What Plan Format Should I Order?

The plan format you select will depend on your situation. We sell our plans in 3 basic formats, printed on Vellum paper, in electronic PDF file format, and electronic AutoCAD files. AutoCAD is the name of the program that is used to create the plans. There is no "correct" or "better" format, it all depends on your individual needs.

The most popular format our customers order plans in is the Print-Vellum format. This format gives you a set of plans printed on Vellum paper that you can show your builder, copies can be made as needed (see the Plan Licensing Information page for more details). The Vellum paper is erasable (using a special architects eraser) so added notes or minor changes can be made to the plans if needed.

The second most popular format is PDF, which is an electronic file format. We email you the plan as a set of PDF files. This format provides the most expedient way to receive the plans. Your local blue print shop can make prints (see the Plan Licensing Information page for more details) from the PDF files for your builder or local government as needed. The PDF file is not editable.

If you need to make changes or alterations to the plan you need to order the plan in electronic AutoCAD file format. Anyone with the AutoCAD program and knowledge of how to use it will be able to open the files and make changes to the plan. Your builder or local blue print shop can make prints from the AutoCAD files (see the Plan Licensing Information page for more details).

This is what you get in each Plan Format:

Print - Vellum:

When you order a plan in Vellum format we ship one set of plans printed on Vellum paper. We also ship your license agreement forms, and valuable materials from our corporate partners that will help you build your home. Vellum paper is a special erasable paper. This type of paper makes small changes possible.

Electronic - PDF:

When you order a plan in PDF format we will email you one set of plans in PDF file format. We also ship a DVD with the PDF files on it. Along with the DVD we 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.

Electronic - CAD:

When you order a plan in CAD format you get one set of plans saved as AutoCAD 2006 DWG files on a DVD. We ship you the DVD, your license agreement forms, 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.