
General Inquiries
(716) 558-7503
Email Tammy Ormsby

Meet Our Full Team

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