It’s Your Knowledge that Unlocks the Door to a Successful Build

Owner-Builder Training

If you have’t built anything before or haven’t been the one in charge of the entire process, then there is a lot to learn. That is an understatement. The focus of this training is take you (step by step) from zero to builder, as quickly as possible. The focus will not be on how to build a house (necessarily) since you don’t have the years to learn what experienced builders know. Yes, you’ll need to know the steps involved and a few other things about home building. More important, though, is that you know how to find/hire the great subs and advisors.

There’s an expression in the fitness industry ‘the minimum effective dose’. It is what is needed to do for something (anything) effectively, and no more than that. That’s what I’ve focused on–what you really need to know to successfully build your house.

The first steps in the training curriculum look like this:

Module 1: How to BE the One in Charge (commanding presence, organized, detailed).  I’ll explain what I mean by this and why it is so important. Plus, some very good, detailed information about how to set yourself up for success (how to get orgainized right off the bat).

Module 2: Initial Skills. How to read blueprints (a set is provided) and what is commonly left off that gets people in to trouble (mistakes and cost overruns). Also, get to know the world of residential construction-you will be given specific field assignments for this purpose.

Module 3: Estimating and Scopes of Work. These will be a series of  roll up your sleeves, nuts and bolts sessions. They will tie into Modules 4 and 5.  

Module 4: Gather Your Resources (your advisors and go-to people).

Module 5: How to Hire Right-the subs and vendors (where to find, how to negotiate and how to spot b.s.) Basically, how to get quality trades to want to work with you, and how to stay away from problems. In my long housing career, I swear I’ve heard every excuse imaginable (some are legit, most are not). In this module, I’ll share some of those stories as illustrations of who/what to watch out for.

As I said, there will not be much emphasis on exactly how to construct a house. However, as you learn to read blueprints, do field assignments (these will be fun and informative), work on the estimates and scopes, then you’ll learn a lot about how a house is constructed. It’s my back door way for you to learn two things at once.

Because, at the end of the day, when you hire quality subcontractors and vendors who do know what they are doing, then you can focus on what you need to focus on. You will need to know enough to spot mistakes, oversee the work and how to manage the trades so that they deliver, in the right way. There are specific phases that are often problematic so you’ll be trained to know which ones, and how to double and triple check them.

More modules added later.

Fill out the form below and we’ll get on a call to discuss where you are in your process, and what would be best fit for you.