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 We have attempted to compile several pieces of helpful information that better explain the process of purchasing a house plan from House Plan Gallery.com. For anything that is not addressed in this section, see our Frequently Asked Questions section or email us.
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What do typical plan sets include?
In general, each house plan set includes the following elements, but the presentation of these elements may vary depending on the size and complexity of the home and the style of the individual design:
Cover Sheet
Showing architectural rendering of residence.
Floor Plan(s)
In general, each house plan set includes floor plans at 1/4" scale with a door and window schedule. Floor plans are typically drawn with 4" exterior walls. However, details/sections for both 2"x4" and 2"x6" wall framing may also be included as part of the plans, or purchased seperately.
Foundation Plan and Details
In general, each house plan set includes one foundation type.
Additional foundation types may be available for a given house plan, and these options can be viewed on each plan's detail page.
Foundation types typically offered: (each type may or may not be available for a given design)
- Slab: Slab is a type of foundation consisting of a structural concrete slab poured directly on the grade. No accessible space exists in slab construction. Slab foundations are popular in areas (i.e. the Southern United States) where there is a relatively high water table (i.e. the "water table" refers to the depth in the soil at which you find water). Traditionally, the slab foundation is the least expensive foundation type when building on a relatively flat lot.
- Crawlspace: Crawlspace is a type of foundation which includes an accessible space with limited headroom, typically between the soil and the bottom of the first floor of a home. Crawlspace construction is predominant in areas where there is heavy clay content in the soil, where the home owner needs additional under-home storage space, or the homeowner needs access to pipes, wiring, etc. under the floor of the home.
- Basement: Basement is a type of foundation which includes an accessible space between the soil and the bottom of the first floor of a home. It usually has more headroom than a Crawlspace. Basement foundation construction is predominant in cold climates where the foundation needs to be situated below the frost level.
Electrical Plan with electrical symbols legend
In general, each house plan set includes an electrical plan which will show the locations of lights, receptacles, switches, etc.
Roof Drainage Plan
In general, each house plan set may include a roof drainage plan which will show the layout of all roof sections/planes.
Exterior Elevations
In general, each house plan set includes all applicable front, sides and rear elevations, as well as any special exterior details.
Interior Elevations
Where applicable, each house plan set includes relevant interior elevations, including cabinets, cabinet details, columns and walls with unique conditions.
Specifications Form
In general, each house plan set includes a blank short-form FHA/VA specifications document for your reference.
License to Build
Each set of construction plans include ONE license to build.
If you would like to build multiple houses from one set of plans, please contact us to obtain pricing for a multi-use license.
Plans include relevant building sections and details.
Plumbing diagrams and HVAC plans are not available for these homes since each county's code will vary and a licensed plumber and/or electrician must follow the codes.
Note: Plan packages do NOT contain a Materials List. A Materials List can be purchased seperately for any of our plans for an additional fee.
Plan Packages
Review Set:
A Review Set plan package includes to-scale floor plans and elevations ONLY. This package allows you to get a much better idea of a particular house's layout and size. In addition, this plan package is intended to help you to decide if the home you have chosen will fit into your budget, and to give you a better idea of room size. The Review Set plan package does not include the roof plan, the foundation plan, building sections or details.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A CONSTRUCTION SET OF PLANS. A LICENSE TO BUILD WILL NOT BE INCLUDED.
One Set:
A One Set plan package includes a full-set of construction drawings, but DOES NOT include a valid license to build. This package is intended to help you decide if the home you have chosen will fit into your budget, and to obtain construction bids. It also allows you to get a much better idea of a particular house's layout and size.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A CONSTRUCTION SET OF PLANS. A LICENSE TO BUILD WILL NOT BE INCLUDED.
Construction Set (5 Set or 8 Set Package):
A 5 or 8 set construction plan package includes a full-set of construction drawings, and includes a valid single license to build. These packages are intended to build from, will help you decide if the home you have chosen will fit into your budget, and are useful for obtaining construction bids. It also allows you to get a much better idea of a particular house's layout and size.
Reproducible Set:
A Reproducible Set plan package is similar to the normal construction plan packages, with the additional feature that it is printed on an erasable paper called Mylar, sepia, or vellum. This type of plan package would be preferable for you if you plan to make minor changes to the plans. Once youÕve made your changes, you are legally able to make, typically, up to 10 copies of plans to build from.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: A Reproducible plan package includes a copyright release allowing you to, legally, make copies of this copyrighted plan. It does not, however, provide a license to build the plan more than one time without a Multi-Use Construction License.
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PDF File Set:
The "PDF File" plan package is your best value, and provides you with an electronic version of the plan's construction documents. This plan package provides many advantages over the Reproducible, 8 Set, 5 Set, 1 Set, and Review Set plan packages including:
- Need more copies of the plan? No problem! Simply take the file to any local print shop and have them print out your copies in your desired size. In addition, you will have the copies available for use....THAT DAY!
- Need different size copies for different people? Easy! You can print out an 8 1/2 x 11 set for your office, a 11 x 17 set for your local building officials, a 18 x 24 set for your builder, a 24 x 36 master set for yourself! Unlimited flexibility!
- Need to modify the plan? We've got you covered! Simply take the PDF to a local building design professional and they will be able to update your drawings in the same way as if you provided them with a printed "Reproducible" set.
- Need your plans immediately! No need to wait for your plans to ship! We can email you the PDF file, usually the same day!
Learn more...
CAD File Set:
A CAD File plan package includes an electronic file version of the house plan with full size, quarter-inch scale copy of all sheets of the design. This particular plan package is best utilized for situations in which you have found a plan that you like but it still requires moderate-to-significant modification.
With the CAD file option, you have the ability to take the plan to your chosen local design professional (provided that they have computer-based design equipment i.e. AutoCad), discuss your needs/modifications, and the designer can then modify the design much more readily than if trying to do so with a paper-based drawing.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: A CAD File plan package includes a copyright release allowing you to make changes to the plan and to, legally, make copies of this copyrighted plan. It does not, however, provide a license to build the plan more than one time without a Multi-Use Construction License.
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Note: "Review" and "One Set" plan packages do NOT include a license to build and will be stamped "NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION". These plan packages are for review purposes only. Additional sets (not stamped) may be purchased, at a reduced price, for up to 30 days after your original order. After the 30 days if you want additional sets you will need to pay full price for any sets you wish to order.
Please note that all plan packages may not be available for all house plan designs.
Special Considerations
Compliance with Codes
Depending on where you live, you may need to modify your plans to comply with local building requirements snow loads, energy codes, seismic zones, etc. House Plan Gallery authorizes the use of our plans expressly conditioned upon your obligation and agreement to strictly comply with all local building codes, ordinances, regulations, and requirements including permits and inspections at the time of construction.
Architectural and Engineering Seals
The increased concern over energy costs and safety has prompted many cities and states to require a local architect or engineer to review and "seal" a plan prior to construction. There may be a fee for this service, and this will be the plan owner's full responsibility. Please contact your local lumber yard, municipal building department, builders associations or local chapter of the American Institute of Building Design (A.I.B.D.) or the American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.) to obtain names of qualified persons in your area.
Minor Changes
In some cases, minor changes and material substitutions can be made by a professional builder without the need for plan revisions. However, if you will be making major changes, we strongly recommend that you order a "Reproducible Set" or "CAD File" plan package and seek the services of a local design professional.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Due to regional variations, local availability of materials, local codes, methods of installation, and individual preferences, it is impossible to include much detail on heating, plumbing, and electrical work on your plans. The ductwork, venting, and other details will vary depending on the type of heating and cooling system (forced air, hot water, electric, solar) and the type of energy (gas, oil, electricity, solar) that you use. These details and specifications may be obtained from your builder, contractor, and/or local suppliers.
Optional Products and Services
Materials List:
The Materials List product provides a listing of the general quantity and quantity of basic materials needed to build the primary structure of your home. A materials list is a great value for you and your builder to speed up the bidding and building process, and is very helpful in acquiring a construction estimate. Pricing varies by house plan. Please visit the plan's detail page on HousePlanGallery.com for pricing.
Mirror-Reverse Floorplan:
A mirror-reversed house plan drawing has been, literally, copied in reverse, resulting in the same image you would see if you held the drawing up to a mirror.
Everything, including the text, is backward in relation to the original. These kinds of drawing are typically used to re-orient an original plan more advantageously on a site, either because the homeowner prefers it that way or because of limitations of the site itself.
Right-Reading Reverse Floorplan:
A right-reading reversed floorplan is one that is the reverse layout of the plan, BUT all text, symbols, etc. are not reversed, as in the mirror reverse option above. This type of plan option is usually available for plans that have been designed in CAD software.
Color Rendering:
The Color Rendering plan option provides you with a beautiful high-resolution 10" x 14" version of your new home's front elevation. A wonderful addition to your new home!
Energy Efficient Design Details Sheet:
The "Energy Efficient Design Detail" package provides you with building construction detailed drawings on:
- Energy Efficient Plumbing
- Energy Efficient Electrical
- Energy Efficient Plumbing
- Energy Efficient Wall Framing
- Energy Efficient Roof Framing
- Energy Efficient Site Planning
- Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances
- Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling
As well as very useful information on recommended insulation r-values, alternate wiring methods, and several other key items.
A great value in the building of your new home!
Modifications:
We do offer modification services for all of our plans. Please call us to discuss your needs and to obtain a quote for your requested changes.
Number of Plan Sets Required to Build
The number of sets required to build will vary by design, preferences, type of construction, lot location, and a number of other factors. We have created a helpful check list to assist you in your home plan purchase:
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Owner's Set(s) |
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Builder (Usually requires 4 sets) |
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One as a legal document |
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One for inspection |
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Two for tradesmen and subcontractors (Examples: Electrical, plumbing/heating & A.C., brick layers) |
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Building Permit (May require 1 or 2 sets) |
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Mortgage Source (Usually requires one set for conventional mortgage) |
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Two sets for FHA (Federal Housing Administration) mortgage |
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Three sets for VA (Veterans Administration) mortgage |
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Subdivision Committee (Usually requires one set) |
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___Total Sets Needed
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Plan and Product Pricing
For available plan set packages and prices, etc., please refer to the product detail page of your selected design.
Mississippi Residents add 7% state sales tax to your order.
Shipping Fees
House plan shipping fees are as follows:
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1-4 Sets |
5-10 Sets |
11-15 Sets |
| Standard Ground Shipping |
$20.00 |
$25.00 |
$30.00 |
| 2nd Day Shipping |
$40.00 |
$45.00 |
$50.00 |
| Next Day Shipping |
$50.00 |
$60.00 |
$70.00 |
Please note that all shipping terms (i.e. number of days) are in business days (i.e. Monday - Fridays, barring holidays, other designer-specific scheduled periods).
Orders are sent by United Parcel Service (UPS), and offer online order tracking:
Accepted Methods of Payment
| Credit Cards |
All orders will,
typically, be shipped within 48 hours (on business days) if paying by credit card. We
accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
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| Certified Check /
Money Order |
All orders will,
typically, be shipped within 48 hours (after payment receipt) if
paying by certified check or money orders. |
| Personal Check |
All orders will have a
7-9 day holding period (after payment receipt), if paying by
personal check. |
| Home Mortgages |
Find out facts on mortgage refinance for your information. |
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Customer Testimonials:
House Plan Purchased: HPG-2216-1
"It all started with the beautiful lot we bought. The three acre lot had a lot of character. There was a hill on one side and it was a corner lot. Next came the house plans. We knew that we wanted to build a ranch house. We looked at a lot of house plans, and when I found this plan, I had alot of questions. House Plan Gallery helped me every step of the way, and they were very nice and easy to work with. I would recommend them to everyone and if I ever were to build again I would use them in a heart beat. I love my home.
My top 3 favorite features of my house include: 1.)I love my 3-way fireplace. You can see it from so many areas in the house. You can see it from the dinning room, kitchen and the greatroom. Its a great feature that helps divide the rooms instead of a wall. 2.) I love my walk-out basement with the french doors and the two full windows. The light that comes into the windows and doors are wonderful they really brighten up the basement, and finally 3.) I love the outside of my house which is all stone, brick, shake and siding... no wood, no maintenance.
We did make some changes to the original floor plan. House Plan Gallery made it so easy and very inexpensive. When I did do the changes, they were done right and quick. I also had no problems with the city on my house plans. Everything was done right and everything was up to code. Everyone that worked on the house had no problems with the blue prints.
We upgraded the ceiling by switching to 9ft. ceilings throughout the whole house. We made the master bedroom a cathedral ceiling and we did the same in the greatroom. In our dining area we did a beautiful tray ceiling with rope lighting. We wanted our greatroom to be bigger so we took out the foyer and extended the greatroom into that area. The guys at House Plan Gallery were definately "on their game" when they realized that changes in the roof had to be made because of the changes in the greatroom.
On the right side of the house we took out the three bathrooms and only went with one. The original plan in the master bedroom had three doors. One coming in the bedroom, the closet door and the bathroom door. We eliminated the closet door. You go through the masterbath to get in the closet and can get to his and her closets. Its works out great.
If I'm getting ready for work and Tom's sleeping, I can close the door and get totally ready and not bother him. When you walk into the house from the garage there is a flex space that is on the origal floor plan. The change we made there was to take that out and put a half bathroom, it works out great. If Tom's working in the garage or we have a party out side, Tom or our guest don't have to use the masterbath room or walk across to the other side of the house. We also bumped out the french doors that come off the dining room. We put bay windows so when the french doors opened they would not interfere with the table. Our 2 favorite and most special changes we love are the three way fire place that helps divide the great room and dinning area, and the walk out basement with two full windows and french doors. So the house looks like a ranch from some angles but from others, it looks two story.
Now check this out, the outside is gorgeous. We used stone, brick, shake and siding in the house. A lot going on, but it flows. No wood is on the outside, we didn't want anything we had to do maintenance on every year or every other year. We also decided to use foam insulation. It comes out of a machine and then swells up in the wall cavity and you then shave the extra foam off. Our basement called, at first for 10 poles. We reconstructed the floor joists and now we have only 2 in the basement. The basement floor we used stamped concrete. We also used a Geothermal system to heat and cool our house.
I'm so proud of my house; I thank everyone that made this a great experience. My husband was the general contractor, he did it all, I give all the credit to him. I was very satisfied with the outcome. I would be happy to recommend anyone interested in building a new home to work with the guys at House Plan Gallery. It was a WONDERFUL experience, and I can't say enough good about the house plans!
CLICK HERE to checkout our new home construction photos ..."
Tom and Katelynn C.
Mantua, Ohio
House Plan Purchased: HPG-2755-1
"The house plan was perfect... Its really hard to just name a few features that I like about this home design, but my favorites are: the tray ceiling in the Dining and Master Bedroom; the porch in the back; the bedrooms being completely on the other side of the house from the master bedroom; and the large oversized garage with the workshop area.
When we purchased the plans, we wanted to find a contractor that would actually build the plans "to the letter" of the actual working drawings, so we asked the local building inspector for recommendations. We found a contractor from that recommendation, and the ball started rolling from there.
We made a few modifications to home, onsite, including moving the fireplace to better allow for the placement of a full video/audio center cabinet. We also screened-in the porch and made the fourth bedroom a little larger so as to serve as my wife's scrap room. However, the largest modification was made on the bonus room, where we stick-built the roof to add an additional 1,500 sq ft which will include a full bath with a ~ 500 sq ft game room, 300 sq ft computer/media room, and a 700 sq ft home theater. This upper level is under construction as we speak and I can't wait to get in there!
The porch was screen-in and the 4th bedroom was made larger to the wife's scrap room. Bathroom was removed to add space. Also window was added to wall where no window appeared in plan to add sunlight. However the largest modification was done to the Bonus Room. The roof was was stick built to add an additional 1500 sq ft. that will include a full bath with a 500 s/f game room, 300 s/f computer/media room and a 700 sq ft Home theater. This upper level is a home project under construction as I write.
The home is great and a great layout. Great for entertainment and to enjoy after a long day at work.
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Ray M.
Statesville, North Carolina
House Plan Purchased: HPG-20002-1
"My wife and I began our Total Money Makeover (Dave Ramsey plan) just after college. We saved up money to make sure we could have 20% on our house. Once we saved that up we started looking. We looked at around fifty houses but none of them felt right.
At the same time, my Grandma gifted my wife and I land. So, we began looking at blue prints. We were hooked. We knew we wanted an open concept and enough room for our projected four children, so we would never have to move. Once we found this layout we knew it was the one. It was absolutley everything we were looking for.
The building process took some time, but were very happy with the outcome. Our open concept could not be better. We love to entertain, and we also have large families, so it has been so nice to have room to accomodate everything.
We are so proud of our home! And we are glad that we saved like we did because we plan on living in this home for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much!"
Justin K.
Edwardsburg, Michigan
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