This one-week course is an introduction to the unique challenges of renovating or adding on to an existing house. Participants will learn the skills and techniques to plan and take on their own home renovation projects. Specific areas covered in this course include structural assessment of wood frame buildings, design strategies to blend or contrast with traditional styles, finding and incorporating appropriate materials, integrating heating and cooling systems in an existing house, and upgrading an old house to meet new energy codes. This course will include hands-on workshops to introduce students to the skills and tools needed to prepare for work on their own home projects. Workshops will include selective demolition; re-framing walls, floors and roofs; hanging doors and windows; cutting and installing wood trim and mouldings; and patching in basic interior and exterior finishes. Students are encouraged to bring their specific interests and projects to the class. Field trips to nearby suppliers, lumber yards, salvage shops, and local renovation projects will supplement guest lectures and hands-on practice. Beginner to Intermediate.