What's Included in a Plan Set?
KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE WITH YOUR PLAN PURCHASE
Stock plans come in an extremely wide range of qualities from an extremely wide range of sources. Many designers who offer stock plans for sale sell only the design; your documents are meant to be completed by a local professional, and do not include much of the basic information needed to actually construct the home. We strongly advise that you consult your local building official to verify what you will need to submit for your building permit before you make a plan purchase. We pride ourselves on setting our product apart from the crowd: each set of home plans that we offer will provide you with all the necessary information to build your home. Our plans come detailed to meet the latest International Residential Code, and include gravity loading calculations and beam specifications as needed for the home’s design. If you’re considering a plan purchase from elsewhere, be sure they are providing what you really need.
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
In addition to the front exterior, your drawing 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. Note: Sections and Elevations depict the default foundation, regardless of optional foundation page choices
FLOOR PLAN(S)
Exterior and interior wall framing, and windows/doors are dimensioned. Room sizes are indicated and any beams, posts and structural bearing points are called out. The floorplans include an electrical legend, and electrical fittings, lights and outlets are shown. Floor Plans will also indicate cross–section details (provided on the sections page) and show any special framing details applicable to the design. Cabinet elevations are typically provided with your cabinet shop drawings from your cabinet supplier.
ROOF PLAN
Roof framing or truss directions are shown, slope directions are indicated and structural members are sized and called out if applicable. The gravity loads used to calculate the rafters, beams and posts are indicated , and we also show gutters, downspouts, and any roof venting required for your home.
FOUNDATION PLAN
The foundation page dimensions, concrete walls, footings, pads, posts, beams, bearing walls, and any stepped foundation information along with any retaining wall info (schematic only). A typical wall section for the home is also usually included on this page (if not, it is elsewhere in your plan set, as space allows). If your plan features a poured concrete slab rather than a basement or crawlspace, the foundation page shows footings and details for the slab, and includes plumbing locations.
BUILDING SECTIONS
Building sections show changes in floor, ceiling, or roof height, and the relationship of one level to another. Our section pages also show how the stairs are calculated (if there are some!) and depict roof and foundation members. We try and draw sections to show the most useful information — choosing locations where there are elements you or your contractor might need clarification on. Note: Sections and Elevations depict the default foundation, regardless of optional foundation page choices.
NOTES AND DETAIL PAGE(S)
Your home comes detailed to meet the requirements of the latest adopted version of the ‘International Residential Code’, and our notes and details pages outline all the elements applicable to the design of your home. Compliance with further standards may need to be incorporated into your plan set, depending the requirements of your building department — these are usually done locally.
What's NOT Included in a Plan Set?
In addition to the above architectural drawings, there are items that will probably be needed in order for you to create a submittal package to your local building department. These items include:
- Structural Engineering
- Civil Engineering & Site Plan
- Septic Design or Sewer Availability Letter
- Well Report or Water Availability Letter
- Geo-Technical Report for Sloped Lots
- Truss Drawings
