Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I go to see a particular home built?
• With which codes do the plans comply?
• What is the difference between the print licenses?
• What is an electronic license?
• I have some changes to make, how should I proceed?
• How does the square footage calculate?
• What are your specialty ceilings?
• Can I return the plans?
• What is a Reproducible Vellum?
• Do plans come with a Material List?
• What is included in the Material List?
• How many times may I build this plan?
• Why don’t the plans include HVAC and plumbing?
• Does Sater Design Collection recommend builders?
• Do you have photography for the house I am interested in?
• How much will this plan cost to build?
• Are your homes available in ICF?
• Do you offer custom home designs?
• Do you include trusses on your home plans?
• I have specific criteria, and am having trouble finding the right plan. Can you help?
• Why don’t the photographs of the home I’m looking at match the plan?
• I haven’t received my order yet. What should I do?
 

Where can I go to see a particular home built?

Our house plans are sold throughout the United States and Internationally...we have a privacy agreement with our clients therefore we cannot divulge this information. 

With which codes do the plans comply?

Plans are designed to specifications published by the International Residential Code (IRC) or the International Code Congress (ICC). Our plans are designed to meet or exceed the national building standards. Because of the great differences in geography and climate throughout the US and Canada, each state, country, county and municipality has its own building codes, zone requirements, ordinances and building regulations. Your plans may need to comply with the local requirements regarding snow loads, energy codes, soil and seismic conditions and a wide range of other matter. Therefore we always recommend that you have the plans reviewed by a local structural/truss engineer.

What is the difference between the print licenses?

A print license is conveyed to the purchaser as either a PDF file or a printed vellum. The PDF file cannot be modified and can only be printed. The vellum is erasable and allows for very minor changes and /or notes to be added. An electronic license allows for client or client’s consultants to make more elaborate modifications to plans (i.e.: widen a bedroom, add a fireplace, or add a window, etc.).

Keep in mind that a print license and the electronic license are only a ONE-TIME LICENSE to build. If you decide to build the design again, you will need to pay a reuse fee.

What is an electronic license?

If you purchase an electronic license from The Sater Design Collection you will receive a computerized version (AutoCAD) of the plan on CD, which allows a professional to modify the plans. A printed copy is also included in the package for your convenience.

Keep in mind that an electronic license is only A ONE-TIME license to build. If you decide to build the design again, you will need to pay a reuse fee.

I have some changes to make, how should I proceed?

If you are making changes beyond bringing the plans up to your local codes, we recommend that you make use of our Plan Customization services. If you are intending to simply bring the plans up to the building codes in your area, to satisfy the requirements of most building departments, you will need to purchase the reproducible Vellum or CAD version of the plan you are interested in. Plans must be purchased on Reproducible Vellum or CAD for the modifications and revisions to be permitted due to Copyright Law.

How does the square footage calculate?

Square footage calculations are made from outside the exterior frame wall and do not include decks, porches, garages, basements, attics, fireplaces, lanais, etc.

What are your specialty ceilings?

There are a variety of specialty ceilings available...some are listed below.

Tray Ceiling - An inverted indentation with sloped sides and a flat top.

Stepped Ceiling - An inverted indentation with stair-stepped sides and a flat top.

Coffered Ceiling - A ceiling with beams laid out in an intersecting grid pattern with regular intervals.

Pyramid Vault - A vaulted ceiling working gradually to a central point.

Groin Vault - The intersection of two barrel vaults in opposite directions.

Cove Lighting - Concealed lighting used in a recess.

Can I return the plans?

Because all of our plans are copyrighted, we cannot allow refunds or exchanges. Only upgrades to the same plan are allowed. Contact our Customer Service Department for further details.

What is a Reproducible Vellum?

Vellum is an erasable/reproducible paper which allows the builder/engineer to make modifications and revisions and then reproduce them for your sub-contractors. If you plan to make modifications or revisions to the plans, we offer this set, which comes with a Copyright Release Form. The Copyright Release Form gives you the permission needed to make your revisions/modifications and for copies to be made.

Do plans come with a Material List?

Many of our plans do have an optional Materials List available for purchase.

What is included in the Material List?

Our material list is a quantitative take-off of the materials required to build a specific plan. This list does not include finished materials (i.e., paint, carpet, etc.) electrical, mechanical, or plumbing materials, as these items are customer specific.

How many times may I build this plan?

As a registered purchaser of a plan, you are licensed to build only one structure from the plans, regardless of the number of plan sets you purchased. If you intend to build a plan more than once, contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 718-7526 for more information.

Why don’t the plans include HVAC and plumbing?

Our plans are sold around the country, and without knowledge of your local code and climate, it isn’t possible for us to appropriately design a system to handle your heating and cooling needs. Similarly, without knowledge of in which direction water will enter your home, we are unable to draw the plumbing lines. Your contractors are best able to assess and plan accordingly for your specific situation.

Does Sater Design Collection recommend builders?

We provide you with resources to make an informed decision about the right builder for your project. In our resources section, you’ll find a listing of builders which may include some in your area, as well as an article to help guide your search for a reputable, quality builder.

Do you have photography for the house I am interested in?

Our website is rapidly updated when we acquire new photography of plans. If you do not see photography for the plan on the website, we unfortunately do not yet have photography to share with you.

How much will this plan cost to build?

The best way to determine an actual cost to build is to consult a local builder in your area that typically builds homes like the one you are interested in. This quote, based on expert knowledge in your specific area, will provide you with the most accurate quote possible. The materials lists we offer will help them in determining the cost. Even then, costs will vary widely based on the finishes you will choose to complete your home such as lighting fixtures, cabinetry and flooring. 

Are your homes available in ICF? 

Yes, we can convert homes to ICF through our Plan Customization services.

Do you offer custom home designs?

Yes, through our custom division. Learn more at www.satergroup.com.

Do you include trusses on your home plans?

Because local codes and conditions would dictate different truss designs in different areas we do not include them on the plans. We recommend having your plan converted to truss construction by a qualified expert.

I have specific criteria, and am having trouble finding the right plan. Can you help?

Definitely! Please feel free to call our Customer Service department at 800-718-7526 to receive free plan assistance.

Why don’t the photographs of the home I’m looking at match the plan?

Different people have different needs, so sometimes a plan may have been modified to better serve the owners. The home plan is the most accurate representation of what the final home will look like.

I haven’t received my order yet. What should I do?

Each plan is prepared when ordered and shipped based on the shipping option you selected during the purchase process. If your plan is late in arriving, please feel free to contact our Customer Service department at 800-718-7526 to track your plan status.