What is Build Livable?
Join Lee LeFever to learn about our courses and how they can help you navigate construction.
Included: Two Online Courses ($198 Value)
You'll receive access to our comprehensive online courses for homeowners.
The courses are yours to keep and cover every phase of planning and construction.
"For about the cost of a one-hour professional consultation, Build Livable courses provide homeowners with both general and detailed knowledge for getting the most out of a custom home project."
~ Mark Seman, Architect
Let's Close the Homeowner Gap
For too long, homeowners have started construction projects without knowing what to expect or how to prepare. We dive in, learn on the job, and make rookie mistakes.
This happens because there is a gap between your dreams and the start of the project. By filling it, you can start your project with the information and resources you need to save time and money.
We're experienced homeowners, here to fill that gap with high-quality education focused on the homeowner experience. We'll prepare you for one of the biggest, most expensive projects of your life.
You'll work with construction pros to make your home a reality. They are experts who will guide you through planning and building the home.
However, as you know, building a new home involves a lot more than construction.
Homeowners must navigate hiring, budgets, relationships, regulations, disagreements, and more. This kind of education is not part of the builder's job description.
By helping you become a more prepared and informed homeowner, you'll be able to work with your construction team with confidence.
What to Expect in Every Phase of Construction
Through two self-paced online classes, you'll develop the mindset, know-how, and resources for navigating the homeowner experience including:
- Evaluating and hiring the team
- Managing relationships and soft skills
- Understanding the roles and responsibilities of everyone on the team
- Managing the budget, bids, and bills
- How to avoid unnecessary expenses and delays
- Understanding permits, regulations, and codes
- What to consider regarding sustainability and green construction
- Advice on working through difficult or high-stress situations
- How to work effectively with architects, designers, and builders
- Battle-tested tips and advice from construction pros, authors, and homeowners
The reality of home construction is that most homeowners learn on the job and make avoidable mistakes that waste time and money. You deserve better.
"Anyone building (or interested in building) a custom home should consider the Build Livable courses.
They are invaluable because they connect the homeowner with the entire process using clear and concise language and examples.
The courses are helping us understand our options and articulate our thoughts so we can work more productively with the construction team. Highly recommended."
~ David W. & Michael G., Homeowners
Meet Lee LeFever
At heart, I am an educator. In 2003, I founded Common Craft, a creative company known around the world for creating animated videos that explain emerging or complicated subjects.
My specialty is explanation and clear communication. In 2012, I published The Art of Explanation, which has been translated into 8 languages.
I'm applying this expertise to over a decade of experience in being building homes as a homeowner.
Project #1 was a full renovation and taught me a valuable lesson: being a homeowner is painful and confusing. Few things were explained or even acknowledged. Like most, I learned on the job.
Project #2 involved adding a full story to our existing home over a year. I continued to learn and developed a homeowner mindset.
Project #3 was a full custom home that took 20 months to build and was completed in 2021. This experience inspired Build Livable.
Over a decade, I had finally accumulated the experience and know-how to explain construction and help my fellow homeowners.
I have the experience to teach homeowners and the skill to do it well. I hope you'll join me.