Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to common queries and solutions.
Constructing a home can be quite an undertaking, but remember, the most rewarding endeavours often demand commitment and hard work. Crafting your dream home is no exception! Therefore, we’ve compiled a FAQ section with corresponding answers for your convenience. Of course, if you have a question that isn’t covered here or require additional information, feel free to reach out to us.
Finding your ideal plan is simple. Begin your search here and utilise the filters to refine your plan options based on style, size, features, and more. If you haven’t found the perfect plan, don’t worry. Any house plan can be customised for a fee, or you can order a modifiable plan and collaborate on changes locally. Feel free to contact us for assistance with your plan search.
We do not use customers’ building information to respect our customers’ privacy. We periodically request photographs from builders and homeowners for sold plans, which we may feature on our website. However, if you opt for a custom design with an architect, they may not provide a floor plan before requesting a deposit.
Certain cities and states may mandate the review and “sealing” of blueprints by a state-licensed architect or engineer as an unofficial approval step following compliance review before construction commences. We highly recommend consulting with your contractor and local building department to determine if such a review is necessary before applying for a building permit or commencing construction. In regions prone to heavy rain, snow, earthquakes, coastal conditions, floods, and high winds, additional engineering considerations for plans are typically required.
We frequently seek photographs from our customers and plan designers, consistently adding new images each week. If the plan you’re interested in lacks displayed photos, it may indicate that we haven’t acquired them yet. Please reach out, and we will try to obtain supplementary images for your reference.
A walkout basement features an exit door or doors that lead to the exterior, typically located at the rear or on one side of the house. Walkout basements are particularly suitable for homes constructed on sloping lots. However, we recommend that plans requiring a walkout basement undergo review by a local engineer to assess any necessary bracing, considering potential soil shifting.
Like realtors and appraisers, our square footage calculation encompasses only the “conditioned spaces.” This refers to the heated areas of the home. Our square footage calculation excludes various areas, such as porches, patios, sunrooms, screened porches, bonus rooms, garages, and foundations. Usually, basements may be incorporated into the square footage if finished and converted into livable spaces.
Different cities, states, provinces, and subdivisions may have unique codes and regulations tailored to their specific needs. Our plans are created to comply with building code standards applicable to the time and place of their design. However, these plans are not typically customised for specific regions.
In many cases, additional requirements may be necessary once you’ve obtained your plans, such as site plans, structural engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) plans, compliance with energy codes, and updates to local codes. It’s crucial to allocate a budget for these considerations in your location.
Before embarking on your project, it’s advisable to consult with your local building official for guidance. If you have questions about plan codes for a particular design, contact us for further information.
In many cases, additional requirements may be necessary once you’ve obtained your plans, such as site plans, structural engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) plans, compliance with energy codes, and updates to local codes. It’s crucial to allocate a budget for these considerations in your location.
Before embarking on your project, it’s advisable to consult with your local building official for guidance. If you have questions about plan codes for a particular design, contact us for further information.
The cost of constructing a new home can vary significantly based on factors such as the house’s location, the desired level of finish (including materials like tile, trim, and window quality), and the specific construction site conditions. We offer a Cost-to-Build estimation service, which employs the same software many insurance companies and home appraisers utilise.
Here are some critical details about our Cost-to-Build service:
Here are some critical details about our Cost-to-Build service:
- Once you’ve selected a specific plan, click on the “Get Cost-to-Build Report” button to obtain an estimate tailored to that plan.
- Our Cost-to-Build reports rely on the latest data provided by Xactware, Inc., a renowned industry leader in estimating solutions and building cost information with a track record dating back to 1986.
- It’s worth noting that many lenders accept a plan set accompanied by a Cost-to-Build report as part of initiating a construction loan.
Certainly! If you’re browsing other sources and discover an identical plan on a competitor’s website, we are prepared to beat their standard listed price by 5%. It’s important to note that this Low-Price Guarantee pertains specifically to house plans and does not extend to supplementary products or services. Additionally, it does not apply to particular offers or discounted plans. If you come across a plan that meets the criteria for our Low-Price Guarantee, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
It’s essential to recognize that your plans may require adjustments to conform with local mandates related to snow loads, energy codes, soil quality, seismic conditions, and other site-specific planning considerations. Before placing your plan order, we highly recommend consulting with a qualified homebuilder or engineer who can provide insights into your area’s specific planning requirements.
Furthermore, engaging with your local building official is advisable before initiating any permit application or commencing construction. It’s important to emphasise that our plans come with authorization for use, contingent on your compliance with all local building codes, zoning prerequisites, and other pertinent laws, regulations, ordinances, and conditions outlined by your planning commission. We also offer adjustable plan options to assist with meeting local requirements when necessary.
Furthermore, engaging with your local building official is advisable before initiating any permit application or commencing construction. It’s important to emphasise that our plans come with authorization for use, contingent on your compliance with all local building codes, zoning prerequisites, and other pertinent laws, regulations, ordinances, and conditions outlined by your planning commission. We also offer adjustable plan options to assist with meeting local requirements when necessary.
Our plans encompass the essential drawings needed for constructing a house. However, the specific contents can vary, as different designers include varying levels of detail. Each plan’s detailed page will provide a comprehensive list of its particular inclusions, so we encourage you to review it thoroughly. You can contact us or submit a request directly from the plan page if you require further clarification.
At the very least, our plans adhere to the following standards:
At the very least, our plans adhere to the following standards:
- Foundation Plan: Rendered to a 1/4” scale, this page features all essential notations and dimensions, encompassing support columns, walls, and excavated and unexcavated areas.
- Exterior Elevations: These are detailed blueprint illustrations of all four sides of the house, depicting exterior materials and measurements.
- Floor Plan(s): These are comprehensive plans, drawn to a 1/4” scale, for each level of the house. They provide room dimensions, wall partitions, window placements, and the positioning of electrical outlets and switches.
- Cross Section: This offers a vertical cutaway view of the house, spanning from the roof to the foundation. It reveals intricate details of framing, construction, flooring, and roofing elements.
Typically, builders find obtaining between 5 and 8 copies of the plan advantageous. This quantity varies based on the number of individuals participating in the permitting and construction phases. We frequently dispatch plans in bundles of either 5 or 8 copies to accommodate this common requirement.
If you opt for a PDF, Reproducible Master, or CAD set, you can generate additional copies locally, facilitating distribution among your municipality, builder, and subcontractors.
If you opt for a PDF, Reproducible Master, or CAD set, you can generate additional copies locally, facilitating distribution among your municipality, builder, and subcontractors.
Yes, when purchasing a house plan, you can choose the delivery method. If you select 'By Email,' you will receive a digital copy only. However, if you choose 'UNISEND Tracked Delivery,' a physical copy will be shipped to your specified address for an additional fee. The estimated delivery time for physical copies is approximately three weeks.
The plans are copyrighted and, as such, are not intended for reproduction. Copies can only be generated if you specifically order the reproducible print option.
Our house plans are designed to comply with general building codes applicable at the time and location of their original design. However, local building codes vary significantly by region, and additional approvals or modifications may be required.
We strongly recommend consulting a licensed local professional (such as a structural engineer or architect) to ensure compliance with your area's specific building regulations, including:
We strongly recommend consulting a licensed local professional (such as a structural engineer or architect) to ensure compliance with your area's specific building regulations, including:
- Load-bearing requirements
- Climate adaptations (wind, snow, seismic conditions)
- Energy efficiency standards
- Zoning and permit regulations
Each house plan is designed by experienced and certified architects or designers specializing in residential construction. Before being listed on our platform, every plan undergoes a thorough internal review process, including:
- Structural and Layout Verification – Ensuring the accuracy of room dimensions, load-bearing elements, and functional space planning.
- Compliance with General Building Standards – Checking alignment with industry-standard construction principles at the time of design.
- Technical Clarity and Detailing – Reviewing drawings for completeness, clarity, and ease of use for builders.
The Reproducible set entails a single master copy of the plans we dispatch to you. It includes a licence that permits you to create your copies locally. This option proves particularly useful when multiple individuals are engaged in the construction process or if you intend to implement minor alterations to the plans.
In today’s market, the digital PDF version has gained popularity as a “reproducible” plan alternative. With the PDF format, you can save the plans directly to your hard drive, eliminating concerns about running out of copies or the risk of torn or damaged plans. Furthermore, the digital PDF allows you to print to scale as needed. An additional advantage of the PDF order is the speed of delivery, as you can receive it much more swiftly than ordering a printed Reproducible set.
In today’s market, the digital PDF version has gained popularity as a “reproducible” plan alternative. With the PDF format, you can save the plans directly to your hard drive, eliminating concerns about running out of copies or the risk of torn or damaged plans. Furthermore, the digital PDF allows you to print to scale as needed. An additional advantage of the PDF order is the speed of delivery, as you can receive it much more swiftly than ordering a printed Reproducible set.
Acquiring a PDF, Reproducible Master, or CAD set affords you a limited copyright release alongside your plans. This release grants you the legal authority to duplicate the original design, facilitate necessary modifications, or collaborate with a local architect and engineer to certify the plans, should such certification be a prerequisite. Notably, the PDF and Reproducible Master formats enable you to print directly onto large-format sheets at the desired scale, providing flexibility for your customization needs.
A Reversed Blueprint has two primary variations: the “Mirror Reverse” and the “Right-Reading Reverse.”
- Mirror Reverse: In this option, the plan layout is reversed without altering the text or dimensions, resulting in a mirrored image. While the plans are reversed, all written content appears backward.
- Right-Reading Reverse: This alternative involves reversing the plan while physically adjusting all text, dimensions, and annotations to ensure they are legible and correctly oriented. Often referred to as a “true reverse,” this service may entail a slightly higher cost but prevents costly errors that may occur when attempting to interpret mirror-reversed plans, a concern particularly relevant to builders and subcontractors.
A Material List is a comprehensive breakdown outlining all the essential components required to construct your home based on the provided plan. Armed with a Material List, you can initiate the process of soliciting pricing quotes from your local material suppliers and supply companies.
If you happen to not find a Material List option available for the plan of your choice, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will gladly provide pricing details for obtaining a Material List specific to your selected plan.
If you happen to not find a Material List option available for the plan of your choice, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will gladly provide pricing details for obtaining a Material List specific to your selected plan.
Our Specification Outline is a 16-page document meticulously enumerating 166 distinct stages or elements integral to the construction process. This comprehensive document is a valuable resource, offering an extensive overview of the construction journey and facilitating informed decision-making regarding materials and choices throughout the project.
Within our floor plans, you may encounter a variety of common abbreviations, including:
- K.S. - Knee Space
- Pan. - Pantry
- W.I.C. - Walk-in Closet
- FPL - Fireplace
- W.D. - Washer/Dryer
- Surf. Unit - Surface Unit
- D.W. - Dishwasher
- Ref. - Refrigerator
- VLT - Vaulted Ceiling
- Pdr. - Powder Room
Indeed, we offer Study Plans for many of our designs. These plans serve as valuable tools for preliminary planning and soliciting bids. However, it’s essential to know that Study Plans are labelled as “Not for Construction” and should not be used for actual building purposes. When you decide to proceed with the licensed construction plans, we extend a generous 90% upgrade credit.
For instance, if you invest $500.00 in a Study Plan, we’ll deduct $450.00 from the cost of upgrading to the complete construction plan, making your upgrade cost $550.00 if the regular price of the upgraded plan is $1,000.00.
For instance, if you invest $500.00 in a Study Plan, we’ll deduct $450.00 from the cost of upgrading to the complete construction plan, making your upgrade cost $550.00 if the regular price of the upgraded plan is $1,000.00.
The construction guide is an informative PDF document that offers a comprehensive overview of essential construction elements, from foundational aspects to wall assemblies, exterior finishes, and more. It’s specially tailored to assist “Do-it-Yourselfers” in gaining a better understanding of fundamental construction techniques.
It’s a delightful tool to kickstart your journey in designing how you’d like to furnish the rooms in your new home. Each kit includes a scaled general floor plan grid and static-cling furniture pieces, allowing you to arrange and rearrange your furniture ideas effortlessly.
We frequently receive inquiries about plan customization, and the answer is a resounding yes! You have the flexibility to collaborate with our skilled team of plan designers to make alterations to any plan. The pricing for modifications may vary depending on the plan’s size and the complexity of the changes you desire. Even if you opt for extensive alterations, it remains a cost-effective choice compared to initiating a design from scratch with a designer or architect. For an estimate on plan modifications, please submit a request directly from the plan detail page.
It’s important to note that some of our designers may require a small consultation fee to assess the pricing for your specific changes, so be sure to check the details of the plan you’re interested in. Additionally, you can make local modifications using the PDF or Reproducible Master (for minor changes) or adjustable CAD plans (for moderate to significant changes). These options have a special licence allowing you to customise your plans locally.
It’s important to note that some of our designers may require a small consultation fee to assess the pricing for your specific changes, so be sure to check the details of the plan you’re interested in. Additionally, you can make local modifications using the PDF or Reproducible Master (for minor changes) or adjustable CAD plans (for moderate to significant changes). These options have a special licence allowing you to customise your plans locally.
Certainly! Nevertheless, it’s important to note that we can’t simply “shrink” the entire plan uniformly. Some aspects, like doorways, hallways, and window sizes, must maintain fixed dimensions and cannot be scaled down. To explore the possibilities of reducing the plan’s size, we must examine each section of the house individually to determine where adjustments can be made effectively.
With our customization service, you can make a wide range of modifications to your chosen plan. Whether you wish to relocate a door or window or undertake a comprehensive redesign of the entire plan, we’re here to help.
Some standard customization options include altering the foundation, incorporating a bonus room, expanding room dimensions, or adding extra garage stalls. Rates for plan modifications can vary, so we encourage you to submit your specific modification request directly from the plan page or contact us. We’ll gladly provide an estimated cost and timeframe for your desired changes.
Some standard customization options include altering the foundation, incorporating a bonus room, expanding room dimensions, or adding extra garage stalls. Rates for plan modifications can vary, so we encourage you to submit your specific modification request directly from the plan page or contact us. We’ll gladly provide an estimated cost and timeframe for your desired changes.
To begin customising your plan, you can submit your modification request through our website or by contacting one of our Plan Advisors on the Contact Us page. Upon receiving your request, we will carefully review it and provide you with an estimate for the proposed modifications.
Once you approve the estimate, we will send you a contract for your review. After receiving your payment and the signed agreement, a dedicated Project Manager will assist you throughout the plan modification process. Typically, plan modifications require 4-6 weeks to complete, though the timeframe may vary depending on the designer. To ensure we meet your specific deadline, please don’t hesitate to contact us for confirmation.
Once you approve the estimate, we will send you a contract for your review. After receiving your payment and the signed agreement, a dedicated Project Manager will assist you throughout the plan modification process. Typically, plan modifications require 4-6 weeks to complete, though the timeframe may vary depending on the designer. To ensure we meet your specific deadline, please don’t hesitate to contact us for confirmation.
We recommend ordering modifiable CAD plans to convert a plan to Metric units. This will enable you to collaborate with a local professional for the necessary conversions.
Indeed, our customization team can make the necessary adjustments to ensure wheelchair accessibility. This typically involves modifying doorways, hallways, kitchen and bathroom layouts, and closet configurations. These changes are essential to provide the required width for manoeuvring and turning within the home to make it wheelchair-accessible.
In many cases, the roof pitch can be adjusted, either raised or lowered. However, such changes may not always be feasible for plans with intricate rooflines and multiple pitches. Please contact us for assistance to determine if the roof pitch can be modified for your preferred plan.
Certainly, you can request a quote for kitchen modifications. However, it’s often more common to collaborate on kitchen and bath alterations with your builder and/or interior designer after you have received your plans.
Your finalised plans will be provided in digital PDF or CAD format based on your chosen option with your Plan Advisor. Additionally, if you prefer physical copies, we can print and deliver full-sized plans for $50.00 per set, plus a $25.00 shipping and handling fee.
Certainly, we provide this service at a cost ranging from $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot. If you have a concept for a custom plan design, feel free to share it with us, and we’ll be glad to assess it and offer you an estimate.
Typically, plan modifications are completed within approximately 4 weeks. However, the process may extend to up to 8 weeks for more extensive plans or those requiring intricate changes. It’s important to note that this turnaround time is often quicker than commissioning a custom plan from a local designer.
Once you’ve approved the provided estimate from your Plan Advisor, they will create an invoice or Scope of Work Agreement. This document will be sent to you via email. Upon receiving the signed agreement and completing the purchase of the plans and customization service, we will promptly schedule your project and commence collaboration with you.
The cost of customising your plan can vary based on several factors, including the size and complexity of your home design and the number of plan sheets that require redesign. Minor modifications are typically manageable by your builder or can be done for approximately $500 to $1,000 in addition to the plan purchase.
For more significant revisions, such as moderate to major changes, the cost may range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on the factors above. Remember that this cost is significantly lower than you’d typically pay for a custom house designed by an architect or designer.
For more significant revisions, such as moderate to major changes, the cost may range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on the factors above. Remember that this cost is significantly lower than you’d typically pay for a custom house designed by an architect or designer.
In certain situations, yes, it is possible. However, our designs are primarily created to align with national building code standards. Given that local requirements can vary significantly, we recommend collaborating with an experienced local home builder who can assist you in navigating the specific permit process in your area. Once your plans are submitted, we can collaborate with you on additional adjustments for an hourly fee.
We provide complimentary ground shipping within the continental United States. Additionally, we offer priority and express shipping alternatives (please inquire with our Plan Advisors at the Contact Us page for the latest pricing). Please note that plans shipped to Canada may incur additional fees associated with customs and available delivery services.
Please be aware that all sales of copyrighted house plans are considered final, and we do not offer refunds or exchanges after you have received your plans. However, if you decide not to proceed with constructing the initially ordered house, we may be able to provide a discount on a replacement plan. It’s advisable to conduct thorough research before placing your plan order to ensure that you select a house plan that aligns with your preferences and needs.
Unfortunately, we cannot facilitate returns or exchanges. However, we may consider providing a discount on a new plan should you wish to make a change.
If you find within 90 days that you need to upgrade your plans or obtain additional copies, please contact us for pricing. In most instances, we can facilitate an upgrade from a 5 or 8-copy set to a digital plan option by applying a 90% upgrade credit and including a minor processing fee. Similarly, we can typically apply a 90% upgrade credit if you wish to upgrade from PDF to CAD.
You can make payments using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Additionally, we offer the option to pay by phone using a check for most plans.
No, there is no specific time limit for using your house plan. We recommend storing your plans and copyright letters securely so you can access them when you are ready to begin construction.