Whenever homeowners embark on a home improvement project, often the discussion is whether they can do it themselves or need to hire a contractor. Fortunately, planning and implementing home improvement projects can be made simpler because of all the classes, workshops and online information that provide step-by-step directions on everything from painting and plumbing to installing ceramic tiles or brick pavers.

When it comes to classes and workshops, there are plenty of retailers, community organizations and even community colleges that offer home improvement education for homeowners.

Shelby Paint and Decorating, (586) 739-0240, www.shelbypaint.com, offers a number of in-store workshops at its Grosse Pointe Woods, Rochester Hills and Shelby Township stores, including the popular Wine and Design events each spring that feature live demonstrations on paint and wallpaper techniques and trends. This fall, Shelby's Brian Eisbrenner said he will offer regular workshops on selected Saturday mornings focusing on interior design and color trends.

"We have definitely seen an increase in our customers' desire for more workshops and educational sessions to help them get ideas for home projects and determine whether they can do it themselves or need to hire a contractor," Eisbrenner said.

In addition to local retailers, there are many school districts and community education programs available that offer classes on a variety of home improvement topics. Henry Ford Community College's Center for Lifelong Learning, (313) 317-1500, www.hfcc.edu, will again offer classes this fall in simple plumbing and basic electrical repairs. The Livonia YMCA, (734) 261-2161, has also offered classes on plumbing and electrical repairs as part of the Livonia Public Schools community education program, www.livoniapublicschools.org.

Both Home Depot, www.homedepot.com, and Lowes, www.lowes.com, offer DIY workshops at their stores on a variety of topics from laminate flooring or tile installation, window treatments, closet organization and cabinet transformation to wood refinishing. They also have do-it-yourself videos and step-by-step articles on their websites.

The Internet obviously provides great educational opportunities when it comes to home improvement. Flame Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical, (888) 234-2340, www.flamefurnace.com, has a blog on its website with lots of helpful articles and tips on such topics as furnace filters, geothermal heating and things to consider when buying a new furnace.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my own website, www.MasterHandyman.com, where I have a complete archive of all my articles, educational videos and downloadable brochures on Managing Your Home's Electrical Service and a Roofing Replacement Guide. You can download two of my books, "Deck Care Fast & Easy" and "Hardwood Floor Care Guide" all at my favorite price: free!

There are also magazines dedicated to helping the do-it-yourselfer get more information on home projects, including Fine Homebuilding Magazine, www.finehomebuilding.com or The Family Handyman, www.familyhandyman.com. These magazines also provide lots of step-by-step information and how-to videos on their websites to help you with your home improvement projects.

Television shows such as "Property Brothers" and "Holmes on Homes" on HGTV feature home remodeling ideas and instructions. Add to that the HGTV website (www.hgtv.com) featuring step-by-step information on various DIY projects both big and small.

With all of this free information available, it's easy to go to the front row of the home improvement class when you are in the planning stages of a project. And whether you decide to do it yourself or use the most important tool in your toolbox, your checkbook, remember that the more you know, the more you'll be able to brag about the results.

If you would like to suggest a question for this column, e-mail askglenn@masterhandyman.com. If you want to talk to Glenn Haege personally, call his “Handyman Show” on WJR-AM (760) at (866) ASK GLENN, (866) 275-4536 between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “The Handyman Show” can be heard on more than 130 radio stations nationwide.