A Homeowner's Guide to Custom Home Construction

Building a Custom Home

Doesn't Have to be Overwhelming

Build Livable is an online guide for homeowners

that includes advice, best practices, checklists,

and clear explanations for every phase of the project.

You'll learn how to work with builders and architects

to design and create a home for your budget and lifestyle.

Building a new home is a big, complicated project that requires planning and thousands of decisions.

Build Livable is a comprehensive resource for understanding each step, anticipating the questions you'll be asked, and being prepared for changes and uncertainties.

The Complete Guide is based on the real-world experiences of building professionals and homeowners. We do not accept sponsorships or promotions from third parties.

You'll use the guide as an online resource, available from any device with an internet connection.

Download Documents

Download and print documents and checklists that help you stay organized and work efficiently.

Watch Helpful Videos

Learn quickly with short videos that explain each phase of construction and what you can expect.

Learn with Visuals

The guides are full of real-world photos and diagrams from construction projects.

What to Expect from the Complete Guide (coming soon)

✅ Learn how to work with architects, builders, and others to plan and build a home that works for your budget and lifestyle.

✅ Adopt a mindset that will help you be a trusted partner and member of the construction team.

✅ Get battle-tested tips, advice, and direction from experienced professionals and homeowners who have seen it all.

✅ Understand contemporary building materials and techniques with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.

✅ Download documents and checklists to get a head start on budgets, room planning, and more.

✅ Watch videos that explain the construction process.

Who Is This Guy?

Lee LeFever is a professional explainer and co-founder of Common Craft. Since 2007, he has worked with brands like Google, Intel, LEGO, Microsoft, and Dropbox to explain their products. His first book, The Art of Explanation, has been translated into eight languages and his explainer videos have earned over 50 million views online.

Here at Build Livable, Lee combines his deep experience and passion for home construction with his skills as an explainer and media creator. As you'll see, he makes learning easy and enjoyable via clear communication.

Tips, Ideas, and Advice

We're sharing (almost daily!) posts that focus on custom home construction and livability.

Follow @build.livable on Instagram
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About the Guide

One-time purchase: Your purchase unlocks all resources and comes with no recurring fees. The guide is yours for as long as you like. There is no expiration date.

No Risk: If you're unhappy with your purchase, contact us within 30 days, and we'll give you a full refund. That's how confident we are that this guide will help you rock your project.

Always on: Access the guide on your schedule using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Organized for Reference: Use the guide like an online course, with sections and chapters that focus on specific phases of the construction project.

Documents Galore: Along with explanations of every phase, you'll be able to download and print documents that help you stay organized.

Multi-media: The guide is full of videos that explain the process and interviews with homeowners, architects, builders, and more.

The Complete Guide is getting its finishing touches and will arrive soon.

If you'd like to be notified, please sign up for email notifications below...

👉 Learn More About the Complete Guide

What is a Livable House?

Most people want houses to be beautiful, well designed, affordable, and structurally sound. But there is another factor that I believe is essential and easy to overlook: livability.

When a house is livable, it is designed around YOUR lifestyle and supports YOUR interests and passions. It reflects YOUR preferences and how you plan to use the home.

The problem is that livability doesn't just happen. Architects and builders can work wonders but you are the only person who understands your lifestyle. Livability is the domain of the homeowner.

Building a livable home requires an understanding of the design and building process. To be a confident and productive member of the team, you'll need a way to build that knowledge.

You have an opportunity to build an amazing, beautiful home. By making livability a priority, you can ensure that it works for you for years to come.

The Evolution of Our Home (2019-2021)

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