Before You Build
GET THE COURSE · $50

Out now · instant access · $50

How to get started with your first home build.

Go from “I want to build” to “I actually know where to start.” Learn the process we’ve personally used across our builds in California, Oregon and Tennessee. We’ll walk you through finding land, what to check before buying, county questions and permits, budgeting, what we DIY vs. hire out, and the order we tackle a build.

6 step-by-step video lessons + downloadable worksheets, checklists and templates based on our real projects.

GET THE COURSE · $50 See what’s inside
  • 6 step-by-step video lessons
  • Worksheets, checklists + templates
  • Real examples from our builds
  • Instant access, watch at your own pace
The two of us inside the house we framed on our land

The hardest part is knowing where to start.

Everyone asks us the same two things: how did you find the land, and where do you even begin? This course answers both. It's planning and our real experience, not construction instruction. You'll leave with a clear roadmap of what to investigate, who to contact, what questions to ask, and what your next steps should be before moving forward with your own build.

What's inside

6 lessons. Your entire starting toolkit.

Each lesson combines our real experience with something practical you can use for your own project, including worksheets, checklists, templates and real examples from our builds.

  1. 01

    Before You Start Looking for Land

    Figure out your build goals, approximate budget, must-haves, property criteria and how involved you want to be.

    Worksheet: My Build Starting Point.

  2. 02

    Finding Land + What to Check BEFORE You Buy

    How we search for land and what we investigate before buying, including access, utilities, septic/sewer, water, soil, grading, restrictions, surveys and the things that can turn “cheap land” into expensive land.

    Land comparison + pre-buying checklist.

  3. 03

    County, Permits + Approvals

    What we personally experienced building in California, Oregon and Tennessee, who we contacted, what we asked and what we wish we knew beforehand.

    Questions to Ask Your County checklist.

  4. 04

    How We Budget a Build

    Land, site prep, foundation, materials, hired work and unexpected expenses, using real examples from our projects.

    Build budget template + our real example.

  5. 05

    What We DIY vs. What We Hire Out

    What we’ve chosen to do ourselves, what we’ve hired professionals for, how we make those decisions and what we’ve learned along the way.

    DIY vs. Hire-Out worksheet.

  6. 06

    The Build Roadmap

    The big-picture order we follow, from raw land and due diligence through site work, foundation, framing, getting dried-in, mechanicals and finishes.

    Start-to-finish build roadmap.

Our story

We didn't just research it. We did it.

Raw woods to a framed house, with our own hands. Here's some of it.

We’ve now taken on builds in California, Oregon and Tennessee, and we’re sharing what each one taught us.

Drone view of the clearing on our land with the excavator and chipper
Day one of clearing, from above.
Running the mini excavator to clear the build site
Clearing the build site.
The two of us in front of the wood chipper
Chipping everything we cut.
Walking the property before we bought it
Walking the land before we bought it.
Standing on scaffolding inside the framed walls
Walls up.
Standing in front of a finished cabin
Where it's all headed.

Who it's for

This is for you if…

  • You want to build a home or cabin someday and have no idea what the first step is.
  • You've been scrolling land listings and don't know how to tell a good parcel from a bad one.
  • You want to learn what to investigate BEFORE spending thousands on land, plans or construction.
  • You want the honest version from people who've been through it, not a real estate pitch.

Available now

Before You Build

All six lessons are live. Start watching the minute you check out.

Your purchase includes:

  • 6 step-by-step video lessons
  • My Build Starting Point worksheet
  • Land comparison + pre-buying checklist
  • Questions to Ask Your County checklist
  • Build budget template + our real example
  • DIY vs. Hire-Out worksheet
  • Start-to-finish build roadmap
  • Real examples from our builds
  • Lifetime access

$50

One payment · lifetime access

GET THE COURSE · $50

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FAQ

Questions

Is this a construction course?

No. This is about planning and getting started: finding land, due diligence, county questions and permits, budgeting, what we DIY vs. hire out, and the order we tackle a build. It's our process and our real experience. We're not teaching you to become a contractor in six videos.

Does it apply where I live?

Our firsthand building experience is in California, Oregon and Tennessee. Requirements vary by state and county, so the course gives you the questions, checklists and tools to investigate your own area, and every worksheet points you to what to confirm with your local offices and utilities.

How long does it take?

The lessons are designed to be short and practical so you can work through them at your own pace. Then take as long as you like filling in the worksheets and templates for your own project.

When do I get access?

Right away. After checkout you go straight to the course, and we email you a personal link so you can come back any time.

Do I get access forever?

Yes. One payment, lifetime access, including any updates we add.

What if it's not for me?

Email us within 30 days and we'll refund you. No questions.

Contact us

Questions? Email us.

About the course, the plans or your own build. We read every email.

info@jakejess.com