This 15 hour course will walk you through the essential steps in the electrical work which is part of your basement project. Topics include planning, relevant codes, permits, tools and tool safety, installation of wiring, electrical outlets and lighting, and three-way switches. You will learn what you can do on your own and when to call in an expert.

Would you like to turn an empty basement into some usable living space? This ten hour course will get you started with topics such as building codes, building permits, layout planning, estimating materials, tools and power tool safety. Framing techniques are covered through practical learning in the shop where you will frame a miniature room.

This 12-hour course covers the basics of installing sinks, taps, toilets, tubs and showers in roughed-in plumbing in the basement. Topics include planning, permits, a review of relevant codes, connections, fittings as well as hands-on time to practice skills in a lab setting. You will learn common techniques to help you successfully complete the plumbing work involved in finishing your basement.

This 24 hour course includes topics such as insulation, vapour barriers, installing drywall, taping, mudding and sanding out. Through practical demonstrations and hands-on training, you will learn how to hang doors, how to cut and install door and window casings and how to cut and install baseboards.

This course will provide the student with a basic knowledge of interior decorating. Topics include: design principles, color schemes, window/wall/floor coverings, furniture styles and furniture arrangement, lighting, artwork and accessories. Retail field trips will be included.

In this exciting introductory class, professional upholsterer Linda Gaboriau will guide you through all the steps of re-upholstering old kitchen, dining & hostess chairs. Tools required include sharp scissors, measuring tape, needle nose pliers, utility knife and electric or air stapler. These can be purchased at any hardware store. Some sewing skills are required for more complicated jobs.

Provide your own piece of furniture; SIAST will provide staple puller and pins.

If you love to entertain guests and would like to impress them with a splashy looking setting to dine in – this class is for you. Finishing touches can make your dining table look especially inviting for your special guests. We will show you how to set your table to make it look extra special. We will also show you how to create your own Christmas centrepiece and teach you some fun and interesting variations of napkin folding. Best of all, each idea is easy and inexpensive!

Are you a homeowner considering doing some renovations that involves changes to your home’s electrical? Does the thought of tackling the electrical issues intimidate you? Not sure what you should and should not do? Would you like an opportunity to save money by safely completing the work yourself? Through classroom lecture combined with demonstrations and handouts, participants will learn basic electricity as it applies to the Canadian Electrical Code. Participants will learn basic installation techniques, electrical safety and electrical problem solving.

In this hands-on course you will apply the extensive information and concepts discussed in Interior Decorating I as you redesign your whole house. Analyze a different room each week while doing furniture arrangements and color schemes followed by some light-hearted group critique.

Prerequisites: Finish Your Basement 5 — Painting and Flooring/Interior Decorating I

Through the professional 7 Phases of Design, you will relate all learned information and skills as you create your own interior design project. With individual guidance, the instructor will assist you in completing your project from inception to presentation.

Prerequisites: Interior Decorating II

This course is a foundational course in the study of Placemaking as it relates to interior environments. Students will be introduced to, explore and apply the interior design process and interior design fundamentals to create a vision and design concept for a space of their choice. Through the application of spatial analysis, design programming, spatial planning, colour theory, lighting fundamentals, material applications and furniture & object placement, the student will create a thoughtful and practical interior design or decoration concept according to their budget. This course is open to everyone: The business owner, the residential developer and the home owner for application of a redecoration, renovation or re-design project. All that is required is an open mind and commitment.

This course encompasses a comprehensive, holistic view and understanding of the complexities of the entire interior environment. Students will build upon the concepts of Placemaking, where through the application of spatial analysis, design programming, spatial planning, colour theory, lighting fundamentals, material applications and furniture & object placement, the student will create a thoughtful and practical interior design or decoration concept according to their budget. Students are assisted through the development of an authentic design concept to define and express design details that aid to enhance the overall interior design and decorating concept from vision, concept to application. This course is open to everyone: The business owner, the residential developer and the home owner for application of a redecoration, renovation or redesign project. All that is required is an open mind and commitment.

Prerequisites: Placemaking - Transforming a Space to a Place

This course focuses on the directed study of ‘Placemaking’ with space to be occupied by infants and/or children. In the transformation of a space to place for an infant, child or children, this course encourages use of the dialogue and design language that describes the playfulness and uniqueness of the individual child, as well as encompass the emotive qualities that aid in the developmental process, stimulate and motivate a child. Through the application of Spatial Analysis, Design Programming, Spatial Planning, Colour Theory, Lighting Fundamentals, Material Applications and Furniture and Object placement, the student will create a thoughtful and practical Interior Design or Decoration Vision and Concept for a child’s space according to their budget. This course is open to the homeowner, commercial business owner and developer for application of a redecoration, renovation or re-design project. All that is required is an open mind and commitment.