Builder Crash Course Curriculum

Builder Crash Course

The course focus on providing the most complete and comprehensive introduction and practical experience required for any builder to build their own home. Because our techniques apply to DIY and production housing - the techniques can also be used to start a business in affordable, ecological housing construction. We will build an absolutely complete home, 800 square feet in size, with interior and exterior finishing in only 2 weeks (pending a minimum of 24 workshop registrations). The focus is on homes that can be built on the human scale and flexibly so: either in the field or in a workshop, either in a DIY or industrial setting, using either off-the shelf or self-produced or natural materials, and either fully manually or with the assistance of heavy lifting machines, automation, and digital fabrication. Over the years, we have developed flexible, modular, and optimized construction techniques that allow an individual to build a home at about 30% lower cost - while including significant quality improvements in construction compared to standard production homes, and eco features not found in typical homes. This translates to starter homes of around 1000 square feet that can be built at $40k in materials, which include 6 kW of photovoltaics and ecological features. The intent is for anyone to build their own home at $40k in materials instead of paying the average price of $400k for a turnkey house in a subdivision.

And to make this absolutely real, we are launching a limited-time opportunity called the Financial Independence Package.

We are inviting 6 individuals or groups to stay for an additional 6 weeks following the Builder Crash Course to build their own 700-1200 square foot starter home - the same interior design as the Core Module of 800 square feet built in the Builder Crash Course. The extended size comes from further extension of the living room space of the basic model. The build takes place on-site, using our modular construction techniques. Participants will cover only the cost of materials—ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on selected features and size. Lower-cost builds may include basic finishing and no solar, while the higher end includes full interior finishing and a 6 kW photovoltaic system.

To qualify, participants are asked to contribute a modest amount of sweat equity: 6 days of build time assisting on Seed Eco-Home projects. This provides additional hands-on experience while supporting the broader learning community.

This is the first and only time we are offering the Financial Independence Package completely free of tuition to Builder Crash Course participants, as we launch this program and refine it for future cohorts.

On-site and off-site accommodations are available. Please inquire for lodging options and rates through our network of collaborating partners.

Financial Independence Package

To be considered, you must meet the following requirements:

• Completed participation in the Builder Crash Course
• Commitment to stay on-site for 6 additional weeks following the course
• Ability to fund your own material costs ($20k–$50k, depending on chosen features). We lalidate your chosen bill of materials to conform with an admissible part list, and we source all the materials collaboratively with you from ready, off-the-shelf sources such as Menards or Home Depot.
• Willingness to contribute 6 days of labor to Seed Eco-Home community builds
• Demonstrated alignment with the open source, collaborative, and ecological mission of the program
• Strong interest in achieving financial independence through hands-on building and entrepreneurship
• Readiness to participate in documentation, feedback, and exit interviews to help improve the program. To keep an open build log and data collection throughout your build.
• Acceptance through a short application process including a personal statement and basic build intent. This includes specifics of your build, +materials selection.
• Willingness to participate in video/photo documentation for educational and promotional purposes
• A deposit (e.g., $1,200 refundable upon completion) to confirm your commitment and secure your spot. If you decide to leave early without completing your house, or do not show up at all, you forfeit your deposit.