| When a person begins the process of building a | | | | Stock Houseplans |
| new house, there are many different aspects | | | | Stock house plans are, by contrast, home designs |
| that need to be addressed including: where to | | | | which have been developed to fit the needs of a |
| build, what size home to build, what features to | | | | particular group of the general populace. They are |
| include, what items are the most important to | | | | not custom designed for a particular person, but |
| have in the home, what costs should be included | | | | rather, standardized for the needs of a larger |
| in the budget, what are the design/build | | | | group. |
| timeframes, who will build the home, and a host | | | | Stock homeplans normally include the "most |
| of other issues. | | | | requested" features including square footage, |
| After these initial questions have been | | | | room dimensions, floorplan layout, amenities, and |
| successfully answered, the next item that must | | | | other like features. These house plans provide an |
| be addressed is that of house plans. There are | | | | excellent value when compared to the |
| two basic types of house plans that can be | | | | corresponding price of a set of fully custom |
| purchased, custom or stock, with each having | | | | house plans which may exceed several thousand |
| distinct advantages and disadvantages. | | | | dollars. |
| Custom Houseplans | | | | When you buy a stock house plan, you're not |
| Custom house plans are just as the name implies. | | | | paying for the countless hours spent drawing up a |
| The house plans are custom drawn to meet you | | | | plan, re-working the plan, and finalizing drafts. |
| family's specific needs. The plans are normally | | | | You're paying a reduced fee for a single re-use of |
| drawn by a licensed building designer or, in some | | | | that plan. |
| cases, a licensed architect in a geographic location | | | | Advantages: |
| close to where the 1.) owners live, or 2.) home will | | | | - Significantly less expensive |
| be built. The process is, normally, much more | | | | - Minor plan modifications can usually be made by |
| involved and time-consuming since the owner's | | | | the original designer or a local designer for a |
| specific requests will need to be integrated into | | | | minimal charge. |
| the overall design of the home. Many times these | | | | - Very simple and quick purchase process |
| type "special" requests can present significant | | | | - Can submit the plans for a building permit the |
| challenges to the designer of the home, which as | | | | day after receiving |
| a result, may take additional time to resolve. | | | | Disadvantages: |
| Since the home is being custom designed, | | | | -Not as extensively customizable |
| specifically to meet the needs of that one person | | | | In conclusion, I would recommend trying to find a |
| family, the costs associated with the development | | | | stock house plan, first, at a reputable online house |
| of the house plans tend to be significantly larger | | | | plan broker website such as House Plan There are |
| than those for a similar set of stock house plans. | | | | thousands of stock house plans available online, |
| However, in some cases, the custom house plan | | | | and House Plan offers a huge selection of unique |
| may be the only viable option based on the | | | | house plans in many different architectural styles. |
| client's needs, home location, special building | | | | More likely than not, you'll be able to find what |
| considerations, etc. | | | | you're looking for by doing a simple search. With |
| Advantages: | | | | so many plans available to choose from, it's a |
| - Homeowner can get exactly what they want in | | | | safe bet that you won't see your house plan |
| home design | | | | replicated in your area. And if you find a plan you |
| - Special needs can be addressed in the design (i.e. | | | | like, but want to make a few modifications - no |
| extra large garage for boat, larger than normal | | | | problem! Most of the plans available at House Plan |
| master bath, handicapped access, etc.) | | | | can be modified to your specifications. |
| Disadvantages: | | | | Determining whether your particular needs merit |
| - Significantly more costly than stock houseplans | | | | custom or stock house plans is, ultimately, a |
| - Longer, more arduous process to develop | | | | personal choice based on your particular situation. |
| - Significantly more time consuming to produce | | | | Both types will provide you with the information |
| (i.e. many meetings necessary with designer over | | | | that you need to successfully build your dream |
| several month period) | | | | home. |