Getting Started

Getting Started

Welcome to HousePlansPlus! The premiere designer owned site.

  Why does having a designer owned site matter? Where to start? Can these plans be built everywhere? Are these plans returnable? How do copyright laws apply to these plans? What comes with a typical set of construction drawings?
Why does having a designer owned site matter? Many of the other top home plan sites are owned by large corporations. They do not understand design like we do. Collectively, we have over 100 years experience in the house plan industry. Unlike other top sites, we have a designer review board to insure the highest quality of constructions drawings. Just because a site markets over 25,000 plans does not mean they are all of the highest quality in design and construction. Where to start?
  • Create your budget:We understand the immediate desire to look at all the great plan designs. Yet, we know from experience the disappointment finding a dream home that is out of ones budget. On our plan details page we give regional construction costs to help you select the plan you can afford.
  • Create a timeline of when you want to move into your house: House construction can take weeks. The same can be said for getting construction loans and local building approvals. Too many times people wait until the last minute to buy plans in a panic. Planning ahead is in your best interest.
  • Use our advanced search feature: Many people get very frustrated seeing thousands of plans to review. Our advanced search allows you to refine your search to narrow in on your dream home.
  • Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. The best way is to email us. That gives us time to review your question and give a great answer.Review our Frequently Asked Question section. This will save you time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these plans be built everywhere? The short answer is no. For example, special restrictions apply in Nevada. Please call your local building department for further information before ordering plans for use in Nevada. The same may be true in a few other areas in the nation. Please call your local building official to see.

Are these plans returnable? Please note all sales are non-credit purchases. The total amount is due when your order is placed. Orders may not be returned or exchanged. All orders are final.

How do copyright laws apply to these plans? Reproduction of the illustration and working drawings of these home plans, either in whole or in part, including any form and/or preparation of derivative works thereof, for any reason without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. The purchase of a set of home plans in no way transfers any copyright or other ownership interest in it to the buyer except for a limited license to use that set of home plans for the construction of one, and only one, dwelling unit. The purchase of an additional set(s) of that home plan at a reduced price from the original set or as part of a multiple set package does not convey to the buyer a license to construct more than one dwelling. This is also the case with reproducible vellum, CAD disks or any multimedia.

Similarly, the purchase of reproducible vellum carries the same copyright protection as mentioned above. It is generally allowed to make copies for the construction of a single dwelling only. To use any plans more than once, and to avoid any copyright licenses infringement, it is necessary to contact the plan designer to receive a release and a license for any extended usage.

Whereas a purchaser of reproducible is granted license to make copies, it should be noted that as copyright material, making photocopies from blueprints is illegal.

Copyright and licensing of home plans for construction exist to protect all parties. It respects and supports the intellectual property of the original architect or designer. Copyright law has been reinforced over the past few years. Willful infringement could cause settlements for statutory damages up to $150,000.00 plus attorney fees, damages and loss of profits.

What comes with a typical set of construction drawings? Construction drawings typically include the following:
  • Foundation Plan** (1/4? or 1/2? = 1?)
  • Floor Plans (1/4?= 1?)
  • Set of Elevations (1/4?= 1?)
  • Building Sections (1/4? or 1/2? = 1?)
  • Kitchen and Bath Elevations (1/2? = 1?) (some designers leave up to local contractors)
  • Miscellaneous Details (3/4? = 1?)
  • Roof Overview Plan (1/4? = 1?)
Some designs may have optional Framing Drawings include the following: (available at an additional cost)
  • First and Second Floor Framing Plans (1/4?= 1?-0?)
  • Ceiling Joist Framing Plan (1/4?= 1?-0?)
  • Roof Framing Plan (1/4?= 1?-0?)
  • Miscellaneous Framing Details
Our plans normally carry a certified red stamp by the American Institute of Building Design. FOUNDATION PLAN Most plans are available with a slab or crawlspace foundation. Optional walkout style basement (three walls masonry with a wood framed rear wall with notes for the builder to locate the windows and doors) and optional full basement foundation available if the plan allows, at an additional cost. FLOOR PLANS Each home plan includes the floor plan showing the dimensioned locations of walls, doors, and windows as well as a schematic electrical layout. SET OF ELEVATIONS All plans include the exterior elevations (front, rear, right and left) that show and describe the finished materials of the house. BUILDING SECTION(S) The building sections are vertical cuts through the house and the stairs showing floor, ceiling and roof height information. **Cross section views available for an additional fee. ** KITCHEN AND BATH ELEVATIONS The kitchen and bath elevations show the arrangement and size of each cabinet and other fixtures in the room. These drawings give basic information that can be used to create customized layouts with a cabinet manufacturer. (some designers leave up to local contractors) MISCELLANEOUS DETAILS These are included for many interior and exterior conditions that require more specific information for their construction. ROOF OVERVIEW PLAN This is a birds eye view showing the roof slopes, ridges, valleys and any saddles. FIRST and SECOND FLOOR FRAMING PLANS** Each floor framing plan shows each floor joist indicating the size, spacing and length. All beams are labeled and sized. CEILING JOIST FRAMING PLAN** The ceiling joist framing plan shows each ceiling joist indicating the size, spacing and length. All beams are labeled and sized. ROOF FRAMING PLAN** The roof framing plan shows each rafter, valley, hip and ridge indicating the size, spacing and length. All beams are labeled and sized. MISCELLANEOUS FRAMING DETAILS Each framing plan sheet includes any framing details that are needed (boxed ceiling details, connection details, etc.). All of the framing is designed using conventional framing materials. Open web trusses are used in most one-and-a-half and two-story plans. **Availability and changes vary by designer. See order form for details. Do these plans meet local code? Code Compliance: Our plans are drawn to meet the International Residential Code. Many states and counties amend the codes to adapt to their area. Consult your local building officials to determine the plan, code and site requirements. Can these plans be modified to meet my specific needs? Most plans can be custom tailored to fit your needs or the specifications of your building lot. We provide free modification quotes to help begin the process. On each plan detail page is a link that will allow you to submit your needs to us. A designer will quickly contact you about it. How long will it take to get my plans? Plan package orders are generally shipped within one full business day of receipt of your order. If for any reason your package will be delayed, we will contact you with an anticipated shipping date. PDF Print Set, PDF Master and CAD Electronic Files are provided to you via email not only saving shipping fees but putting the plans in your hands faster than waiting for prints to be delivered. How is heated square footage calculated? (is this consistent in industry) Heated and Cooled Square Footage calculations are made from outside the exterior frame wall and do not include decks, porches, garages, basements, attics, fireplaces, etc. We include two story and vaulted areas only once in the calculations of the first floor. Stairs are counted once. Balconies and open walkways in two-story and vaulted areas are included in the square footage of the second floor. What are the different package options available?
  • 1 Study Set-not for construction: This allows you to give a detailed set off prints to your builder to develop construction estimates. Once you decide to build your dream home, HPP will credit your purchase of the study sets against the purchase of multiple sets of prints, PDF or CAD packages. All of our house plans are protected by Federal Copyright Law. You may not make any copies of the house plans for any purpose, exceptwith the purchase of a Reproducible setor AutoCAD. "NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION" is stamped across each sheet of the study set.
  • 3, or 5, or 8 set construction packages: These paper print packages gives you the single use license to build your dream home. Order the number of sets of prints you need. Before ordering, please contact your building department, contractor, mortgage company for the total number of sets you will need. Since all of our plans are protected by Federal Copyright Law, you may not make additional copies if you run short. You may call us to order additional copies. Another option is to purchase the PDF or CAD file option to make as many copies as you require.
  • Reproducible construction package: A Reproducible is a type of paper which is ideal if you intend to make minor changes to your house plan. They allow architects/designers to make changes without having to completely redraw the house plan. Once the changes are made, youll have a single use license to build your dream home and print as many copies as you need.
  • PDF package: This is an electronic scan of the construction drawings that will be emailed to you. Typically, this option allows you to email the files to contractors, mortgage companies, building departments and others that needs it. Youll have a single use license to build your dream home and print as many copies as you need. Also, this allows you to print in full size construction drawings or 8 x 11 paper size.
  • CAD File: If you are planning major revisions to your house plans many architects and designers prefer to work from CAD files. They require having AutoCad or compatible software to open the electronic files to modify them. This file will be emailed to you in a format compatible with CAD software. Once the changes are made, youll have a single use license to build your dream home and print as many copies as you need. Also, this allows you to print in full size construction drawings or 8 x 11 paper size.
  • CAD Disks: If you are planning major revisions to your house plans many architects and designers prefer to work from CAD files. They require having AutoCad or compatible software to open the electronic files to modify them. This file will be shipped to you on a CDROM or DVD disk in a format compatible with CAD software. Once the changes are made, youll have a single use license to build your dream home and print as many copies as you need. Also, this allows you to print in full size construction drawings or 8 x 11 paper size.