Saturday, September 20, 2008

New Free Seminars

There are a lot of alternative products available from composting toilets to instant water heaters, geothermal heat sources and active solar. It can be really difficult to know when one of these systems is appropriate to use. Join us for a free information session on some of our favorite alternative products and learn about pros and cons of the alternative method, the difference between brands and how to decided if an alternative method is right for your project. Visit our schedule for a list of upcoming discussions. If you don't see the topic you need please send us an email with a suggestion: info@shelterinstitute.com
Sessions are free of charge but you must pre-register: there is a minimum of five attendees and a maximum of 25. Visit our website, call or email to reserve your spot today.
Geothermal Heat Source: (October 24, 2008 9:30 AM)
Geothermal heat is becoming more and more readily available with the crunch in fuel sources. But a lot of people still don’t really know what it is. Join us for a free one hour lecture on geothermal heat pumps. Our featured speaker will cover the basics of open and closed loop systems, heat and air conditioning distribution technologies and why they are appropriate. As well as information about potential pitfalls.

Composting Toilets: (November 15, 2008 9:30 AM)
We’ve been using and selling composting toilets for 35 years. Come for a one hour workshop on the basic function of composting toilets, what is required for installation, code conformance and basic pros and cons of various models. Bring your questions and if we don’t have the answers we’ll get them for you.

Intro to Active Solar Energy (December 13, 2008 9:30 AM)

Is solar a viable option for you? Our Solar Angles lecture in the Design Build Class teaches you how to site your home to capture both active and passive energy using a compass and climate maps. In today’s uncertain energy market many past students and current customers are asking us about active solar. Our guest speaker, from Revision Energy, will discuss viable renewable energy options including: solar electricity, solar hot water, and wood fired boilers. Our presenter will be discussing renewable energy applications for your home. She will discuss the costs of these systems, your return on investment, and show you completed project photos of some the hundreds of Maine residents who have already made the switch to one of these sustainable energy options. The program will last about an hour and will include time for questions and answers. This is a free presentation but space is limited and you must sign up in advance.
Instant Water Heaters: (January 17, 2008 9:30 AM)
Instant water heaters are an excellent solution toenergy consumption problems. Join us for a one hour workshop on the basic function of instant water heaters, different brands to consider, how to size them, and installation tips. Bring your questions and if we don’t have the answers we’ll get them for you.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

2009 Class Schedule

The long awaited 2009 class schedule is now available on our website. Those of you who have been trying to sign up for one of our 2009 courses but did not know the date can now register! Whether you are a current homeowner looking for ways to make your home more comfortable, interested in learning the art of timber framing, planning to be your own general contractor or just need to learn more about houses, we've got the class for you. Check back regularly as we will be adding one-day workshops throughout the year.

Sept 7-12, 2008
1-Week Purely Post & Beam $975 /person or $1500/couple
Sept 29-Oct. 3, 2008
1-Week Small House-Building $775 /person or $1075 /couple
Oct. 9-10, 2008
2-Day Concrete Countertops $300/ person
Oct.11, 2008
Sharpening $95 /person
Oct.18, 2008
Rocking Horse Construction $250/ person
Jan 18-23, 2009
1-Week Purely Post & Beam $975 /person or $1500 /couple
Jan 24, 2009
1-DayStructural Insulated Panels $400 /pers or $325 w/Purely Post&Beam
Feb 5-6, 2009
Contract-It-Yourself $325/person or $525/couple
July 20-31, 2009
2 Week Design/Build Class $1025/person or $1650/couple
Sept 13-18, 2009
1 Week Purely Post & Beam $975 /person or $1500/couple