North Carolina Criminal Background Check
Home Improvement Information

How House Plans Work





The Ins and Outs Of Choosing Online Custom Home Plans!
So you've decided to build your own home, congratulations! Now where do you go from here?

If you are a first timer, it is sometimes confusing figuring out how house plans work. House plans, sometimes referred to as home floor plans, are easily deciphered once you understand the basics. Let's discuss some of them so you know what to look for when looking at custom home plans for your dream house.

House Plans Options

There are many options available when it comes to house plans. Home plans usually come in "sets" which can be broken down as follows:

CAD Set - This is a complete set of house plans that is available in electronic file format. Usually this type of house plan is requested from professionals. A CAD set is useful if you are planning on making a lot of changes to the initial house plan purchased. This isn't usually something a novice would be interested in, unless they are working very closely with a designer.

Study Set - This type of home plan includes complete exterior views of your home to be plus floor plans of the upper and lower floors (for two story homes). A study set is useful in helping you determine if you can afford the home you are considering building. Usually excluded from a study set are items such as the roof, foundation and details of the home.

Construction Set - Construction house plans are complete and include everything you need to build your home. Exterior views, complete floor plans, roof and foundation plans and details that explain how to build your home are included in a construction set. You want to consider a construction set if you are interested in buying a basic home plan package from which you'll secure financing and settle all the other details necessary to have your home built.

Reproducible Set - You can buy a reproducible set if you think you may need minor changes made to your home plans. You can make copies from this type of home plan, but you are not allowed to build more than one home from these type of plans without a separate license.

Selecting a Style Home

Once you have figured out what type of plans you'll need, you next need to decide on the type of house plans you want to look at. Here are some examples of common house plans that can be purchased:

  • Cottage Plans
  • Beach House Plans
  • Log Home Plans
  • Modular Home Plans
  • Storage Shed Plans

Let's examine each of these more closely:

Cottage Plans
Cottage plans are usually crafted with warmth and cozy spacing in mind. Most cottage plans are not designed with the idea that the home will be very large. Cottage plans include characteristics such as cozy living spaces, wood siding and stone based porches among other things. Many also are designed to accommodate one and one half to two story homes with low pitched roofs. The exterior materials often used in cottage plans include brick or stucco.

Beach House Plans
Beach house plans usually result in homes that have a very distinct look. The architectural style that is the foundation for most beach house plans varies from Spanish to Mediterranean to Traditional styles. Beach house plans therefore, can reflect a wide range of interests. Some reflect the area where the house may be built. For example, many coastal home plans created for homes on the southern East coast (think Florida) are crafted with the idea that the home will be on stilts as a measure to help guard against hurricanes and other tropical storms. Stucco exterior styles or Mediterranean styles are not uncommon of coastal home plans fashioned for customers living on the West Coast. Many beach house plans also include special features such as large bay windows and outdoor living spaces.

Log Home Plans
Log home plans are often crafted with the romantic in mind. Most log home plans have a rustic feel, built on traditions. Log home plans will incorporate natural elements into the style including use of wood, stone and glass to create a home that reflects the spirit of the forest. Log home plans are popular because homes built with logs are great insulators against cold weather. Most log home plans are custom designed for homes in areas of the country that experience cold snaps during the winter months.

Modular Home Plans
Modular home plans are largely popular because they are inexpensive and result in homes that are easy to build and place just about anywhere. You can find modular home plans to meet just about any need. Most are one story homes or ranch style homes. Modular home plans are also popular because they can be built quickly and do not require extensive detailing. These plans are great for those wanting to build a starter home, but not wanting to break the bank while doing so. You can find many of the same features in a modular home as you can in a traditional one.

Storage Shed Plans
Storage shed plans are crafted with one thing in mind... space! Why look at storage shed plans unless you are looking to build a structure that will accommodate your need for more space? Most storage shed plans vary in size and structure, depending on what you are looking for. You can literally find a storage shed plan to match any specific requirement. Whether you are looking to store animals, hay, tools, supplies or excess household items, you can usually find a plan to accommodate your needs. Most storage shed plans are in essence "mini versions" of their full house plan cousins. They are small and usually one story, though some (particularly those built for farming considerations) may be two story.

Building your home is an exceptional adventure and can be quite rewarding if you go into it with an open mind and some fore thought.

About The Author:
Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as Unique House Plans, and Storage Shed Plans


MORE RESOURCES:

SILive.com

Go 'Green from the Inside Out' with earth games, home improvement
SILive.com
But those guys are not the only home improvement pros in town. While kids play earth games and make “green art,” adults can learn to lower their utility ...



Home Improvement Solutions
FPRD (press release) (blog)
One of the most important aspects to be considered in any form of infrastructural development and construction is its fire safety. ...
Long and Short-Term Benefits of InsulationFPRD (press release) (blog)

all 3 news articles »


Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement Made Simple
CBS News
... the projects will also be featured in their new show called "This New House," which will showcase the latest and greatest products in home improvement. ...
'This New House' duo teams for Hub-centric DIY showBoston Herald

all 5 news articles »


Autumn 'will be home improvement season'
Rated People
The autumn is likely to see a sharp increase in home improvement work across the country, it has been claimed. Andrew Leech, director of the National Home ...
People's attitude to DIY 'set to improve after summer'Wickes
Demand for plumbing courses could increase after the summerAble Skills Construction Training
Summer 'may be perfect time for boiler servicing'Northern Gas Heating The UK's Local Central Heating Company
Safestore.co.uk -Northern Gas Heating The UK's Local Central Heating Company
all 7 news articles »


Home improvement 'could make rooms look more spacious'
Wickes
Those seeking a way of making their rooms look less cluttered may be interested to know that one expert has advised home improvement projects to make the ...

and more »


Cops: Irish nationals peddled bogus home improvement business in South Brunswick
myCentralJersy.com
But police soon discovered he allegedly was distributing fliers for a home-improvement company called Top Soil, which purportedly was based in New Brunswick ...

and more »


Home Improvement Market to boost despite economic slowdown
I-Newswire.com (press release)
(I-Newswire) July 29, 2010 - Home improvement is one of the most required things in everybody's life. It is important for every person to repair his home. ...



Pottstown Herald

Statewide wave of legal actions against home improvement contractors
Pottstown Herald
“Every year, homeowners across the state spend millions of dollars on home repair and home improvement projects,” Attorney General Tom Corbett today said. ...

and more »


Is it worth it to remodel home in 2010?
AnnArbor.com
I'm looking to do a couple of home improvement projects within the next year and I am curious on what kind of impact that it will have on my home's value? ...



Black & Decker, Masco Forecasts Signal Slow Confidence Recovery
Bloomberg
Masco, a maker of home improvement products, this week said consumer spending on remodeling will be “challenged” in 2010. Toolmaker Stanley on July 21 said ...

and more »

Google News

Home | Site Map | Free Home Improvement information | Free Home Improvement Tips | Remodel Your Home Here | Free Home Improvement information | Home interior decorate
© 2007