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homelab

Learn the skills that make home work.

Open to all community members, HomeLab helps homeowners and renters build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to care for their homes.

Developed by Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, HomeLab is a hands-on learning space designed to help people build confidence in caring for their homes. 

HomeLab is a place where all people are invited to learn through practical, hands-on experiences. It helps participants build the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to care for their homes. By focusing on real-world home maintenance and preventive care, HomeLab empowers homeowners and renters, regardless of experience level, to identify issues early, maintain their homes effectively, and protect their living spaces for years to come.

Course Catalog

Coming soon! In Fall 2026, HomeLab will offer courses built around hands-on learning and practical home skills. 

Classes are open to anyone and designed to make home maintenance feel clear, approachable, and manageable. Whether you're a new homeowner, a long-time resident, or a renter looking to build practical skills, HomeLab will provide the knowledge and confidence to care for your home.

Participants will learn the basics of plumbing, exterior upkeep, door and window adjustments, flooring care, light fixture maintenance, kitchen appliance care, and how the major systems in a home work together. 

Stay tuned for our 2026 Course Catalog!

Take a Class!

Classes are starting this fall and are open to the public. 

Subscribe to the Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity newsletter for updates on upcoming HomeLab classes and registration opportunities.

Classes start at $50 per course. 
*If you purchase all 7 courses at the same time, you'll receive 50% off your total order. 
Discounted rates available for those who qualify.

Class Instructors

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Rent a Space in HomeLab

This fall, you will be able to rent the full space or reserve a single room to fit your needs. Our facility accommodates up to 62 guests and is perfect for meetings, workshops, trainings, and small gatherings. Flexible, welcoming, and designed for connection, HomeLab is ready to host your next event.

RESERVE YOUR RENTAL SPACE

Contact Donita Clark
dclark@webuildhabitat.org
(319) 235-9946

HomeLab Space Availability Calendar

View the calendar below to see what spaces are available and when.

 

Spaces & Rates

View all of the available spaces available for rent along with rental rates.

Upstairs Classroom & Kitchenette

Max Capacity: 12

Duration

2 Hours
4 Hours
8 Hours

Rate

$75
$100
$150
Request This Space

Library w/Shared Kitchen Access

Max Capacity: 25

Duration

2 Hours
4 Hours
8 Hours

Rate

$75
$125
$200
Request This Space

Den w/Shared Kitchen Access

Max Capacity: 12-20

Duration

2 Hours
4 Hours
8 Hours

Rate

$75
$125
$200
Request This Space

Entire Main Floor w/Shared Kitchen Access

Max Capacity: 50

Duration

2 Hours
4 Hours
8 Hours

Rate

$225
$350
$500
Request This Space

Entire HomeLab

Max Capacity: 62

*Excludes Module Classrooms

Duration

2 Hours
4 Hours
8 Hours

Rate

$275
$425
$600
Request This Space

Host your Next Event at HomeLab!

Use of Facility

Renter agrees to:

  • Only use designated areas
  • Comply with occupancy limits and all laws
  • Supervise all guests

Liability

Renter assumes responsibility for:

  • Guests and participants
  • Property damage
  • Injury or loss arising from the event

HomeLab Rental Terms

A few things to know before you book. These terms help keep HomeLab running smoothly for everyone who rents the space.
A 50% deposit is required to reserve the space. The full balance is due 7 business days prior to the event. A $100 after-hours fee applies if time is exceeded. A valid credit card must be provided and will be held on file as a security deposit prior to the event. The card on file may be applied to damages, cleaning, or loss. Charges will be assessed within 14 days.
30+ days: full refund. 10-29 days: 50% refund. Less than 10 days: no refund. Deposits may be forfeited without proper notice.
Renter is responsible for any damage or loss exceeding the security deposit. Renter agrees to comply with all HomeLab Facility Use Policies.

Other options if "Rental Terms" doesn't fit the tone: "HomeLab Booking Policies," "HomeLab Fine Print," or "HomeLab Rental Agreement."

Rental Request Form

Please fill out our simple form to request a space today!
Name(Required)
Space(s) you'd like to rent(Required)
Select each space that you're interested in renting.

Address: 1325 W 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50702

HomeLab Location & Parking

1325 W 4th St
Waterloo, IA 50702

Homelab has limited off-street parking. Please park in the orange spaces shown on the map above.

Take a Virtual Tour

Get a sneak peek into our hands-on learning space by browsing through the photos in our gallery.

The Library
The Den
The Lounge
Upstairs Classroom
The Kitchen

Homelab Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

We're happy to help! Contact Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity at (319) 235-9946 or dclark@webuildhabitat.org, and our team will be happy to answer your questions.

No. HomeLab is a community resource open to anyone who wants to learn practical skills for caring for and maintaining a home.
HomeLab is launching in fall 2026 with our Basic Home Series, a seven-class series designed to build practical home maintenance and repair skills from the ground up.

We plan to expand HomeLab course offerings in 2027 with additional topics and learning opportunities. Check back often to see what's new!
You can register for classes online through our website. If you need help registering, our team is happy to assist.
No. Each class in the Basic Home Series can be taken individually for $50, so you can choose the topics that are most useful to you. If you register for the complete seven-class series, you'll receive 50% off the total registration cost.

We want HomeLab to be accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please contact us to learn about available scholarship opportunities.
No. You can take individual classes based on your interests and needs. However, if you're new to home maintenance or using tools, we recommend starting with Basic Tools & Safety. It provides a helpful foundation for many of the skills you'll practice in other HomeLab classes.
HomeLab teaches practical, everyday skills for caring for a home. The Basic Home Series covers topics such as preventing water damage, understanding basic home systems, maintaining appliances, safely using tools, making common repairs, and more. Our goal is to help you spot potential problems early, handle basic maintenance and repairs with confidence, and know when it's time to call a professional.
You're in the right place! HomeLab is designed for people who want to learn, and no previous home repair or maintenance experience is expected.

We'll start with the basics, explain things in plain language, and give you opportunities to practice in a supportive environment. You don't need to know how to fix things before you come. That's what you're here to learn.
Not at all. HomeLab is for homeowners, renters, future homeowners, young adults, and anyone who wants to better understand how homes work and learn practical skills they can use throughout their life.
Yes! Hands-on learning is at the heart of HomeLab. Classes are designed to give you opportunities to practice skills yourself, not just watch someone else demonstrate them. 

You'll learn with guidance from experienced instructors in an environment where it's okay to ask questions, try something new, and learn from mistakes.
HomeLab classes are intentionally kept small so participants have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, practice new skills, and learn by doing.

Classes are led by skilled volunteer instructors who provide hands-on instruction in a welcoming, supportive environment. HomeLab is a place to learn, practice, make mistakes, ask questions, and build confidence.
Most HomeLab classes are approximately 2–3 hours long.
No. The tools and materials you need during class will be provided.

Participants enrolled in Basic Tools & Safety will also have the option to purchase a basic tool kit to take home and continue practicing what they've learned.
Not at all. HomeLab is designed with beginners in mind. You'll learn basic tool use and safety before moving on to more advanced skills. No previous experience using tools is required.
Wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty and closed-toe shoes. Some classes involve working with tools, equipment, or building materials.
HomeLab classes are primarily designed for adults ages 18 and older. Participants under 18 may attend certain classes with a signed parent or legal guardian waiver and must be supervised by an adult participant or school/trade instructor at all times.

Please contact us before registering a participant under age 18 so we can help determine whether the class is appropriate.
Yes. HomeLab is committed to creating a welcoming and accessible learning environment. If you need an accommodation to participate in a class, please contact us before your session so we can work with you.
If you're unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible. Depending on when you cancel, you may be able to transfer your registration to a future class or receive a credit.
We understand that plans change.

48 hours or more before class: You may transfer your registration to another available class or receive a credit toward a future HomeLab class.

Less than 48 hours before class: Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, except in documented emergencies. If Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity cancels a class because of weather, low enrollment, or other unforeseen circumstances, you may transfer your registration to a future class or receive a full refund.
Absolutely! A HomeLab class or the complete Basic Home Series can be a great gift for a new homeowner, renter, young adult, or anyone who wants to feel more confident caring for a home.
HomeLab is also available to rent for workshops, meetings, trainings, community gatherings, and other events. Organizations and community groups can reserve the main event space or individual rooms based on their needs. Contact us to learn more about available spaces, capacity, rental rates, and scheduling.

To keep up with all of our events and new projects, subscribe to our e-newsletter!

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Building stability, opportunity, and hope through homeownership, resilient neighborhoods, and community collaboration.

Our Commitment to Belonging and Opportunity
At Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, we believe every person deserves a place to call home—and a community where they are welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive. Rooted in our faith and guided by our commitment to Koinonia, we work to expand opportunity and foster belonging through every aspect of our mission—from how we build and who we serve to the culture we cultivate within our team. As an equal opportunity employer and housing organization, we reject discrimination in any form and strive to model a world where compassion and opportunity lead to lasting change. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities—including members of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, people of all faiths or none, and people of all abilities—because when we unite through God’s love, we build more than homes—we build community and hope for all.
Non-proselytizing policy 
Habitat for Humanity and its affiliate organizations will not proselytize. Nor will Habitat work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat. This means that Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.
Copyright © 2024 – 2026 Iowa heartland habitat for humanity. All rights reserved.
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