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