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Plan packages come with the standard items your builder should need to construct the house, duplex or apartment in most locations. See below for more information.
What you will get
In most cases, plans are shipped in the industry standard 1/4"
format and will include 5 sets of the items listed below.
(Study sets will contain only certain items from this list and
are primarily for rough bids and/or city reviews and approvals. Information about study sets can be found here.)
Cabinets:
While kitchen and bathroom cabinet
layouts will be shown on the plans, many will NOT include cabinet installation diagrams
or elevations with sizes. This is due to most cabinet suppliers using
their own software to produce these diagrams, based on final framing, so that proper cabinet fit is achieved. Also,
we could not guarantee fit since we cannot visit the site to confirm final framing measurements. There is always the possibility of framing discrepancies at construction so it is best
to confirm all measurements for fit prior to ordering cabinetry.
PDF orders and CAD files orders contain the same items as our standard, physical plan packages but add the benefits of printing as many sets as needed or desired for construction, as well as having the file on your computer for reference. See PDF files or CAD files for more information on these formats.
Study set options for each plan contain limited information for review purposes only. Click here for details.
Notes (also see "building codes")
Plans are designed to meet generally accepted
building codes at the time they were produced. Many locations amend
standard building codes to address conditions and/or elements specific
to their area. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or
builder to see that all local building codes and/or zoning
requirements are met.
All home plan packages indicate standard frame construction and contain a monolithic slab foundation plan. Depending on your region and local building practices, you may wish to convert to another foundation type such as basement or crawl-space or alternate construction methods. Any professional builder can easily adapt a plan for the specific foundation or construction type you require since they are familiar with local practices.
Due to significant variations in site conditions and code requirements from one location to another, basement foundations and 2nd floor systems must be addressed by your builder or building professional.
Due to differences in climate from one region to another, it is customary for your contractor to provide HVAC plans.
If a sprinkler system is required, the design, details and installation plan must be done by someone licensed in your area. This is a "specialty" contractor situation that must be addressed by someone licensed in fire suppression systems. Most plan suppliers do not specialize in this area. Typically, even the general contractor will not be licensed for this particular system.
If an engineers or any other stamp is required by your building department and/or lending agency, it is possible that you will need to have the plans evaluated, supplemented (including any required calculations) and stamped at the local level through an architect or engineer licensed in your state. This is common practice. Otherwise it would not be accepted by your building department. See your local building official for information.
Some locations may require energy calculations. This must be
obtained locally due to widely varying requirements. Much of this can
be done through a local review by someone licensed in this area and
addressed through basic notations.
Due to varying span tables, code requirements and lumber
species, framing elements, including but not limited to beams, should
be verified and/or specified by your builder or supplier. Size
requirements can vary. When indicated, truss sizes, design and counts
are to be provided by the supplier/manufacturer.
Plans do not include piping schematics throughout the building. This is the responsibility of your plumbing contractor.
Electrical panel locations/specifications, utility service entrances, wire routing and sizing, and other such issues are to be determined by your builder or electrical contractor. Also, plumbing service locations and entrances are to be determined by your builder or plumbing contractor. Being familiar with your site, along with local service locations and requirements, they can best address these items.
Since we are not familiar with your lot/property, we do not provide site plans with our packages. This can typically be obtained through your local surveyor.
In some cases, we can provide additional drawings upon request. Anything not listed above will not be included in the standard plan package.
*Plan packages come with a 6 month support window. Any issues after that time has elapsed may require a fee in order to receive technical support. (Fees are at the sole discretion of PlanSource, Inc and apply to all items, including electronic files and material lists.)