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, we are accepting groups of 2 people (or more) who must meet the following requirements. 1 person teams are also possible, but the person would need to be able to work by themselves - which is possible for people with more stamina and grit.
- Completed participation in the Builder Crash Course
- Commitment to participate on-site for 6 additional weeks following the completion of the Builder Crash Course.
- Ability to fund your own material costs ($20k–$50k, depending on chosen features and number of people working for the level of finish desired). 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 1 day of labor each week (6 days total) 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. Participants are expected to keep an open build log and data collection throughout their build.
- Acceptance through a short application process including a personal statement and basic build intent and materials selection particular to your build.
- 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.
How it Works
Is it even possible to Build Your Own Starter Home in 6 Weeks
As part of the Future Builders’ Academy, participants in the Financial Independence Package will construct their own full-sized, modular starter home (800 square feet) over a 6-week period. There are several practical considerations:
Site & Foundation Requirements Participants must have a prepared site where the completed house can be delivered. This includes a simple foundation, ready to receive the house modules. While OSE will provide guidance on the type of foundation to construct, it is ultimately the participant’s responsibility to build or arrange for the foundation in advance.
Transportation of the finished modules can be handled by a 40-foot trailer capable of 21000 lb cargo. The participant may choose to work with OSE on logistics - or to hire another transport provider.
Build Timeline and Scope
Over the 6-week period, participants will complete approximately 300 hours of hands-on build time—a conservative estimate equivalent to building 300 modular components at roughly one hour per component. There are approximately 118 structural modules in the house. Complete novices can build one per hour, beginning production-level people can build 2 per hour - and skilled craftspeople can build about 4-6 per hour. This is for a one person team.
The entire build process is really a game of the mind . Paying attention to build procedure and build ergonomics produces drastically different results depending on the level of site and mental preparation. That means one needs to prepare their build environment (tools, materials, jigs access) and study the build - ideally playing out the build process in their mind just like a peak performance athlete plays out their every move in their mind.
Based on our build data, 300 hours is more than enough time to complete the structural shell—including floors, walls, roof, siding, and all utilities. We have optimized designs, and we can do builds of modules in a controlled environment. We have developed extremely efficient ways to install utilities. For example, we can build the entire service entrance for water in about 1 hour, while this could easily be a full day job for a professional plumber [1]. The level of interior finishing (trim, paint, cabinetry, etc.) will depend on the participant’s efficiency - and if they are working solo or with a partner. We encourage you to bring friends, family, eager helpers, or other volunteers to the build to help you. OSE can help arrange accommodations for visitors if needed.
Home Size & Configuration
Each participant will build two 10’x20’ structural modules—typically the kitchen, bathroom, and utility areas. These are the most complex parts of the house, and we aim to complete all structural, electrical, and plumbing work within these modules during the 6 weeks, yielding a fully functional 400 sq ft core unit.
To expand to a full 800 sq ft starter home, participants will also build additional wall and structural modules that can be assembled on-site after delivery. Alternatively, participants may choose to construct more 10'x20' modules at our facility—though this would require multiple trailer loads for transport.
'Transportation & Weight Considerations'
We will use a telehandler to load modules onto a 40’ trailer. Each 10’x20’ module weighs approximately 6,000 lb, with the total house weight around 21,000 lb. Kitchen and bathroom modules are heavier due to utility systems, while living room modules are lighter. If any heavy materials are to be used - such as bricks, pavers, or landscaping materials - or if you want to build a larger structure - materials are best ordered and delivered directly to your site
Final Completion & Timeline
The participant is ultimately responsible for completing their home, including any final finishing work. The build window is strictly limited to 6 weeks, as a new cohort of builders will begin immediately after.
Curriculum Detail
See Builder Crash Course Curriculum Detail