Leave the tools at home and join us for an in-depth weekend retreat designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently oversee your own self-build project.

Who is this course for?

We believe that to manage a self-build project, you must first understand the fundamentals of construction and the building process. For that reason Build School level 2 is only open to those who have completed Build School Level 1 and anyone collaborating with them on an upcoming build. You can also purchase this course as a gift here.

What will you learn?

Over three days, Cian Corcoran will guide you through essential project management principles tailored specifically for self-build projects. From assessing project feasibility and setting realistic goals to creating a detailed project plan, you'll learn:

How to translate your dreams to design
How to create your project plan
How to assess feasibility
How to make informed decisions
How to best manage available resources
How to stay on track within your budget and timeline

What will you take away?

Walk away from this retreat with a personalised project plan that reflects your vision and goals, as well as the confidence to navigate the challenges of self-build project management.

How is the course structured?

Starting with lunch together at 2pm on Friday, we’ll get to know each other’s dreams for our projects, and start to translate them to design. We’ll then move on to creating your project plan, exploring the role of effective project management for self-build projects and identifying personal project goals and vision. You’ll develop a draft project plan, including scope, budget, and timeline. We’ll discuss effective communication and collaboration strategies for project implementation with other parties and look at tools for tracking project progress and managing milestones

Next we will learn to evaluate project feasibility and constraints, and how to conduct a site analysis to understanding site-specific considerations. We’ll go outdoors for a site analysis exercise to apply site-specific considerations to your project.

Resource management and organisation - Learn to identify and source necessary construction materials, tools, and equipment, and find out about incorporating sustainable building practices and eco-friendly materials. Learn to manage suppliers, build a project team and managing subcontractors or tradespeople.

Project Plan Review - Take time to create a project plans with guidance from instructors, before gaining feedback and support from instructors and peers to refine and improve the plans.

whilst connecting with other self-builders over three delicious lunches from the Common Knowledge Kitchen.

What’s included?

Your course fee of €300 covers 2.5 days of tuition, the use of equipment and materials to develop your plan, a wholesome and nutritious breakfast and dinner created by our on-site chef, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed.

Staying with us at The Common Knowledge Centre

At The Common Knowledge Centre we now have a range of accommodation options on site to suit all budgets and needs. When you stay with us, you’ll be supporting our newly established guesthouse and be close to the action. We recommend arriving the evening before your course. You can view available accommodation on our booking page.

More information

We will provide you with a loan of a hi-visibility vest for use when on-site.
For your own safety, no loose-fitting clothing or shorts are permitted, and you should wear long sleeves when in the workshop. The following safety gear is required and mandatory to participate in the course:
- Protective gloves*
- Safety glasses*
- FFP2 Mask*
- Goggles*
- Ear defenders*
You may already have many of these items or want to pick them up yourself. These items are available in our optional Site & Safety Kit which also includes a high quality measuring tape and comes in a Common Knowledge tote bag. This is available to purchase as an add on to your course ticket.
For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our
FAQs page
.