by MarkM
1. June 2009 08:01
One question that we receive almost daily is whether or not the plan package for a specific home design contains everything that a person would need to build in their state.
In most areas of the country, stock house plans will provide everything you need to build, but not necessarily everything you need to obtain a building permit.
In addition to the house plans you order, you may also need the following:
- A site plan that shows where the house is going to be located on your property.
- Beams sized to accommodate room loads specific to your region.
- A septic design, unless your lot is served by a sanitary sewer system.
- Many areas now have area-specific energy codes that have to be followed. This normally involves filling out a simple form providing documentation that your house plans are in compliance. In some regions, there is a second step you will need to take to insure your house plans are in compliance with local codes. Some areas of North America have very strict engineering requirements. Examples of this would be earthquake-prone areas of CA and the Pacific coast, hurricane-risk areas of the Gulf and Eastern seacoast. Even parts of NY, NJ, NV, and IL require review by a local professional. If you are building in these areas, it is most likely you will need to hire a state licensed structural engineer to analyze the design and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you aren’t sure, building departments typically have a handout they will give you listing all of the items they require to submit for and obtain a building permit.
Additionally, stock plans do not have a professional stamp attached. If your building department requires one, they will only accept a stamp from a professional licensed in the state where you plan to build. In this case, you will need to take your house plans to a local engineer or architect for review and stamping. It is always a good idea to check with your local city, municipality, and state building authorities to ensure that your home construction will meet all applicable building codes.
Note that your home builder, if you have one, will be able to help you with all of the above.
Read more about what Homeplans.com’s blueprints include. Then check out common FAQ’s about home plans.
View House Plan HPG-2000-B for an example. Scroll to the bottom of the plan’s “Details” page to see the packages available for that design.
See all of Mark’s house plans at Homeplans.com.
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