Before any home building project, you need plans and blueprints. This is a stumbling block for many people. Sometimes it’s a question of money. Other times it’s a question of finding the design you want.
But, since this is one of the very first steps in the home building process I get a lot of questions along these lines. Here’s one.
Question: What is the quickest and cheapest way to get house plans for my new home building project?
Answer:
Certainly, there are many ways that you can get your floor plans. Architects, residential designers, drafters and structural engineers can all prepare house plans, floor plans and blueprints for you. Many times, you can find a “Design Build” contractor who can design your home and prepare blueprints for you.
I support all these methods and for a lot of people, one of these will be your best bet. Owner builders need options, however, and if you’re looking for speed at a greatly reduced price, you’ll have to look in another direction.
Quick, Easy, & Inexpensive House Plans
The quickest, easiest, and least costly way would usually be to purchase pre-drawn and engineered blueprints from a “stock” house plan book or website. These will not be truly custom house plans since custom plans would need to be drawn by an architect (or other designer) exclusively for you.
Most times, you can get complete sets of blueprints with your house plans from which you can build. Be sure you check to make certain.
Buying a Stock House Plan
You can purchase these floor plans, both online and off, for a few hundred dollars. This is in stark contrast to the several thousands of dollars it would cost to use most architects and residential designers.
Here are a few things to ask before you purchase:
* Can their plans be customized? You may want to make a few minor changes.
* Will they provide a detailed list of materials for construction?
* What is their guarantee against defects in the plans?
Remember, with stock house plans you won’t have a truly custom design, but you won’t pay the price either.
A Word of Caution
Now, there’s a big word of caution before you purchase! Always check with your local building authorities including your Home Owners Association if you have one. There could be specific requirements about who you can use to design your plans or where you can purchase plans.
It could actually be illegal to have plans prepared out of state/province or jurisdiction. You may even be required to use an architect from an approved list of architects.
Yes, you could save a lot. But, do your research before you purchase.