UKIAH, Calif. – The Mendocino College Sustainable Construction and Energy Technology program is offering a series of workshops to help homeowners and builders make wise decisions throughout the process of constructing a new home or upgrading an existing one. Whether building or rebuilding, this series of workshops will help homeowners and builders weigh their options about what type of construction to consider, and provide information about fire safe building and energy rebates.

Each workshop will deliver an overview of the presented topic, including the right questions to ask when weighing options, and an opportunity for a Q&A with experienced professionals.

Potential attendees should RSVP soon to lock in seats for these educational and inspiring home building workshops.

The first workshop, “Pre-Fabricated vs. Custom Built Homes: Weighing Your Options” will take place on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 4210, at Mendocino College (Library Building).

Participants will learn from building professionals including a local contractor, prefabricated home manufacturer, panelized building kit provider, and tiny homes builder.

Discussions will include what to consider when making choices, an overview of each building type, and steps for getting started.

This workshop requires a $5 materials fee, and participants are strongly encouraged to RSVP early by registering at https://buildingoptions.brownpapertickets.com .

“Energy Rebates for the Home” will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 4210, at Mendocino College (Library Building).

Participants will hear from local renewable energy professionals Chandra Apperson of Apperson Energy Management and Richard Silsbee of Radiant Solar Technology to learn about energy rebates and opportunities available.

This workshop is free, but participants are strongly encouraged to RSVP early by registering at https://energyrebates.brownpapertickets.com .

The final workshop in the series, “Building FireWise: Construction Design, Materials & Landscaping,” will take place in November on a date to be announced.

This workshop will bring together fire safe professionals to lead participants through what it means to build FireWise, fire safe construction design and materials, as well as fire safe landscaping techniques and materials to protect your home from future fires. More details to come.

The Mendocino College Sustainable Construction and Energy Technology Program is dedicated to training locals through their three certificate programs – construction, renewable energy, and building efficiency and performance.

This dedication extends to serving the community to educate and inspire residents in Mendocino County and beyond to find the best pathway to home building.

The program hopes the workshop series will be especially beneficial to fire survivors who are considering rebuilding, but all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

To learn more contact Jen Riddell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-468-3080.