An Information and Instructional Guide
Chapter 7 - Choosing the Design Plan
Stock Plan versus Custom Plans
There are many different types of stock design plans. Custom plans can also be used. You should have some idea of what you want, but there are a lot details. What size and what style? Does it fit with the lot layout? What fits into the neighborhood? For best resale value be careful not to overbuild for the neighborhood. How do you decide which to choose?
Stock Plans
- Look through a ready-made design book of existing house plans. Cuts down on cost.
- Start with an established design plan and make some modifications. Allows you some input without too much additional cost.
- Let builder choose the design. This can be the worst option. They may just choose one they are familiar with and have recently built. It will be easier for them, but will not reflect your individual tastes.
- Generally have shorter construction times
Custom Plans
- Hire an Architect. You can tell them exactly what you want. Oddly shaped lots, many specific requirements or an extra large house generally call for an Architect. They typically do a good job, but they can be expensive.
- Hire a Builder/designer. Similar to an Architect, but less skilled and less expensive.
- Purchase CAD (Computer Assisted Design) software and do it on your own computer. This gives you full input.
- Purchase a packaged planning kit. A Builder/designer or an Architect can work from drafts and can reduce the cost.
- Model your home after an existing one that you have seen. You will still need some help in creating the actual blueprints
- Generally have longer construction periods
What Type and Style of House do You Want?
There are many different styles, materials and other factors that will affect your choice.
- The size of the house will be limited by your budget
- The type of house must fit with your lot
- The style of the house must conform with your neighborhood
- Colonial, Cape Cod, Split Level, Tudor, Ranch, Victorian or something else?
- Brick or stone – for the whole house or only part of it?
- Wood – ok then choose between: stick built, timber built, panelized or modular.
- How about a log cabin?
Note: More detail on interior and exterior deigns can be found in Chapters 11 &12
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