WHATS IN A SET OF PLANS
What Do Plans Typically Include?
Though each plan includes a different combination of sheets, the majority of our plans come with the following:
FOUNDATION PLAN
Present a top view of the footings, foundation walls, and the location of posts, beams, and load bearing walls as necessary. ***PLEASE NOTE - Not all plans will come with a foundation plan. Most cities and states now require foundations to be drawn and engineered by a licensed structural engineer. ***
FLOOR PLANS
Focus on the view of the house as if it were sliced horizontally at a level that would include all doors and window openings.
ROOF PLAN
An aerial view showing the roof layout. Includes information such as roof slope, hips, valleys, roof drains for flat roofs etc.
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
Display the layout of the building from the outside perspective. This typically includes the front, sides, and rear elevation as well as windows, doors, and exterior materials (such as siding, brick, etc).
ELECTRICAL PLAN
Shows the location and type of all lighting fixtures, switches, receptacles, and wiring necessary for the house.
INTERIOR ELEVATIONS
Views from the interior looking at cabinets, built-ins, fireplaces and any other important interior fixtures.
MISCELLANEOUS DETAILS
Includes construction details that can include framing details, wall sections, stair sections, etc.
WHATS NOT IN A SET OF PLANS
While our house plans include all the information needed to construct your home, some of these additional items may be required by your local municipality. Prior to purchasing a set of house plans, we recommend you contact your builder, a local engineer, and building officials to learn your city, county, and state building codes.
Some items you may need to acquire in addition to your house plan include:
ARCHITECTURAL OR ENGINEERING STAMP
Depending on the city, county, and state building requirements, house plans may need to be reviewed by an architect or engineer for structural details and code standards. Contact a local architect or engineer to verify the requirements for your location.
SITE PLAN
A site plan essentially shows how the house will fit on the lot between the building lines and the setbacks. It also shows which sides the garage should be built on and where parking, drainage, sewer lines, water lines, lighting, landscaping, and walkways should be constructed. Contact a civil engineer to obtain the site plan.
MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
These types of technical drawings show information about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Contact a local HVAC company to obtain mechanical drawings.
PLUMBING DRAWINGS
These drawings show the location of all plumbing materials throughout the house and outside. Contact a local plumbing contractor.
ENERGY CALCULATIONS
These calculations determine how energy efficient your new home will be. Contact a local engineer to dictate these calculations.
TRUSS PACKAGES
This information determines the structural frame work of the roof and/or floor system to build the home. Contact a local truss company.
FRAMING PLANS
Framing layouts with beam sizes and locations are not always included in our house plans. If not included in the house plan, contact a builder, local building supply company or engineer.
DO YOUR PLANS COME STAMPED BY AN ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER?
No, stock house plans do not come stamped by an architect or engineer. While our plans are designed to meet generally accepted national building codes, they are not designed to meet specific local code requirements. Some municipalities may require plan review by a licensed architect or structural engineer in your local area. Please check with your local building officials to determine if an architect's stamp is required. If so, you will need to have a local architect do this before construction begins. In doing so, you may be required to purchase the CAD files for a plan if available.