How to Build Your Own Charlie HR
Replace Charlie HR with a custom build. Save time on HR admin and build a highly-engaged team
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 27 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 27 features
Time Off(7 features)
Monitor and track sick leave and absences with smart notifications
Automate holiday requests, approvals, and calendar updates without manual spreadsheets
Automatically calculate holiday allowances for new starters, part-time workers, and handle rollover
Tailor time off policies to fit specific company needs
Let managers handle time off requests and approvals
+2 more in this category
Recruiting(6 features)
Analyze candidate fit for positions
Remove bias from hiring process with blind hiring capabilities
Automate manual hiring tasks including smart interview scheduling, eSignature contracts, blind hiring, and custom careers site
Create a branded careers page for recruiting
Digital contract signing for job offers and agreements
+1 more in this category
Compliance(3 features)
Stay up-to-date and compliant with annual policy reviews
Get expert guidance to create and customize company handbook
Expert guidance on compliance with legal requirements and company policies
Integration(2 features)
Easily integrate with other HR tech stack tools
Integrate with Slack to keep team informed about time off and availability
Benefits(1 features)
Let employees choose their rewards from industry-leading perks and benefits with over 30,000 deals and discounts
Data Management(1 features)
Centralized location to store and organize all HR documents and employee data
Engagement(1 features)
Understand your team and drive engagement with insights and tracking
Expert Support(1 features)
Get expert HR guidance by phone, email, or live chat with unlimited support and legal compliance checks
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Charlie HR
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 27 features at very easy complexity.