A. Yes. You need to purchase either a CAD-file set or reproducible set. Both include copyright releases, so your professional can make the modifications and copies. Both versions also include a building license.

A. They include an electrical plan, showing code-required locations for switches, outlets, etc. However, plans do not include an electrical-wiring diagram or the location of the electrical panel because these items are handled differently throughout North America. Mechanical plans, typically, are not specified for the same reasons. Mechanical systems are installed in different locations, depending on your location, foundation, and weather conditions.

Our plans do show the location of plumbing fixtures but not the location of pipe risers, etc. Plumbing specifications are also dependent on your location and foundation options. Your plumbing contractor will determine pipe locations based on the requirements of your region.

Any original writing (books, plays, songs, poetry, software, etc.) or creative production of images (photographs, films, video, drawings, etc.) is considered the intellectual property of the creator and is protected by copyright laws.

The rights to use these works or copies of these works is controlled by the creator. To use any of these copyrighted materials, including house plans, you need permission, which is often in the form of a license, from the person who holds the copyright. Unauthorized use or copying of these works is stealing. It deprives creators of the income they normally charge for using their words or images.

Consequently, whether you want to build a house from a copyrighted house plan or make a copy, it is your legal responsibility to obtain permission from the copyright holder before using or copying the house plan. House Plan Central.com does not hold the copyrights to the plans you find on our site.

House Plan Central.com acts as a broker, or representative, for hundreds of independent designers, giving you the best selection of stock house plans available. Just as you would not steal materials from a lumber yard to build your house, it is important to obtain building licenses and copyright releases to use and copy any house plan you find on our site.

A. It is a list of building supplies needed to construct the infrastructure of your new house and includes materials such as lumber, insulation, rafters, concrete, and hardware. However, it usually doesn't include hardware for lighting, heating, electrical, or plumbing.

A. You are permitted to build only one house with the plans you purchase from House Plan Central.com. When you buy a set of house plans, you are also buying a license or permission to use the designer's copyrighted material for the construction of one home. (See Copyright Information). Some of our designers offer discounted fees for multiple use, but you need to contact us to verify this option with the designer.

Building codes are standards created to ensure the structural safety of buildings. To obtain a building permit, you will need to demonstrate to your local building department that your new house will meet the building codes of your community.

A. Yes. We can either arrange for the original designer to make the changes for you, or we can arrange for an outside firm to make the changes for you. Most House Plan Central.com designers will make modifications for a fee. However, you should email us and discuss the kind of modifications you are considering.

A. The total living square footage of a house plan is the sum total of the areas inside the exterior face of the heated walls, that is, it does not include areas like garages, porches, or decks. Consequently, you cannot determine the actual square footage of a house by adding the square feet of each room.

A. Modifications to your house plan range from a modest fee of approximately $100, for a minor change, to several thousand, for a larger project, depending on the extent of your changes. If you are interested in making changes to one or more house plans, send us an email describing the items that you would like to see modified. We can discuss the details with you and then obtain a quote for those services from the designer.

Many simple changes can be made during construction by your builder and will not require plan modifications.

A. Just send us an email and we can verify whether it's available. Often a designer is willing to change the house plans for you, but we need to contact him to obtain a quote for the modification. If it's not available, you should also check with your builder. Often, changing a foundation type is a very simple matter and can be done during construction without modifying the drawing. If your building department requires drawings that describe the exact foundation you are planning to use and it is not available from the original designer, you also have the option of purchasing either the reproducible plan set or the CAD-file version (if available), and hire a local designer to make the changes for you.

All our house plans are designed to conform to the local codes where the original house was designed/built. All building codes in the United States are similar because they meet industry-standard minimums that are based on three nationally recognized standards. Certain areas of high risk due to earthquakes and hurricanes typically have more stringent standards.

A. Almost, with a few exceptions, depending on where you are building your house. All building departments will require a site plan to show where the house will sit on your property. You might also need beams sized to accommodate roof loads specific to your region. Your home builder can usually help you with this. If you are not connecting to a sewer system, you also need a septic design attached to your application. And many areas now require compliance with local energy codes, which is normally a simple form you fill out and attach to your application.

In some regions, you also need to ensure that your house plans are in compliance with local codes. Some areas of North America have very strict engineering requirements. For example, earthquake-prone areas of California and the Pacific Coast, hurricane risk areas of the Florida, Gulf, and Carolina coasts, as well as New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and parts of Illinois require review by a local professional. If you are building in these areas, you will most likely need to hire a state-licensed structural engineer to analyze the design and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you aren't sure, building departments typically can give you a handout, listing all of the items they require to obtain a building permit.

Additionally, stock plans do not have a professional stamp affixed. If your building department requires one, they will accept only a stamp from a state-licensed professional where you plan to build. In this case, you will need to have your house plans reviewed and stamped by a local engineer or architect.

Please keep in mind that it is the owner's full responsibility to ensure that any house plan purchased meets all local and state building requirements.

A. In most cases, yes. A growing number of our house plans already have a rear view (also called a rear elevation). If it's available, there will be a rear elevation link located below the house floor plan image.

A. Most plans are shipped within 1-2 business days of receiving your order. Many shipping options are available. (See House Plan "Shipping Options"). Normal ground shipments within the continental United States take five to seven business days.

A. Unfortunately, our designers do not release this information for privacy reasons. For more information, please see Privacy Policy.