Frequently asked Questions about Plans
What is . . .
•
What is included in one "complete
set of plans"?
•
What are the stud and rafter sizes?
•
What is a Material List?
•
What is a Specification Form?
• What
does that camera icon mean?
• What
is the difference between plans with the same number but have an
"F" vs an "L"?
•
I have some common questions about
plans
How much . . .
• Can
you tell me how much it would cost to build a specific home?
•
If I order one set of plans now,
can I get the 2nd set at a reduced rate at a later date?
• How much are your plans in Canadian
Dollars?
Does it include . . .
• Why do I need 5
sets of plans?
•
Does the plan come with plumbing,
electrical and heating details?
•
How can I tell if the house plan has a
basement plan?
• How many pages are included in a plan?
• What does the plan look like when I get it?
• Do your plans meet any special building
codes?
• Do the plans include the wall thickness
and other elevation views?
Can I . . .
•
Can I increase the size of the house or
make other minor changes?
•
Can
the plans on your site be submitted to a local building inspector and are these
fairly easy to read?
• Can I see the plans that do not have
links on your "List of Plans" page?
• I have a house that was built by one of
your plans. Can you include my home photo on your site? Is it confidential?
• Can
I see a photograph of the home already built?
I want . . .
• I want a couple of bedrooms and a basement, can
you offer suggestions?
• I
want to order one set and make copies
• I want to include a link to your site
on my page. What do I do?
• Can you give me a ballpark figure on
building a specific house?
• I want to make changes, do you
create custom plans?
• I want to place an order, do you take
credit cards? How do I order?
• I want to use logs on my exterior. Do
you have plans for logs or can any home plan of yours be built with a log
exterior?
•
I want a Dogtrot. What is it and do you have any?
• I
want to find a builder in my area, do you have any tips?
Q: What is included in
" one complete set of plans"?
A single Complete Set of Plans includes all floor and foundation plans drawn at 1/4" scale,
four elevations, wall section through the house, vanity and kitchen cabinet
details, fireplace elevation and details and any other unusual details that may exist.
Plans are printed on 18"x 24" to 30" paper and are Copyrighted Material and are not to be reproduced.
The specification sheets that come with your
plans, specify construction materials, but not specific finishing materials.
Your individual choices will determine types & brands of siding, windows,
carpet, etc.
Q: What is a Material List?
A material list provides the quantities of lumber and other building materials. Example: number of plywood sheets,
sq ft of insulation, number of studs, joists, number of drywall sheets, etc. Lists are available on most plans.
A
material list can only be purchased with a plan purchase of the same number.
• bf = board feet
• lf = linear feet
• sf = square feet
• pcs = pieces
• square of roofing = 100 sq ft
Q: What is a Specification Form?
The specification sheets that come with your plans, specify structural materials, but they do not specific finishing materials. Your individual choices will determine types & brands of siding, windows, carpet, etc. The list can be completed by you for finishing materials.
The FHA-VA Form is included with each order.
Q? What
does that camera icon mean? 
If you see the camera icon ( ) on a
plan information page, click on it to see an actual photograph of a built
home.
Q: What
is the difference between plans with the same number but have an
"F" vs an "L"?
The difference between "L" and "F" is only the exterior. Our naming convention is: F = frame exteriors L = log exteriors. Otherwise, if the plan number is the same, the floor plan is the same.
I
have some common questions about plans:
1. What type of roofing structure is used - prefab, cathedral ...
etc.
(2x6 rafters or optional scissor trusses)
2. What are the foundation requirements?
(Most older plans show 8" concrete blocks w/ brick
veneer)
3. Is the wall 2x4 / 2x6 construction?
( 2x4 studs @16" o.c.)
4. Do you supply a material list?
(Most plans offer one for sale)
5. Can you send me any more details regarding this plan? Larger pictures
etc.?
(Sorry, all we offer is the construction plan at this
time)
Q: Can
you tell me how much it would cost to build a specific home?
If you take a print-out from the website of the plan you like and talk to your building supplier or to your builder, they can give you a close estimate of what houses are running per square in your area.
Quality and selection of materials can greatly change the prices (such as a $50 sink vs. a $500 sink). Also location in the country can differ in prices (e.g., Florida insulation prices vs. Montana insulation prices).
Tip: Talk to people at stores like Home Depot or to a builder. They can give you an idea or estimate of the average cost per square foot to build in your city. Then multiply that cost by the square footage in the selected the plan, making sure you include the square foot costs for unheated areas, such as the garage, porches, storage rooms & basements.
Plans can be ordered with a list of materials to accompany the construction plans, if you wish to have a builder figure the cost estimate of the selected plan.
Check out these links on info from the US Census
http://www.dreamhomesource.com/Estimate.asp?PlanID=2750&State=http://www.census.gov/prod/2000pubs/c25-99a.pdf
Q: If I order one set of plans now,
can I get the 2nd set at a reduced rate at a later date?
No. Your best value is to order all the sets you need in your initial order.
Q: How much are your plans in Canadian
Dollars?
Our plans are priced in US Dollars. You can calculate the price
using a conversion calculator available on the web site at
this URL. Just select from US to CAN and it will give you an idea of
the charge you will see if you use a Credit Card. Conversion rates change slightly
every day, so it depends on the date the card is charged, but it is usually
only pennies difference.
Q: Why do I need 5
sets of plans?
You usually need one set each for the Building Permit and the Mortgage Company, two sets for the Builder to pass to the subcontractors and one set for you.
Q: Does the plan come with plumbing,
electrical and heating details?
Plumbing fixtures are positioned on the floor plans. Electrical outlets, ceiling lights fixtures, and switches are located on the floor plan. Sub-contractors will provide you with bids based on your selections of plumbing and lighting fixtures, and your brand of air/heat unit, information, all of which you can include on your specification form.
Q: How can I tell if the house plan has a
basement plan?
Look for a stairway going down, usually under
the stairway going up to the 2nd floor.
If the plan has an alternate stairway, drawn to the side of the floor plan, it means that the designer has shown the builder how to add basement stairs, but the construction plan will show a crawl space, not a basement floor plan. A basement layout can be added by your builder to fit your site if you desire a basement.
Also, look at our list
of plans for a review of which plans have a basement plan. If the term optional or access is used, that means there is no basement plan, but there is an optional stairway or access to a possible basement. If an 'X' is shown, there is a basement plan that comes with the full set.
Q: How many pages are included in a plan?
Number of pages in a plan set will be determined by the size & the style of the house. Pages in a Complete Set can number from 6 to 12.
Q: What does the plan look like when I get it?
The plan is a blueline print, usually 18"x24" or 18"x30" The plan is sent to you rolled in a cardboard box for which you will need to sign a certified return receipt.
Q: Do your plans meet any special building
codes?
While Natalie's plans were designed to be built in the south eastern section of the country, most of the construction plans meet the Southern Building Code (SBCCI) and CABO for One Family Dwellings. Exceptions would be seen in the tiny cabin plans with door sizes, stair risers and treads. For building sites in the United States in areas of heavy snow adaptations should be made on rafters sizes and possible 2x6 stud walls.
Q: Do the plans include the wall thickness
and other elevation views?
The plans will show 2x4 stud walls in the wall section with other materials such as insulation, siding, drywall or sheetrock. If you wish to use 2x6 stud walls, this change can be made by your builder. They should remember to allow for the extra 2" at any tub that is near an exterior wall.
Elevations showing the four exterior sides
of the house are included in the plan.
Q: Can I increase the size of the house or
make other minor changes?
You can obtain permission from Natalie and Custom Home Plans,
Inc. to make changes in the construction of your home.
Q: Can
the plans on your site be
submitted to a local building inspector and are these fairly easy to read
prints?
Yes, these plans are easy to read and to build by. The construction plans are complete with dimensions which place walls and windows, Also, included are notes to advise the builder.
Q: Can I see the plans that do not have
links on your "List of Plans" page?
If a plan is listed on the "List of Plans"
page, but does not have a link to a floor
plan, it is not yet available on our website. You can write us an email
to check on availability.
Q: I have a house that was built by one of
your plans. Can you include my home photo on your site? Is it confidential?
We welcome photographs for our website. Please review the
terms of use on the photo release page. We
do not disclose names or addresses of any customers at any time.
Q: Can
I see a photograph of the home already built? 
If you see the camera icon ( ) on a
plan information page, click on it to see an actual photograph of a built
home.
Q: I want a couple of bedrooms and a basement, can
you offer suggestions?
Browse the plans by square footage starting here
on the Floor Plans section,
or look at the list of plans (which is in order by square
footage) of all our plans and narrow down the number of bedrooms, bathrooms,
etc. and click those plans.
Q: I
want to order one set and make copies
It is illegal to copy copyrighted material, just
like it is illegal to copy a DVD of a movie or a CD of music.
Q: I want to include a link to your site
on my page. What do I do?
We welcome links to our site and appreciate it! You can find
banners and text, if you need them, on our Banner
Usage page.
Reciprocal links are contingent upon review
and are only considered for related and appropriate home building sites. Send
us an email to apply for
inclusion on our Building Links page.
Q: I want to place an order, do you take
credit cards? How do I order?
Simply click on the "Order" tab
at the top of any page, or any link that says "How
to Order". You can select to order via a credit
card on our secure site, by sending a check in the mail (with
or without the form).
We will even take your order on the phone too. (951-534-6924)
Q: I'm
looking for a classic "dogrun" or "dog trot" home, do you
have any? What is a "dogtrot"?
We currently do not have any plans featuring a dogtrot or dogrun. However,
interesting facts about Dogtrots can be found at University of California, Berkeley,
History
of Dogtrots.
Q: I
want to find a builder in my area, do you have any tips?
I would suggest looking at homes that your selected builder has completed in the past for a check on his workmanship and performance.
Q: What
are the ceiling heights and the roof pitch of your plans?
Most plans have 8 foot ceilings. A few plans have alternates to allow 9'
ceilings. Roof pitches will vary with the style of roof.
Q: How do I
order plans using a check?
Just send us your check for the proper amount shown on the web site. Print and fill out the order form if you have a printer, or just write all the information on a piece of paper. Be sure your address & phone number is on your check. Include $15 for postage for US Mail. You will need to sign for the return receipt package when the US Post Office delivers the plan.
Q: Can I make
changes to your plans?
Your builder can make changes to our plans. The stock plans are pre-drawn
construction plans and cannot be changed for individual orders. We can supply a
release letter for your builder to make changes for you.
Changes on stock plans, such as adding a basement if the stock
plan allows space for stairway, can be made by your builder It would save you
money if you can have your builder make the changes on site instead of having
our stock plan redrawn with your changes.
You would get a more accurate estimate of building costs if
you ask the local builders or building supply companies for the basic square
footage estimates. Show them print-outs from the plans that you like to figure
your estimates. Your choices of finishing materials will vary the costs.
Most Log Suppliers can adapt a frame house plan to
accommodate log construction.
Your builder can make changes to our plans. The stock plans are pre-drawn
construction plans and cannot be changed for individual orders. We can supply a
release letter for your builder to make changes for you.
Plans are stock plans and changes cannot be made to them.
Changes on stock plans, such as adding a basement if the stock plan allows space
for stairway, can be made by your builder. We can supply you with a letter to
authorize the changes.
It would save you money if you just have your builder make the
changes on site instead of having our stock plan redrawn with your changes,
Thanks for visiting our site.
D- You would get a more accurate estimate of building costs if
you ask the local builders or building supply companies for the basic square
footage estimates. Show them print-outs from the plans you like for your
estimates. Your choices of finishing materials will vary the costs.
E- You would get a more accurate estimate of building costs if
you ask the local builders or building supply companies for the basic square
footage estimates. Show them print-outs from the plans you like for your
estimates. Your choices of finishing materials will vary the costs. Thanks for
visiting our site. Natalie
F- Check with your log supplier and see if they can cut their
logs for the floor plan of your choice. Note: our log construction plans show
elevations & wall section using 6x12 chinked logs; 2x10 floor system; 4x8
second floor beams; 2x6 roof rafters. Some log suppliers can use a frame
construction plan to cut the logs. Regards, Natalie
I- Our stock plans are designed for the southeastern states
with the following: The houses are designed with 2x4 studs and 2x10 floor joists
@ 16" o.c. Rafters are 2x6 and 2x8. Windows & doors shown are sized and
located with no particular brand specified. The list of specifications that
comes with the plans specify the structural materials and can be completed by
you for finishing materials. I believe that your builder would know how to alter
the structural materials for your codes in your area. Check with your builder
before ordering your plans.
Q: Can
I call someone who built your plan and go see their house?
Out of respect for privacy, I do not give out the individual's
addresses of the owners of homes who built my plans. You can, however, send in a
photo of your home to be included in our tour of built
homes.
Q: When
you send me a picture, I cannot open it. How do I open a JPG file in an email?
1. Double-click on the JPG attachment to view the JPG
attachment. If you cannot
see the picture in your email or if a browser does not open, go to step 2.
2. Right-click on the JPG attachment
(if you are in Windows, double-click if you
are a MAC user)
a. Select 'Save As" and save it to your desktop or a location
where you can find it later
b. Start your Internet Browser (Internet Explorer or
Netscape)
c. Select File / Open from that Browser and navigate to that JPG
file you saved on your hard drive
d. You should be able to see the JPG in your browser now.
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