Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in my house plan purchase?                
We offer PDF and CAD sets: Depending on what you order, you will receive either a PDF or CAD file of the plans which include all four exterior views, dimensioned floor plans, a foundation plan, a roof plan, building sections, and any other details necessary to explain how to build your home. Generally, this is the basic package that you need for construction. You may need to consult a local architect to ensure the plans meet your local building codes and get a local engineering stamp to obtain a building permit. Construction Sets contain electrical layouts, but DO NOT include plumbing or mechanical diagrams.

 

Can I modify a stock house plan? How long will it take?                   
Yes, we offer custom modification services. On average it takes one to three weeks and usually starts around $399.00 and depends on the complexity of the changes. Please have the plan number ready and give us a call at 1-800-495-0488 for more information.

 

Can I purchase a plan and have it modified by someone else?                
Yes, please choose the CAD option and then you can take those plans to a local draftsman or Architect to have changes made.

 

What do I do after purchasing my plans from you?                 
The first thing you should do is contact your local building department to find out exactly what is required for permitting. Some areas require an engineer or architect to sign-off/seal their approval to meet local building codes.

Then decide if you want to go with conventional lumber for your floor and roof system or engineered prefabricated trusses. Conventional floor and roof systems may need engineering if required by your local building department. If choosing engineered trusses, you'll need to drop off one set of plans to your local truss plant or building materials center where they will furnish truss layouts and truss details. Generally, they provide this service as part of the truss price package.

You MUST get the specific requirements from your local building department. What we at BuildingPlans.com provide are just what's called the "design" and "working drawings". There are no engineer or architectural stamps/sign-off's whatsoever. Engineering is not provided with any plans and should be provided by your own hired, local Engineer.

The best place to start looking for an engineer or architect 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 architects responsibility.

 

Can you help me find a particular type of house plan?

Sure, If you don't see what you want on our website just give us a call toll free at 1-800-495-0488 and one of our sales reps will be glad to help you.

 

What types of foundations are available for my plan?                
Many times changing a foundation type is a very simple matter and can be done during construction. Most of our plans are drawn with a standard slab but can be modified for basements, crawl space, etc. Please note the plan you're interested in and give us a call toll free at 1-800-495-0488 with any questions. You will find the type of foundation that is available for the plan you have chosen in our general specifications chart on the price page of that plan.

 

Do you have duplex and multi-family house plans?                  
Yes, you can also give us a call if you can't find the one you wanted.

 

Do you have alternate elevations of the plan I like?                    
Most of the plans we offer have more than one elevation drawn for them. Please give us a call if you'd like to check availability.

 

Can I see rear/side elevations or more artwork/pictures?                  
Some plans offer alternate rear and side elevations. If you don't see it, give us a call and we will see if we can get copies and send them to you.

 

Tell me about the "living" square footage and room size info?                    
Generally, square footage is calculated as the finished (dry-walled, painted, carpeted), under heat and air square footage. It would include footage from outside framed wall to outside framed wall (not including brick, siding, stucco etc.) and anywhere the floor joists would project, such as in a cantilevered (overhanging) bay window. Other things that are typically not included in a home's square footage are garages, front, back or side porches, courtyards, patio, etc. Basements are also not included in the square footage unless they are finished. All room sizes shown on floor plans are rounded off measurements. Please call to request exact room sizes if there are certain space requirements.

 

If I decide I don't like the plans can they be returned?                   
Unfortunately, no. Since it is possible to make illegal copies of the plans you received, we do not allow any refunds. You need to make sure of your order before placing it. It is also VERY important that you check the dimensions of your lot or land before selecting a house plan as well as any special engineering requirements in your local area.

 

What codes do your plans comply with?                    
Some plans are designed to specifications published by the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI) or the Building officials and Code Administrators (BOCA). Most of our plans are designed to meet or exceed the national building standards. Because of the great differences in geography and climate throughout the US and Canada, each state, country, county and municipality has its own building codes, zone requirements, ordinances and building regulations. Your plans may need to comply with the local requirements regarding snow loads, energy codes, wind loads, soil and seismic conditions and a wide range of other matters. Please check with your local building authorities before making your purchase.

 

How many times can I build the plan I purchase?           
As a registered purchaser of a plan, you are licensed to build only one structure from the plans. If you intend to build a plan more than once, contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-495-0488 for more information about a multi-build license.

 

How can I check my order status?              

You will receive an email order confirmation immediately after placing your order. You will also receive an email shipping confirmation along with a tracking number when your order is shipped. Email us with any order status questions at mehm@comcast.net or call us at 1-800-495-0488, M-F 9-6 Sat 10-4 (EST).

 

How long does it take to ship a set of house plans?                    
All plans are sent via email once your order is confirmed by our staff. Generally, it will be emailed by the next business day.

 

Do you offer custom design work?                    
Yes, please give us a call and we will put you in touch with one of our designers who can work with you on pricing and designing your new home.

 

Do your plans come with a material list?                    
No.

 

What are home building codes?                    
Building codes are safety regulations pertaining to how a building (commercial or residential) should be built. They are intended to protect both builders and home buyers from building an unsafe structure. They deal with everything from nail spacing to wheel chair accessibility. 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. BuildingPlans.com plans all conform to the Uniform Building Code.

 

Do these plans meet my local building codes?                    
Our plans are drafted to meet average conditions and codes in the state of which they were designed. Because codes and requirements can change, and may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, BuildingPlans.com cannot warrant compliance with any specific code or regulation. All of our plans can be adapted to the local building codes and requirements. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or builder of each plan to see that the structure is built in strict compliance with the governing municipal codes (city, count, state and federal). In addition to the complete building plans that you order, you will also need a site plan that shows where the house is going to be located on the property. Your builder can usually help you with this. You may also need a septic design unless your lot is served by a sanitary sewer system. Many areas now have energy codes that have to be followed. This normally involves filling out a simple form proving compliance. Now for the tricky one. There are some areas of the country that have very strict engineering codes. Examples of this would be earthquake prone areas of California or hurricane risk areas of the Florida coast. If you are building in this type of area, it is possible that you will need to hire a local engineer to analyze the house and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you aren't sure, building departments always have a handout they will give you listing everything you need to submit for a building permit.

 

Can a contractor, or I actually build a home from your plans?                    
Yes. Our plans include most everything you need to build. Typically but not always, it would include elevations, floor plans, foundation/basement plans, wall sections, electrical plans and most also have roof plans, 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 or to adhere to local building practices you will need to contact and hire them on your own. Please call for specific details on the plan you're interested in purchasing.

 

How do I find a contractor to build my home?                 
Start with the local phone book. You can also call your local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau and the local Home Builders Association to ask for recommendations. Ask friends and relatives in the area for their suggestions. Also, visit local model homes. Often the builders are there, and you can talk to them to see if they would fit your needs.

 

About our site and house plan copyrights                   
The purchase of a set of plans in no way transfers any copyright or other ownership interest to the buyer except for a limited license to use that set of home plans for the construction of one, and only one, dwelling unit .In 1990 the copyright law changed. The changes effected intellectual property which includes architectural drawings in any tangible medium or form, such as magazines, books, CD-ROMs, or the Internet. Under the law it is not permissible to modify a plan from such sources. It is illegal! All home plans sold through BuildingPlans.com are protected by copyrights held by the individual designers. Reproduction of these home plans, either in whole or in part, including any form and/or preparation of derivative works, for any reason without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Copyright law has been reinforced over the past few years. Willful infringement could cause settlements for statutory damages up to $100,000 plus attorney fees, damages and loss of profits.