Library and HRRC offer programs for 'heroic' homeowners

With roughly half of its housing built before 1939, Cleveland Heights is a city with an older-than-average housing stock. These old homes are a great source of pride for many homeowners and residents, with 11 neighborhoods and 10 residential buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Keeping these homes in good shape does require effort, though, and some residents aren’t sure how to go about maintaining these older homes.

That’s why the Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) decided to team up with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library System on a series of home repair classes: Heroic Homeowning. The series will provide basic information to get homeowners started, and cover budgeting, working with contractors, and simple repairs that most owners can do themselves.

“The library’s summer reading theme is all about heroes,” said Benjamin Faller, HRRC executive director. “Taking care of an older home presents a unique set of challenges and joys. Learning how to take good care of your home—especially an older home—is truly a heroic undertaking. It keeps our community strong, and makes it a desirable place to live for both new and current residents.”

The Heroic Homeowning series is free and open to all, and takes place on three Thursdays in August, at 7 p.m., at the Lee Road Library, 2345 Lee Road (216-932-3600):

  • Aug. 6 - The Other Costs of Homeownership. This program looks at the costs of keeping your home in good shape and suggests strategies for budgeting, saving, and paying for upkeep and improvements. Learn how planning ahead can help.
  • Aug. 13 - Working with Contractors. This session will cover the ins and outs of working with contractors: how to find good ones, how to compare bids, and how to make sure you’re getting what you bargain for.
  • Aug. 20 - Doing It Yourself. Even if you’re new to working with tools, there are home repairs that you can handle. This program will provide instructions for some basic and common repairs, and discuss strategies for building your skills, planning your project, and completing it successfully.

Sheryl Banks

Sheryl Banks is the marketing and community relations manager for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library System.

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Volume 8, Issue 8, Posted 10:15 AM, 07.31.2015