Learn building restoration skills
Classes designed to teach you the essential techniques to restore buildings.
Watch Blair teach building renovation
Expert coaching services to help you learn about your building's unique features.
Classes designed to teach you the essential techniques to restore buildings.
Expert coaching services to help you learn about your building's unique features.
We teach classes in masonry, plaster stucco, tuckpointing, and repointing. Our expert training offers comprehensive, hands-on activities using these techniques, simulating real-world renovation scenarios. You'll gain practical experience and industry-recognized skills.
These courses are hosted at both Blair's studio in Plainwell, MI or can be hosted at your site.
Learn aspects of building renovation with our classes.
Practice basic to advanced renovation techniques with expert training.
Focus on industry standards and techniques for high-quality work.
Our training simulates real-world renovation scenarios, so you can gain practical experience.
“Blair Bates is my top advisor and craftsperson for anything dealing with masonry and the trowel trades in old buildings. He understands old buildings and respects their character and inherent durability. He has been the instructor at workshops since 2003 for both the Old House Network and the Old House Owners Workshops.“
“If you own an old brick building, you need Blair. He’ll teach you important principles that have gotten lost in modern construction trades, best practices and techniques to use in your own work, and how to work with contractors to make sure they’re doing work right.”
“In the 40 years, I have known Blair, his commitment to learning and readiness to share with others have never diminished. He’s an energetic instructor whose enthusiasm is contagious; he really instills in his students the mindset of not just honing the skills but also understanding the materials and processes that go into the work.”
“Blair’s enthusiasm and teaching style are amazing. He not only visited our project site but after just a short demonstration, Blair put the tools in our hands and guided us to competence and confidence in the completion of our project. Blair remains on our call list; he makes learning interesting, fun, and as effortless as stonework can be.”
“I am an Architect working on older and historic projects. I went to Blair’s Historic Mortar classes and learned a lot more than I ever thought. He covers the subjects in-depth and demonstration. You learn hands-on.”
Our coaching services help building owners and professionals understand their properties and develop a plan to enhance their value and functionality. Our experts provide personalized coaching and consultation to guide you through the renovation process and achieve your goals. Transform your building with our expert guidance.
Drone inspection
Building assessments
Expert project guidance
Building Renovation is a service company dedicated to solving the restoration problems of our customers using the latest technology, quality materials properly applied and a highly trained labor force — all designed to exceed the expectations of our customers.
