Hi, noob here, can someone direct me in the correct direction for a guide on learning how to build an IVR, or possible directions to some threads which speak about the basics.
Thanks 
simply google Asterisk+IVR:
have a look here:
voip-info.org/wiki/view/Aste … s+IVR+menu
if you are looking for advanced IVR like interacting with DB for example, then google for Asterisk + AGI.