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Each set of home plans that we offer will provide you with the necessary information to build the home. Some adjustments to the plans may be necessary in order to comply with your state or county building codes.
Each designer's standard set of plans is unique. To better inform our customers we have published, in the What's Included tab on all plan detail pages, what is specifically included with that particular plan. The following list shows what is generally included with each set of plans that we offer.
FRONT PERSPECTIVE - An artist's sketch of the exterior of the house gives you an idea of how the house will look when built and landscaped.
FOUNDATION AND BASEMENT PLANS - Includes detailed information about the foundation layout including concrete walls, footings, pads, posts, beams, bearing walls, and foundation notes. If the home features a basement, the first-floor framing details may also be included on this plan. If your plan features slab construction rather than a basement, the plan shows footings and details for a monolithic slab. This page, or another in the set, may include a sample plot plan for locating your house on a building site. Additional sheets focus on foundation cross-sections and other details. In some instances a designer may only provide what is commonly referred to as a foundation schematic or plumbing plan. These types of drawings only show the footprint of the foundation and do not include foundation construction details.
DETAILED FLOOR PLANS - Show the layout of each floor of the house. Rooms and interior spaces are carefully dimensioned and include locations of doors and windows. Plans will also include and markers indicating cross-section details provided elsewhere in the plans if applicable.
HOUSE AND DETAIL CROSS-SECTIONS - Large-scale views show sections or cutaways of the foundation, interior walls, exterior walls, floors, stairways, and roof details. Additional cross-sections may show important changes in floor, ceiling, or roof height, or the relationship of one level to another. These sections show exactly how the various parts of the house fit together and are extremely valuable during construction. Additional sheets may include enlarged wall, floor and roof construction details. NOTE: A majority of our plans include cross-sections but some do not. To determine if a plan includes these details click on the "What's Included" tab on the plan detail page.
ELECTRICAL PLAN - The electrical plan offers suggested locations with notes for all lighting, outlets, switches, and circuits. A layout is provided for each level, as well as basements, garages, or other structures. This plan does not contain diagrams detailing how all wiring should be run, or how circuits should be engineered. These details should be designed by your electrician. NOTE: A majority of our plans include electrical plans but some do not. To determine if a plan includes these details click on the "What's Included" tab on the plan detail page.
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS - In addition to the front exterior, your blueprint set will include drawings of the rear and sides of your house as well. These drawings give notes on exterior materials and finishes. Particular attention is given to cornice detail, brick and stone accents, or other finish items that make your home unique.
ROOF FRAMING PLANS - IMPORTANT NOTE: Some plans contain roof framing plans, however because of the wide variation in local requirements, many plans do not. If you buy a plan without a roof framing plan, you will need an engineer familiar with local building codes to create a plan to build your roof. Even if your plan does contain a roof framing plan, we recommend that a local engineer review the plan to verify that it will met local codes.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SEALS
Some cities and states now require that a licensed architect or engineer review and "seal" a blueprint, or officially approve it, prior to construction. Other items that are typically not included are:
- Location of actual ductwork for heating and air conditioning
- Drawings showing the actual plumbing pipe sizes and locations
- Electrical wiring and panel diagrams
- Location-specific engineering
Prior to application for a building permit or the start of actual construction, we strongly advise that you consult your local building official who can tell you if such a review is required.
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