Learn about home repair at class

The New Year brings a whole new round of hands-on workshops at Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley's ReStore, 860 N. State St., Elgin.

Taught by AM 560 WIND Your House Chicago radio show co-hosts Rich Cowgill and Dawn Tuskey, the workshops are a fun and interactive experience. The workshops will be held at ReStore at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month.

The first workshop of the year will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 12. The topic is "Drywall Installation, Repair and Taping and Mudding Techniques." Admission is free.

"This workshop will be as much a classroom as it will be hands-on," Cowgill said. "Participants will get the opportunity to actually repair, tape and mud a wall we have constructed for this workshop. Whether you are a novice or a beginner, we will demonstrate tried-and-true techniques to help you with your home improvement projects."

For information or to sign up for a current workshop, visit the Web site at www.restoreelgin.org, call (847) 742-9905 or stop by during open hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Future workshops include:

• Feb. 9: ceramic tile -- floors, walls, repair and install.

• March 8: Siding -- choosing, installing and repairing.

• April 12: All About Doors -- types, lock sets, hinges, installing.

• May 10: Decks -- choosing materials, design, basic components.

• June 14: Sinks and Faucets -- choosing and changing.

ReStore is a home improvement resale store, taking donated material from manufacturers, distributors, retailers, contractors and homeowners. The items are then sold at bargain prices to the general public. Proceeds build Habitat homes in Elgin and surrounding communities. Since its grand opening in April 2006, ReStore has raised enough funds to build three homes. In addition to earning funds for home building, ReStore estimates that it has kept over 500 tons of useable material out of area landfills.

Rich Cowgill and Dawn Tuskey bring the latest and most trusted home improvement and construction information on a weekly basis on AM 560 WIND Radio. The show is on the air from noon to 1 p.m. Sundays and people are welcome to call in or e-mail a question. The call-in and guest shows are an easy way for homeowners to learn about new products, as well as proven techniques for the regular maintenance and improvement of your home plus solutions for the do-it-yourselfers and professional contractors alike.