If you do not see the question you need the answer to, please phone or email us your question. If enough people have the same question, we will expand this list. And remember, no question is too small, we deal with home plans all day so what might be obvious to us could be a total mystery to someone building a home for the first time.
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.
When you order a plan in PDF format we will email you one set of plans in PDF file format. We will ship your license agreement and valuable materials from our corporate partners that will help you build your home. This format allows you to receive the plan the fastest, usually within the same business day (by email) and allows you to take it to your local blue print shop to print copies as needed. See the Plan Licensing Information for specific information on the number of copies you can make.
When you order a plan in electronic CAD format you get one set of plans saved as AutoCAD DWG files and one set of plans in PDF file format. We will ship your license agreement form and valuable materials from our corporate partners that will help you build your home. This format will allow you to take the AutoCAD files to your builder or local draftsman and they will be able to make changes to the plan. See the Plan Licensing Information for specific information on the number of copies you can make.
We offer two ways to make changes to a house plan. Firstly, some plans have available Plan Option, see below. Secondly, you can make custom modifications to a plan. You can find out more information about modifying a house plan on our "Modification Consultation" page.
You can find out all about what is included in our house plan sets by visiting the "Whats in a set of plans" page.
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.
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.
The best way to determine the actual plan 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.
Many people want to see a particular home that has been built. Our house plans are sold throughout the United States and Internationally, however we have a privacy agreement with our clients and therefore we cannot divulge this information.
Square footage calculations are made from outside the exterior frame wall and do not include decks, porches, garages, basements, attics, fireplaces, lanais, etc.
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.
Sater Design Collection can recommend builders near your area. We provide you with resources to make an informed decision about the right builder for your project. On our site, you will 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.
Yes, we can convert homes to ICF through our Plan Modification services.
If you are shopping for home plans, it is important to consider if you will buy your lot or your plan first. One important consideration that may help you determine this is the local set-back requirements. Each municipality has its own rules about how far your new home must be from the edges of your lot and the middle of your street. Specific neighborhoods may have their own requirements as well.
If you are set on a specific neighborhood or a specific home plan, you have probably made up your mind on what will come first for you. However, if you are still flexible, check out some home plans you like in your size range and the average lot requirements of your building area. Compare that to the specific lots for sale, and see where this leads you. Lastly, if you have your dream home plan and your dream lot and they are not a perfect match, consider having our modifications department handle the changes needed to make them work together. We have often done slight size changes to fit lot restrictions with minimal impact on the overall interior spaces.
The style of home will likely be dictated to some extent by the area and neighborhood in which you plan to build. However, there are other considerations when evaluating the style of home for you.
What is the size and age of your family? For example, if you and your spouse are planning to retire in this home, consider one with a first floor master or elevator option to improve your satisfaction in years to come. Families with growing children may appreciate a plan with a computer loft or bonus room as extra “hang out” space for the kids.
What special features are important to your family? Based on hobbies and interests, you may want to consider workbench space in the garage, a special media room or just a spacious outdoor kitchen for eating outdoors. Does a member of your family work out of your home part-time or full-time? Consider the types of office space you would like to have.
Just like when you are searching for a pre-built home for sale, set forth your must-have features and then search for the plans that have as many of your additional features as possible. Keep in mind that our in-house modifications department can help you make the close, but not quite perfect, house better meet your list of wants.
There are multiple steps you need to take before submitting your plans to your local planning commission.
Your local plumbing contractor needs to draw in the plumbing lines based on your lot, the positioning of your home on your lot and the location of the water supply. They will use that information, along with the location of the plumbing fixtures shown in the plans to create your plumbing plan.
Additionally, your local HVAC contractor will draw in the duct lines for your home. Since energy calculations are different throughout the country (and world), it is important to have lines drawn to support the equipment your HVAC contractor has determined will best suit the size and climate of your new home.
We strongly recommend you have your plans reviewed by a local structural and truss engineer to ensure your plans will fully satisfy local building codes and be expediently approved. Different locations have different conditions, such as hurricanes or earthquakes that homes need to be able to withstand. A local expert familiar with your specific locale is best prepared to ensure your plans meet the requirements of your area.
Please remember to verify if your municipality requires a licensed structural engineer to stamp and seal the plans. You will need to arrange this if it is required in your area.
