Click on the questions below to locate the answers:

What is the difference between a conceptual plan and stock plan?
Are you architects?
Do plans need to be stamped by an engineer?
Is the garage included in the square footage?
What does it cost per square foot to build a house these days?

 

What is the difference between a conceptual plan and stock plan?

Stock plans have been available through various home plan magazines and publications for years. In fact, many of the homes constructed around the turn of the nineteenth century were built from stock plans. Essentially, a stock plan is a set of construction drawings or "blueprints" that has already been completed. The plans will include most of the information you'll need to build your home. However, there are certain details such as foundation designs that must be reviewed locally. Also, since building codes vary from one area to another, some of the construction details and specifications may need to be modified. It is essential that you obtain the original designer's or architect's written permission before you begin to revise, redraw, or copy the plans. New copyright laws dictate stiff penalties if you ignore this point!

Conceptual plans are home designs that have not yet been finalized. These drawings will provide the essential information needed to present the design of the floor plan and exterior. Exact dimensions, electrical, and foundation details have not been completed. However, all of the drawings are to scale, so determining various sizes and dimensions is relatively easy. Each of the conceptual plans includes a "copyright release" that gives you and your local designer or architect the authority to make changes to the design and complete the working drawings. If you intend to make any changes to the plan (either modifying the design to suit your needs or revising to meet local codes) a conceptual plan may end up saving you some time and money.

 

<<back to the top

 

Are you architects?
No, we are not architects we are residential designers. We specialize in home design. Most people assume that only architects draw houses but in fact most homes are designed by residential designers.
 

<<back to the top

 

Do plans need to be stamped by an engineer?
Yes, all plans need to be engineered because soil conditions vary from one area to the next. A soil test needs to be taken and a report written that describes its condition, a foundation must be designed to meet those conditions. For example; an engineer will determine if piers are necessary and if so where they need to be placed. Some areas require that the framing drawing and foundation be stamped by an engineer; most engineers will do both.
 

<<back to the top

 

Is the garage included in the square footage?
No, the living area of a house does not include the garage. The footage of a house is calculated to the outside of the exterior wall of the area that is heated and cooled.
 

<<back to the top

 

What does it cost per square foot to build a house these days?
That’s like asking, “What does a car cost these days?” Before anyone could answer that question they would have to know what kind of car you want and what options you wanted on it. We always suggest that you talk to a qualified builder in your area. Tell them what size and style home you are interested in, let them know about those wood floors you want, the corian counter tops and the oversized garage with a shop you have to have. Do you need a water well or a septic system? These are all things that will significantly affect the cost. Giving them as much information as possible will enable them to give you more accurate the information in return.
 

<<back to the top