Cities:
All
Austin
San Antonio
Owner Builder University - Free Home Building Classes
View Class Information
Frustrated by your current home? Want a new high quality custom home? Home building doesn't have to be a mystery understood only by professionals. You will make much better decisions in building your new custom home when you understand how affordable, energy efficient homes are designed and built. The purpose is not to make you a carpenter, but rather to understand how carpenters and other professionals work together to construct your new home.
The classes are fun and informative. Presentations move quickly. Lots of talk for the ladies and pictures for the guys. 13 Basic classes are taught by Dennis Celsor, a NAHB graduate master builder. Another 12 classes will take you on location to vendors who offer products for your new home. You get a behind the scenes view of how these products are custom made for your home. Classes are offered in Austin and San Antonio. Classes are also offered in Houston by BGCH Houston.
***Choose a class on the calendar and fill out the form at the bottom to reserve your spot for that specific class. Please note whether the class is in Austin or San Antonio***
Legend:
Austin
San Antonio
CLASS #1 Pre-Construction
- Building Process
- Home Site Selection
- Permits / ACC
- Energy Efficient Planning
- Architectural Design
- Financing
- Budget / Specifications
CLASS #2 Foundations / Warranty
- Geotechnical Soil Analysis
- Site Conservation
- Pad Preparation
- Tree Preservation
- Foundation Engineering / Installation
- Structural Warranty
- Energy Efficiency
CLASS #3 Framing
- Framing Process
- Framing Planning
- Material Estimates
- Beam Engineering
- Energy Efficiency
- Insulated Concrete Walls / SIPS
CLASS #4 Windows / Doors
- Energy Efficient Windows
- Energy Efficient Exterior Doors
- Door Locks / Security
CLASS #5 Masonry / Roof
- Siding / Brick
- Roofing: Tile / Metal / Composition
CLASS # 6 AC/Indoor Air Quality
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
- Air Purification
CLASS #7 Plumbing
- Plumbing / Water Conservation
- Rainwater Harvesting
CLASS #8 Electrical/ Insulation
- Electrical / Energy Efficiency
- Home Theater / Surround Sound
- Security / Alarm
- Efficient Insulation: Cellulose / Foam
- Energy Efficiency
CLASS #9 Drywall / Trim / Paint
- Sound Attenuation
- Drywall / Textures
- Interior Doors
- Trim
- Painting / Staining
- Indoor Air Quality
CLASS #10 Kitchens / Cabinets
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Cabinets
- Bath Cabinets
- Design For All / Universal Design
CLASS #11 Baths / Shower Glass / Counters
- Kitchen Counters: Granite / SileStone
- Bath Counters: Granite / Cultured Marble
- Durable Flooring: Tile / Wood / Carpet
- Stained Concrete
- Shower Trim: Tile / Cultured Marble
- Energy Efficiency
CLASS #12 Flooring
- Tile: Porcelain / Ceramic
- Wood: Engineered / Plank
- Carpet & Sound Attenuation
- Vinyl: Plank
- Safety: Fall Resistance
CLASS #13 Appliances / Fixtures / Driveways
- Plumbing Fixtures: Sinks / Faucets /Toilets
- Electrical Fixtures: Fans / Lights
- Energy Star Appliances
- Energy Efficiency
- Driveways / Stamped Concrete
- Landscaping / Xeriscaping
- Pools
- Security Gates