Building skills through hands-on teaching is at the core of every BiY Learning course, whether the focus is on framing a basement or wallpapering a room. So by the time you finish one of our workshops, you’ve gained new knowledge that can be used to get things done around the home — the right way and the first time.

We’re proud to deliver that kind of experience. But BiY course participants walk away with more than just cold, hard knowledge. They’re given a new sense of confidence about their ability to tackle renovation and home improvement projects. They’ve got a better understanding of what various jobs entail, which parts they can take on themselves, and the tools and techniques needed to get it done.

Having that sense of self-reliance empowers a homeowner to oversee and complete projects — both large and small, indoors and out. Because we’re not just building structures here, we’re giving you the skills, knowledge and inspiration you need to create a beautiful, well-designed home.

I’m proud to have a reputation as a straight talker, even though not everyone always appreciates hearing the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. But I believe it’s vital that homeowners know the facts when undertaking any task — large or small.

One thing I’ve been outspoken about is so-called reality shows that make renovation projects look quick and easy. That’s just not the way it works. Too often, homeowners decide to tackle a big job when they don’t have the necessary time, skills or tools. Then it all starts to go south. The result can be a big headache, and even bigger bills. That’s where the BiY Learning Center and website comes in. We’re here to give homeowners the knowledge and confidence they need to get home renovation and maintenance projects done right – the first time. We’ll also offer ideas and inspiration for the softer side of home design – colour trends, decor, appliances and organization.

We give you lots of ways to get the information you need to do the job right. My monthly web article, "Right at Home", will tackle the big issues, while my blog will offer helpful tips and the latest news on home renos and repair. Jim’s Gadgets will share the cool tools that I think will help homeowners get the results they want. But we’re going beyond even that, with Build it Yourself, a web-based lifestyle series that focuses on specific projects and skill-building, and a live bi-monthly online radio show, where I’ll answer questions that readers can submit online before the show or in real time.

And because I believe a good contractor is only as good as his crew, I invite you to check out the roster of instructors listed under the Our Team section – it’s a stellar cast.

I’m excited about this new venture and about how it will transform the way homeowners get the information they need to create the home they’ve always dreamed of. So fasten your tool belts, folks, it’s going to be a great ride.

- Jim Caruk