“Hearts and Hammers is offering five special classes this January and February for people planning a new home, building, or remodeling their existing home. The classes will offer an overview of the processes and material options that apply to a variety of building, remodeling and maintenance considerations. Instructors are experienced tradespeople who are volunteering their time and expertise. The seminar-workshops will be held on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at various lumberyards or workshops on the Southend. They include:So you want to build a house, do you? Jan. 12 at Langley United Methodist ChurchLearn about working with an architect or going with more basic design help: How much can you do yourself? Stock plans, custom or spec houses. Working with a contractor: choosing one, changes, delays, realistic timelines, dealing with the county, interface among the architect, contractor and you. Being your own general: going it alone and when to get help. “A bad idea is not worth building”: getting a perspective on space utilization. Exterior materials, Jan. 19 at Hanson’s Building SupplyExplore the many new products and old but unfamiliar building materials rather than the traditional T-111 over stick framing: stone, concrete, brick, hybrids, timber framing, post and beam, stress-skin panels, prefab walls, rammed earth, cob, straw bale, earth and sod, myriad roofing options, and more.Interior materials, Jan. 26 at the Building Source in FreelandDiscover new interior materials: windows, HVAC, lighting, computer programmed items, security, cabinetry, food prep and recycling, bath options, rethinking room functions (formal living rooms, open floor plans, laundry room placement, potential handicap access, and others). Electrical and lighting, Feb. 2 at Langley United MethodistPotential electrical needs and new items. Simple electrical repairs and how to troubleshoot them before calling an electrician. New lighting and electrical options and how to optimize your lighting plan. Home repair for women (taught by a woman), Feb. 9 at Langley United MethodistUsing power tools, analyzing the problem, taking the mystique out of gadgetry and saving money. Why pay someone to fix something you could have done yourself. Know what your contractor means by scroggin wrenches, 16d roof bundarts and boxes of toenails. Wear cool tool belts. Each class is $15 ($60 for all five sessions). Advance registration is necessary a week prior to the chosen class. Registration forms are available at Hanson’s Building Supply, the Langley Post Office, and the Freeland and Langley Coldwell Banker real estate offices. Forms and check should be mailed to Hearts & Hammers, P.O. Box 694, Langley, WA. 98260. Your payment goes to support the Hearts and Hammer community projects for this May.”