Builder Crash Course FAQ for Serious Builders

What building system do you teach?

Our curriculum is centered on a **core modular building system** designed for **fast, parallel builds**. This is what allows us to construct houses rapidly, in swarm builds, with minimal heavy equipment.

If you’re not interested in adopting this system fully, you can still benefit from the **optimized architectural design and utility systems** we teach. However, you may not get the full value of the hands-on build experience if you intend to stick strictly to conventional construction methods.

This system is described here - https://www.openbuildinginstitute.org/library/

Do you teach septic system installation?

Yes. We cover **septic system design and installation**, specifically a **septic fertigation system with biodigester**, with a 4-IBC Tote biodigester vessel located inside the house. This is an innovative system currently under development as part of our open standards work. It does not yet have engineered approval, but we are actively pursuing this.

Do you teach grading and site preparation?

Yes. We offer a **4-hour session on grading and site leveling**, where we walk through each step of the process. Here’s a preview of what we cover. We’re also working toward engineering approval of this design as part of our continuous innovation. The advantage is lower embodied energy and lower cost, with higher performance compared to standard slab foundations.

Does this system meet California building codes?

The **Seed Eco-Home structure itself is code-approved**, and we teach how to implement **code-compliant foundations** on stabilized subgrade. However, we have not yet built in California, so we can’t speak to the **additional legal or regulatory costs** you may encounter. These vary significantly by jurisdiction, so researching your **local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)** is essential.

What about inspections and approvals?

The Seed Eco-Home is a **standard stick-built house**, not prefab, and we’re working toward **Factory Built Modular Home (FBMH)** certification. We build to **conventional inspection standards**, so no rebuilding should be necessary. However, the two homes we’ve built so far were in areas with no building departments, so no formal inspections have occurred yet. Documentation: Construction Plan Check Document.

Is this considered a prefabricated house or a standard house?

It’s a **standard stick-built home**, preserving its **full market value**. When FBMH certification is complete, the home will also qualify under factory-built standards — essentially a “rich man’s trailer home” in legal terms, but with real structural quality.

Do I need heavy equipment?

No. The system is **modular and buildable with hand tools**. Heavy machinery, like a telehandler, can make certain steps (e.g., lifting an entire roof) faster, but is optional. Roofs can also be built in place.

Do I get instructions or manuals to take home?

Yes. You’ll receive **digital and printed documentation**, build manuals, and access to online resources. Here’s an example of the type of detailed material we provide (outside of framing): View Sample Presentation

Do you offer support after the course?

Yes. We offer **post-course support** through our open documentation system. If you start a **Build Log on the OSE Wiki** and upload build photos (e.g., via Google Photos), our team — including Marcin — can provide guidance publicly. This not only helps you but also adds to our shared knowledge base.

Do you help with permits and inspections?

Yes. We cover **permitting and inspection workflows** and strategies for working with building departments. However, **we don’t pull permits for you**. If you document your build, we can help develop **place-based documentation** for your area to help future builders.

Are there design variations?

Yes. The “box” design is our **rapid-build core**, but it’s **modular and easy to adapt** for pitched roofs or custom configurations.

• **Pitched roofs** and gables are straightforward adaptations.
• **A-frames** are not part of the course.
• **hip roofs** are not our style and we don't teach this due to the significantly higher skill and labor requirements that result in no useful space - though they do add to status symboling. Their advantage is optimized wind loading for hurricane and tornado areas.

Flat roofs are **functional** — they allow PV installation and make adding a second story easy. If you choose other designs, you can do so, but often at a **higher cost**.

If you’re not interested in the core modular system, you’ll still gain value from our **architectural and utility efficiencies**, which can be applied to standard construction.

What if my site has tree cover — can I still use solar?

Solar generation will be reduced in heavily shaded areas. Send us your site details, and we can advise on potential **hybrid solutions** (e.g., selective clearing, ground mounts, or supplemental power).

Will I have all the skills to build my own home after the course?

The Crash Course provides the **core practical skills to build your home from foundation to finish**. Your success will depend on your ability to learn quickly, work with CAD, and document your process.

For those who want to go beyond homebuilding — into **enterprise, infrastructure, and machine development** — we offer the **4-year Future Builders Academy**. But that’s **not required** for building your own house.

Managing Expectations

Two weeks is a short but intense period. If you’re a fast learner and ready to fully engage, your investment can pay off many times over. If the integrated, modular build process isn’t for you, you can still apply many of our techniques to **standard construction** and gain major efficiency advantages.