About Homelab Launchpad

Welcome to Homelab Launchpad—a place where beginners become builders.

This project was created to make self-hosting accessible, understandable, and empowering. Whether you're spinning up your first server or exploring Docker for the first time, you're in the right place.

🎯 Our Mission

To help you build a homelab from the ground up—one step at a time.
No jargon. No gatekeeping. Just clear, practical guidance that meets you where you are.

🧰 What We'll Cover

• Installing and configuring your first server
• Using Docker and Docker Compose to run apps
• Managing containers with tools like Portainer
• Building a local-first, privacy-respecting setup
• Organizing your services with dashboards like Heimdall
• And eventually, safely exposing services to the internet

🧠 Who It’s For

Homelab Launchpad is for anyone who’s ever thought:

“I want to run my own stuff—but I don’t know where to start.”

If you’re curious, cautious, or just tired of relying on cloud services you don’t control, this space is for you.

🚀 Why It Matters

Self-hosting isn’t just about tech—it’s about autonomy.

It’s about learning how things work, taking ownership of your digital life, and building something that’s truly yours.

Whether you're following along with the YouTube series or exploring the guides here on the site, Homelab Launchpad is your companion on the journey from zero to self-hosted.

Let’s build something together.