Initially, some things to consider are budget, land and location. The dimensions of the property, the type of terrain of the land, the kind of home plans you desire and what specific style you desire. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms are key aspects to remember. Understanding what makes your dream home your own will bring you one step closer to achieving it. The next step should be to contact your local building department to find out specific requirements for permitting. Some jurisdiction or municipalities require an architect or engineer to sign-off or seal their approval to meet local building codes. There are no architectural or engineering stamps or sign-off’s of any kind on our plans. Engineering calculations are not provided with any plans and should be provided by your own hired, local architect or engineer. The best place to start looking for an architect or engineer would be your local phone directory since they would need to be familiar with YOUR local building codes. Wind load, snow load and earthquake engineering would be YOUR engineer or architect’s responsibility.
The square footage of the home you build is the most significant factor in calculating the cost. The easiest way to determine your local average cost per square foot for new homes is to contact your local chapter of Home Builders. Labor and material costs also differ widely across the country. Your building site’s characteristics also will play a significant role. Finally, the amenities you choose for your home will also substantially impact the final cost of your home.
All our home plans have been built at least one time prior to being posted on our site. Our plans include most everything you need to build. Typically but not always, it would include a site plan (for reference purposes only), all architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing and sometimes mechanical layouts, as well as other important notes, schedules, details and sections, etc. Important details, such as where the home will be located on your site, and how the water, sewer, and electrical hookups are made is something you will need to address with your contractor and local building inspector. If engineering is required by your local building department you will need to contact and hire them on your own.
Building codes are safety regulations pertaining to how a building (commercial or residential) should be built. They are intended to protect both builders and homebuyers from building an unsafe structure. Many restrictions, regulations and inspections are regionally required due to soil conditions, weather conditions, etc. There are three major nationally recognized model building codes that are all very similar in content in the United States: UBC (Uniform Building Code); BOCA (Building Officials & Code Administrators); and CABO (Council of American Building Officials). Every state, county and local municipality has adopted some form of one, any or all of these standard building codes. Because codes and requirements can change, and may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, we cannot warrant compliance with any specific code or regulation.
If the page you’re viewing does not have a rear or side view let us know. You may need to purchase a STUDY SET of plans (not for construction) to view the side and rear elevations. Some of the plans we offer have alternate elevations as well. Please call to check availability.
Air conditioning square footage calculations are made from the perimeter of the exterior walls and do not include garages, covered entries, porches, balconies and decks. We include two-story, volume, vaulted and stair areas once in the calculations of the first floor. All room sizes shown on the floor plans are measured from wall to wall for that room. Under roof square footage includes the air conditioning square footage plus garages, covered entry, covered patios and balconies, not including overhangs.
Since our home plans are sold throughout the United States, we do not know exactly where the homes have been built. However, we do have full-color renderings available for all our plans. Please note these renderings may not be exactly as the floor plans are displayed. Our architects may have added their own details to the exterior and sometimes, changes to the floor plans. As a result, the floor plans available on this web site may not always be identical to the houses in the renderings or the construction documents. For some designs, we have photographs and aerial views available.
We can provide limited modifications to our home plans, based upon the extent of the customization. Please contact our office for discussion with one of our architects. Please have the plan number available when you call us with any questions or for additional information. If you purchase a CAD set or Reproducible Vellums, those plans can be taken to a local draftsperson or Architect for changes you desire. Please call us for discussion so we can work with you on pricing and redesigning the home plan.
A mirror or reverse plan is the opposite way the plans were drawn. Our computer programs allow us to “flip” the plan and keep the text forward reading. So, if you selected a plan and need to have it reversed, make sure you check the appropriate box on the Online Order Form, so the applicable charges will be applied to your order.
It is a translucent paper that can be used to print erasable sepias/mylars. Reproducible prints can be altered by a local architect, engineer or builder and comes with a reproduction waiver so copies can be made as needed. If you plan to make modifications to the home plans, you must purchase this type of set.
This number can vary depending on who is involved in your building process. We recommend that when purchasing your sets you always keep a full set for your records. Depending on your area, you will need a few sets for your builders / subcontractors, mortgage or lending institution, building department, and anyone else who may be directly involved in the building of your home. The safest way to go is a 3 to 5-set minimum since blueprints cannot be copied and are protected under Federal Copyright Laws.
At the time you purchase a set of plans, you possess a limited licensed to build only one structure from the plans. You are not allowed to build more than one structure with your purchase. For additional information or clarification, contact our office.
We do not honor any refunds or exchanges of processed/shipped orders. We must stress that you must review your order prior to placing it. It is also VERY important that you check the dimensions of your lot or land before selecting a house plan. An option would be to purchase a STUDY SET prior to your final order.
A Study Set is design development floor plans and elevations similar to what you see on our web site. They can be reviewed by builders and engineers for vital information you will need prior to the construction of the home. These Study Sets have labeled room names, provide overall dimensions, fixtures, layouts and appliances.
All orders will be processed within 2 business days after confirmation. You should allow between 5 to 7 business days to receive your order depending upon your selected method of shipment. To speak with a representative directly regarding your order, call us during our regular business hours Monday through Friday, EST 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
