In 12 months, you will build your home the smart way, saving 25% or more off the estimated cost to build with a builder, maintain control of the build budget and decisions, and skyrocket your net worth at the same time! For the average home, this amounts to over $110,000 in savings AND an added $110,000 in increased net worth!
For savvy Couples who dream of building a home
At the end of this program, you'll have the info, tools, support system, and process needed to confidently oversee the build of your dream home...
with a big chunk of added net worth!
gET STARTED
And it doesn't involve chopping off 1/4 of your floor plan!
Here's the secret to
BIG savings that builders don't want you to know
With the rising interest rates and high cost of building materials, you may be discouraged and think you have to give up on your dream home. But, that doesn't have to be the case. Would your dream home be more attainable if you could save 25% (or more) off the estimates that you're getting from most builders? If you cut out the middleman, that's how much you can save off the top... once we add in how much interest that saves over 30 years, you'll see it's simply the smart way to build!
- You CAN'T afford your dream home
- You CAN'T get a loan without a builder
- You CAN'T do any work yourself to save money
- You CAN'T choose your fixtures and appliances
- You CAN'T remain in control of the build and budget
The way we build homes has to change
how much work you do yourself (if any)
the people who do the work
the finishes
the budget (where you save and where you splurge)
the quality
Be in control of:
End up with the house you dreamed of instead of the one your builder limited you to build.
Avoid being limited by a builder’s inabilities, lack of vision, and lack of willingness.
Avoid the slew of problems that arise when the builder doesn’t consult you on decisions.
the execution of the plans
Avoid paying a builder fee on retail for all your fixtures, appliances, lighting, etc.
Avoid getting stuck with a limited list of options provided by your builder.
Avoid paying an additional 20-25% to a builder and end up with a serious increase in your net worth.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
"If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”
“I have champagne taste but a beer budget. How can I afford to build my dream home without making major sacrifices”
“Aren’t subcontractors difficult to work with? Do I really want to deal with that?
“I need to borrow money, what bank would lend it to me? I’m not a builder?”
“I’m afraid of making costly mistakes.”
“I am so busy, I can’t possibly have time to manage the build of a home.”
“I have heard building a house can be hard on a relationship.”
Yeah, Ikea furniture instructions are like deciphering children’s scribbles sometimes! Our Bootstrap Builders Program is very detailed in plain English and includes lots of checklists to make sure there are no missing pieces at the end! We've even included a glossary for common terms.
As an Owner-Builder, you will never even have to lift a hammer if you don’t want to. We will teach you how to find and hire the best tradespeople who are experts in their field to do the building for you.
“I CAN’T EVEN BUILD IKEA FURNITURE, HOW COULD I BUILD A WHOLE HOUSE?”
“I have champagne taste but a beer budget. How can I afford to build my dream home without making major sacrifices”
“Aren’t subcontractors difficult to work with? Do I really want to deal with that?
“I need to borrow money, what bank would lend it to me? I’m not a builder?”
“I’m afraid of making costly mistakes.”
“I am so busy, I can’t possibly have time to manage the build of a home.”
“I have heard building a house can be hard on a relationship.”
We will share our experiences for you to learn from and lean on so you don't have to make the same mistakes or go through the same frustrations. We will also point you to the right team of experts and practices to help you avoid costly pitfalls. You will rest easy knowing your house was built using quality construction techniques and materials.
“I CAN’T EVEN BUILD IKEA FURNITURE, HOW COULD I BUILD A WHOLE HOUSE?”
“I have champagne taste but a beer budget. How can I afford to build my dream home without making major sacrifices”
“Aren’t subcontractors difficult to work with? Do I really want to deal with that?
“I need to borrow money, what bank would lend it to me? I’m not a builder?”
“I’m afraid of making costly mistakes.”
“I am so busy, I can’t possibly have time to manage the build of a home.”
“I have heard building a house can be hard on a relationship.”
This is a biggie! But we have it figured out! We will walk you through the process of getting a construction loan even as an owner-builder, including detailed instructions for how to assemble a loan application that will knock their socks off. We will also give you a list of banks, organized by state, who are willing to lend without a licensed contractor.
You will also learn other ideas for making you look like a safe bet for the banks. HINT: Taking a course (like this one) to is a great way to show the bank you take the job seriously and are willing to put forth effort and learn.
“I CAN’T EVEN BUILD IKEA FURNITURE, HOW COULD I BUILD A WHOLE HOUSE?”
“I have champagne taste but a beer budget. How can I afford to build my dream home without making major sacrifices”
“Aren’t subcontractors difficult to work with? Do I really want to deal with that?
“I need to borrow money, what bank would lend it to me? I’m not a builder?”
“I’m afraid of making costly mistakes.”
“I am so busy, I can’t possibly have time to manage the build of a home.”
“I have heard building a house can be hard on a relationship.”
We have certainly met some stinkers in the construction business, but there are some quality subs too. We will give you 12 unique ways to find those quality subcontractors, how to vet them, and questions to ask to find the best ones for the job. You will be friends with most by the time you start selecting your subs! During the work, we’ll give you strategies for motivating their best work and make sure they show up when they’re supposed to.
“I CAN’T EVEN BUILD IKEA FURNITURE, HOW COULD I BUILD A WHOLE HOUSE?”
“I have champagne taste but a beer budget. How can I afford to build my dream home without making major sacrifices”
“Aren’t subcontractors difficult to work with? Do I really want to deal with that?
“I need to borrow money, what bank would lend it to me? I’m not a builder?”
“I’m afraid of making costly mistakes.”
“I am so busy, I can’t possibly have time to manage the build of a home.”
“I have heard building a house can be hard on a relationship.”
This program is designed for you! Not only will you be saving at least 25% by not paying a builder to do a job that YOU CAN DO, you will have complete control of your budget. We will give you tips and tricks for saving additional money along the way. Owner-Builders report saving an average of 35% overall. The day you move in, you’ll likely have over $100,000 in equity. That’s an immediate return on investment. (based on avg. cost to build in 2023.)
“I CAN’T EVEN BUILD IKEA FURNITURE, HOW COULD I BUILD A WHOLE HOUSE?”
“I have champagne taste but a beer budget. How can I afford to build my dream home without making major sacrifices”
“Aren’t subcontractors difficult to work with? Do I really want to deal with that?
“I need to borrow money, what bank would lend it to me? I’m not a builder?”
“I’m afraid of making costly mistakes.”
“I am so busy, I can’t possibly have time to manage the build of a home.”
“I have heard building a house can be hard on a relationship.”
We hear you. The first time we self-contracted, I had a baby on my hip and one on the way and Cody was traveling all the time. Overseeing the construction of a house does take time. We will show you strategies for freeing up blocks of time, organizing tasks and materials to help make the process smoother before it even starts!
“I CAN’T EVEN BUILD IKEA FURNITURE, HOW COULD I BUILD A WHOLE HOUSE?”
“I have champagne taste but a beer budget. How can I afford to build my dream home without making major sacrifices”
“Aren’t subcontractors difficult to work with? Do I really want to deal with that?
“I need to borrow money, what bank would lend it to me? I’m not a builder?”
“I’m afraid of making costly mistakes.”
“I am so busy, I can’t possibly have time to manage the build of a home.”
“I have heard building a house can be hard on a relationship.”
We had that fear too, but we found ways to actually grow together as a couple through the process. And in the Bootstrap Builders Program we share our strategies and advice as a happily married couple who has self-contracted the build of 2 homes.
“I CAN’T EVEN BUILD IKEA FURNITURE, HOW COULD I BUILD A WHOLE HOUSE?”
“I have champagne taste but a beer budget. How can I afford to build my dream home without making major sacrifices”
“Aren’t subcontractors difficult to work with? Do I really want to deal with that?
“I need to borrow money, what bank would lend it to me? I’m not a builder?”
“I’m afraid of making costly mistakes.”
“I am so busy, I can’t possibly have time to manage the build of a home.”
“I have heard building a house can be hard on a relationship.”
“I CAN’T EVEN BUILD IKEA FURNITURE, HOW COULD I BUILD A WHOLE HOUSE?”
What our clients say:
"By overseeing the project himself, working on floors, cabinets and wherever else he could to cut down costs, [my husband] has has helped our family save so much money. All while maintaining his actual 9-5. Old Barn Design has been a huge help in getting us on the right path, providing great resources and helpful information. They have been great to work with...you can do this!"
Melissa M.
In the end, you’ll be sipping tea on your beautiful new front porch, with confidence, appreciation, and satisfaction of having built your dream home...
oh, and an extra $110,000+ to your name!
*Based on 2023 average cost of new build homes of $440,000
Based on 2023 average cost of a new construction home of $446,000 according to Real Estate Witch.
With the Bootstrap Builders Program, you’ll be able to take control of your home building project from start to finish. You’ll learn how to create a detailed itemized budget, select the right subcontractors, avoid costly mistakes, and save $110,000 or more on your dream home.
Best of all, the Bootstrap Builders Guide is written in plain English so anyone can understand it. Even if you know nothing about home construction, this program will set you up for success, keep you organized, and give you the knowledge and guidance you need to get the most out of your home-building budget. Additionally, our videos will support your building process with personal insights, wisdom, and know-how earned thru personal experience and having made some mistakes ourselves, so you can avoid the pitfalls, and have a more enjoyable building experience.
We'll take you from a construction novice (who may not know a beam from a column) to a
tea-sippin' and porch sittin' successful
owner-builder
The Bootstrap Builders Program
Introducing
1. Getting the most build for your Buck
What to Expect
The program consists of videos you can watch and rewatch at your own pace, downloadable templates, and a guidebook which takes you step-by-step chronologically through the phases of construction from pre-construction to moving in and every small step in between.
At each phase we will tell you what you, as the owner-builder need to know and expect from the subcontractors.
There are over 20 checklists to make sure you don't miss anything, and reminders to help you navigate the process with your relationship and sanity intact!
The guidebook complements the videos which set you up for success in your role as an owner-builder. The video modules are outlined below.
How to Present Yourself Professionally
Making Yourself a Sure Bet
How to Assemble your Loan Application to Impress their Socks Off
How to Set a Realistic Budget
4. MONEY MATTERS
3. Construction loans
How to Organize Ideas and Selections for Efficiency
How to Protect your Relationship During the Build
How to stay Motivated
How to Reduce Stress so you Enjoy the Process
2. be prepared
Your job as an Owner-Builder (we'll reveal a secret for saving an additional 5% in this section!)
How to get a Detailed, Itemized Estimate
How to Get Actual Numbers for your Budget
How to Get Material Lists and Prices
Subcontractor Red Flags
Collecting and Comparing Bids
Negotiating Bids
Start off on the Right Foot
How to Motivate Subs to do their Best Work
Best Practices
7. FINDING, HIRING, AND WORKING WITH SUBS
Best Practices for building with a partner
How to nurture your relationship during the build
6. PROTECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Your Daily Duties Once you Break Ground
Your Protections
Finish Strong
10. OWNER-BUILDER MUSTS
Saving Time and Money
DIY jobs - DOs & DON'Ts
9. DOING WORK YOURSELF
Unmet Expectations
Decision Fatigue
Sub-par/Slow work/Not Staying on Schedule
Going over Budget
Money Disputes
8. HOW TO AVOID THESE COMMON PITFALLS
You want to build up a nice big chunk of equity at the same time you build your dream home
You (or your spouse) have some flexibility in your work schedule (at least one, doesn't need to be both)
You (or your spouse) can communicate well
You are a construction novice who needs every single thing spelled out and some hand holding too (we got you!)
You want to build your dream home with a strategic plan to stay on schedule
You enjoy learning from others’ experiences to help you avoid making mistakes
Your dream home would cost too much for you to build unless you were able to somehow save a lot of money in the process
Bootstrap Builders is for you if:
You aren’t willing to put in some extra time and effort to save tens of thousands of dollars (like over $100,000++ depending on the size of your home build)
You don’t want or need to save lots of money on your home build
You will be living more than an hour from the build site
You and your partner both have jobs that have very inflexible hours
You have already hired a builder
May not be for you IF:
of $1995 and save over $110,000 on your build.*
That's not even including the fact that you could add that same amount or more to your net worth in the form of equity...And save 15 or 30 years of interest on that amount (if you're planning to have a mortgage)!
Your Potential Return on Investment
more than 50X your investment
*Owner-Builders report an average savings of 35% compared to what it would cost to build with a builder, but we're using 25% just to be conservative.
The average cost to build in 2023 is $440,000 and so 25% of that is $110,000.
Gain the confidence to take on this project
Learn how to find subcontractors, gather bids, and choose the best ones for the job
The guidance from one normal married couple who are not construction experts but have been through the self-contracting process twice and are still happily married
Checklists, templates, forms, and detailed instructions to keep you protected, organized, and on-schedule
A tremendous sense of accomplishment upon completion
How to set yourself up for less stress during construction
Scripts for handling potentially sticky situations
How to obtain financing as an Owner-Builder
Common mistakes self-contractors make (and how to avoid them)
Step-by-step guide to complete the construction of your dream home
What you will get from this program:
The Bootstrap Builders Program comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. We are confident that if you follow this program, you will confidently enjoy a successful home build, save money, and build equity.
If you watch all the videos, and read thru the guidebook and don’t think your build will benefit from the information packed into this program, simply email our team to request a refund within 30 days of purchase.