Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, home plans can typically be converted to utilize the metric system. To request a quote for this modification, please download and complete the Modification Request Form available at Modification Request Form . Once completed, the form may be emailed to customize@designamerica.com . You may also contact our customer service team directly by phone at 1-877-620-9190 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. Modification quotes are generally provided within 24 to 48 business hours.

We collaborate with hundreds of designers and architects, each bringing their own unique style, so plan packages may vary in the details they include. For this reason, we are happy to review the specific contents of any plan you’re considering purchasing. We can be reached via email, customerservice@designamerica.com, or phone, 1-877-620-9190. We are available Monday – Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. Most plans will include the following: Coversheet - The coversheet has a rendering showing the house as it will look when it is built. In most cases this is not required for house construction. The purpose of the coversheet is to give the homeowner a visual representation of how the home will look when it is completed. Foundation plan - The foundation plan is used to show how the foundation should be built. It explains the thickness of the foundation walls, floor joist sizes and spacing, column locations, window/door/vent locations and sizes, suggested furnace/water heater locations, plumbing (where required) and miscellaneous construction details related to the foundation and basement. Floor plans - The floor plans of the home indicate the layout/construction of each floor of the house. Items typically included are room dimensions, wall sizes, plumbing/electrical locations, stair locations, door/window sizes, kitchen and bath layouts, ceiling conditions in each space, flooring, structural information and any special conditions related to the floor plan. Elevations - The elevation sheets communicate the material/dimensions that the designer envisioned, creating the correct look and feel on the outside of the house. Some of the items typically shown on an elevation sheet include materials used on the exterior of the house, size and shape of windows and doors, size and shape of vents, size of the trim, height and dimensions of various elements, depth of foundations, types of shingles and moldings, pitch of the roof, placement of materials (example: brick soldier course, brick quoins, etc.), roof plan, and location of gutters and downspouts. Details - The details include an explanation of how the smaller items are to be designed and constructed. Examples include the dimensions and appearance of a stair handrail, room moldings, design of railing spindles for staircases, and description of how a fireplace should look. The designer may add details for anything a builder needs to understand the design of the house. Sections - The sections show how the parts of the building fit together. Typical sections include walls, fireplace, and stairs. The designer may add sections in a set for anything a builder needs to understand about the construction of the house. Interior Elevations - The interior elevations show pictures of key interior features should look. Typical items and areas that are drawn include fireplaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.

No, total heated square footage includes only the areas of the home served by a heating system, such as living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Areas such as garages, porches, screened rooms, unfinished basements, and attics are not included in the heated square footage calculation.

Many jurisdictions follow the International Residential Code (IRC) as their primary building standard. However, additional engineering requirements are often applied in areas with special site conditions, such as hurricane-prone regions, high wind zones, or urban lots with limited setbacks. Stamping or sealing requirements are typically imposed in jurisdictions with supplemental local code amendments. In these cases, a stamp or seal serves as confirmation that the plans have been reviewed by a licensed professional and, when necessary, adapted to comply with local building code.

Our customer service team is happy to assist you with obtaining plan details and additional information. You may contact us by email at customerservice@designamerica.com or by phone at 1-877-620-9190. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.

Predesigned stock blueprints are developed in accordance with the national building code (IRC). However, local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements or amendments to these standards. For example, the state of California requires new home plans to incorporate residential fire sprinkler systems. We strongly recommend consulting your local building department, builder, and homeowners’ association (HOA) prior to purchasing plans to determine whether any modifications or supplemental documentation will be required. Many building departments also provide online resources outlining their specific permitting and construction requirements.

Our customer service team is happy to assist you with obtaining plan details and additional information. You may contact us by email at customerservice@designamerica.com or by phone at 1-877-620-9190. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.

We recommend contacting your local building department or consulting with your builder to determine whether a stamp or seal is required in your area. In jurisdictions where this is necessary, builders typically collaborate with qualified professionals who provide these services. Your local building department may also be able to supply a list of approved or recommended professionals. Additionally, you may wish to conduct an online search for licensed architects or structural engineers practicing in your region.

To request customization of your plans, you may download the Modification Request Form from our website and submit the completed form by emailing it to customize@designamerica.com . You may also contact our customer service team by phone at 1-877-620-9190 to request a quote. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time, and modification quotes are typically provided within 24 to 48 business hours. In addition, you may choose to purchase a PDF or CAD file, which includes a copyright release permitting plan modifications. These files can then be shared with your selected designer or structural engineer to complete any desired changes.

Stock house plans typically include examples of wall framing, floor joist direction, and basic roof framing details; however, they rarely provide a complete framing layout for the entire structure. Unlike our Do-It-Yourself series of shed and garage plans, residential house plans are intended for use by professional builders and contractors who are familiar with standard construction practices, local building codes, and framing requirements.

Most stock plans do include limited information regarding plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, such as the location of sinks and outlets, but complete mechanical drawings are only available via custom design services because many aspects are building-site specific. Site conditions and utility availability can vary significantly from one property to another. For example, some homes utilize well water, septic systems, or solar power, while others connect to municipal utilities that may enter the property from different directions. Additional factors, including local building codes, water pressure, water quality, climate conditions, and regional construction standards, can influence requirements such as pipe sizing and materials, outlet configurations, HVAC system capacity, and vent placement. In many areas, licensed subcontractors are permitted to complete these systems during construction. Where additional mechanical drawings are required for permitting, the subcontractor performing the work will often finalize the necessary plans and submit them to the local building department. For this reason, paper blueprint packages are commonly offered in a minimum quantity of five sets, allowing copies to be distributed to subcontractors as needed throughout the construction process.

Mirror Reverse and Right Reading Reverse (RRR) are optional plan modifications that allow the orientation of a home design to be flipped to better accommodate a specific lot or site layout. Common reasons for selecting one of these options include positioning the garage to match neighboring homes or orienting the main living areas toward a preferred scenic view. A Mirror Reverse option simply flips the entire set of plans, including all text, dimensions, and notations. Because all wording and numbering will appear reversed, we recommend purchasing at least one standard, non-mirrored set for easier reference during construction. Right Reading Reverse (RRR) plans are also mirrored; however, the designer manually adjusts all text, dimensions, and annotations so the plans can be read normally while still reflecting the reversed layout. Alternative orientation options will appear during checkout. If an option is not listed, you may download the Modification Request Form from our website and submit the completed form by emailing it to customize@designamerica.com . You may also contact our customer service team by phone at 1-877-620-9190 to request a quote. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time, and modification quotes are typically provided within 24 to 48 business hours.

Mirror Reverse and Right Reading Reverse (RRR) are optional plan modifications that allow a home design to be reversed in orientation to better suit a specific lot or site layout. These options are often selected to align features such as garage placement with neighboring homes or to orient key living spaces toward desirable views. A Mirror Reverse option flips the entire plan set, including text, dimensions, and annotations. Because all information appears reversed, it is generally recommended to purchase at least one standard (non-mirrored) set for ease of reference during construction. This option is typically executed at the time of printing or within PDF software. A Right Reading Reverse (RRR) plan also reverses the layout; however, all text, dimensions, and notes are professionally adjusted so the plans remain readable in standard orientation while still reflecting the mirrored design. If a desired orientation option is not available during checkout, you may submit a request by downloading the Modification Request Form from our website and emailing the completed form to customize@designamerica.com . You may also contact our customer service team by phone at 1-877-620-9190. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time, and modification quotes are typically provided within 24 to 48 business hours.

Most home plans are designed with standard 2x4 wall framing, with 2x6 framing commonly available as an upgrade option. Increasing the depth of the wall studs between the interior and exterior walls provides additional space for insulation, which can improve energy efficiency. It also enhances the strength of load-bearing walls and allows for deeper window and door openings. However, upgrading to 2x6 framing may also increase overall construction costs. We recommend consulting your local building department or builder to determine whether 2x6 wall framing is required in your area. Existing framing specifications are listed on each plan’s detail page, and available alternative framing options will appear during checkout. If an alternative framing option is not listed, you may download the Modification Request Form from our website and submit the completed form by emailing it to customize@designamerica.com . You may also contact our customer service team by phone at 1-877-620-9190 to request a quote. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time, and modification quotes are typically provided within 24 to 48 business hours.

Some plans offer alternative foundation options that can be purchased directly. Any available direct-purchase foundation variations will be listed on the individual plan page. If your required foundation type is not shown, you may download the Modification Request Form from our website and submit the completed form by emailing it to customize@designamerica.com . You may also contact our customer service team by phone at 1-877-620-9190 to request a quote. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time, and modification quotes are typically provided within 24 to 48 business hours.

Yes, most exterior finish modifications can typically be made without creating structural issues. Modern brick homes are generally constructed using brick veneer, meaning they are framed with wood or steel in the same manner as other residential homes. However, homes designed with brick exteriors require a foundation with an extended brick ledge to properly support the additional weight of the masonry. If converting from brick to another exterior material—or vice versa—this ledge may need to be added or removed accordingly. We recommend contacting your local building department or consulting with your builder to determine whether your blueprints must be revised to reflect these changes. Customers residing in areas where revised plans are required may request a modification quote by downloading the Modification Request Form from our website and submiting the completed form to customize@designamerica.com . You may also contact our customer service team by phone at 1-877-620-9190 to request a quote. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time, and modification quotes are typically provided within 24 to 48 business hours.

No, kit packages are not designed for a specific home plan. Many aspects of a home’s electrical and plumbing systems are site specific so, including such elements would require customization services. These kits are intended to serve as instructional guides, providing details for constructing various foundations, numerous floor, wall and roof framing techniques, simple to complex residential wiring, sump and softener hookups, plumbing connection methods, installation of septic systems and more. Each package also includes three-dimensional illustrations and a glossary of terms.

Customers purchasing a single build license will receive one foundation type. Our customer service staff will be happy to request multiple foundation types for customers purchasing a license to build multiple homes. Please contact us by email at customerservice@designamerica.com or by phone at 1-877-620-9190 for assistance. Our team is available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.

Standard printed plan delivery is 7-10 business days. We also offer Priority (3-5 business days) and Express (1-2 business days). We recommend that customers purchase a PDF version of their plans for expedited delivery. Standard PDF plans are typically emailed within 24 to 48 business hours.

Many local building departments provide online resources with valuable information regarding local building codes, permit requirements, and blueprint submission guidelines. It is recommended that you begin by consulting your local building department, a qualified local builder, and your Homeowner’s Association (HOA), if applicable, to determine the specific requirements for your future home. Many municipalities and communities enforce regulations such as minimum square footage requirements, setback restrictions, height limitations, and other zoning standards that may significantly impact the size, width, or depth of the home you ultimately select.

Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.

Building codes are a set of legally adopted rules that dictate how buildings must be designed and constructed to ensure they’re safe, durable, and functional. International Residential Code (IRC) is the minimum standards required by law, but some areas have adopted additional code requirements. We recommend that you consult with your local building department or builder prior to purchasing blueprints, to determine if any additional code requirements exist in your area.

It depends. In most cases one set for you, one or two for your builder, one to two sets for your building department, one set for the bank, one set for each contractor or subcontractor and so on. Paper blueprints cannot be copied so a minimum of 3 to 5 sets is necessary. We recommend that customers purchase a PDF version of their plans to best address all needs they may have. PDF plans can be submitted via email and come with unlimited print rights, allowing customers to print as many copies as needed from their local print shop.

All plan purchases are non-refundable. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to carefully review and verify all lot conditions, measurements, and applicable building code requirements prior to placing an order and beginning construction.

Only a small percentage of designers offer preview versions of their plans for purchase. Study sets typically contain redacted plan details and are intended for preliminary review purposes only. Customers seeking cost to build estimates may wish to purchase a StartBuild Report. Our customer service team would be happy to confirm whether a study set is available for any specific plan. Please contact us by email at customerservice@designamerica.com or by phone at 1-877-620-9190. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.

A material list is a detailed document outlining the quantities, dimensions, and descriptions of the building materials required to construct a home. While purchasing a material list is not necessary to build your home, it can be an extremely helpful resource during the planning and construction process. Material lists can assist contractors and suppliers in providing faster and more accurate bids, while also helping homeowners better estimate costs and avoid purchasing unnecessary materials. This can potentially save both time and money throughout construction. Please note that material lists are prepared based on the standard foundation option only and do not include alternate or optional foundation types. Some home plans offer material lists that may be purchased directly online. When available, the material list option will be displayed on the individual plan page. If a material list is not currently offered for a specific plan, a custom material list may be created upon request. To receive a quote, please download and complete the Modification Request Form and email the completed form to customize@designamerica.com. You may also contact our customer service team by phone at 1-877-620-9190 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. Modification quotes are typically provided within 24 to 48 business hours.

To help protect against copyright infringement, material lists are only available for purchase in conjunction with a home plan. Customers who are primarily interested in a cost to build estimate may wish to purchase a StartBuild Report.

Most plan purchases include a license permitting the construction of one home only. Constructing additional homes from the same plan without obtaining the appropriate licensing constitutes an infringement of the designer’s copyright. Builders intending to construct multiple homes must purchase an additional build license or a multi-build license. Our customer service team would be happy to assist with determining the availability and pricing of commercial licensing options. Please contact us by email at customerservice@designamerica.com or by phone at 1-877-620-9190. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.

CAD files provide a complete set of construction drawings in an editable electronic format. They are especially beneficial for customers planning moderate to substantial modifications to a home design or needing to adapt the plans to meet local building codes. With the CAD file option, you may provide the plans to the design professional of your choice to discuss desired revisions or site-specific requirements. Because the files are editable, modifications can typically be completed more efficiently and accurately than with paper drawings or PDF files, potentially saving both time and money during the design process. Your CAD file purchase also includes a copyright release authorizing approved modifications to the plans, as well as permission to print the copies necessary for construction of your home. Access to CAD files requires compatible computer-aided design (CAD) software. In many cases, these programs are commercially licensed and may require a paid subscription or purchase in order to view or modify the files.

Yes, many elevations are available on our website. If a specific elevation is not displayed, our customer service team would be happy to verify its availability for you. Please contact us by email at customerservice@designamerica.com or by phone at 1-877-620-9190. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.

We partner with Startbuild to offer a comprehensive cost-to-build estimate based on your zip code and finish level preferences. Just search online for the plan number(s) you are interested in purchasing and select the orange ‘Request Your Report’ button on each plan’s page to get started.

Yes, we ship internationally. Select the appropriate country of delivery, during check out.

We make every effort to upload new photographs and image submissions to our website as soon as they become available. If you are looking for additional images for a specific home plan, our customer service team would be happy to check for any newly available photographs or plan images. Please contact us by email at customerservice@designamerica.com or by phone at 1-877-620-9190. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.

To respect and protect the privacy of homeowners, we do not disclose the locations of homes that have been built from our plans.

Energy efficient homes have increased insulation from either 2" x 6" exterior walls, insulated concrete form walls or expanding foam insulation. In addition, most plans specify insulated exterior doors and windows and added ceiling insulation. After choosing your home plan, you may decide to build green by incorporating green lumber, bamboo flooring, solar panels, Energy Star® rated windows and appliances, and naturally dyed carpets and “green” paints. Local Home Builders Association Chapters have specific guidelines to determine if a house is Green Certified if you wish to have your home inspected.

Yes and No. Upfront costs for energy efficient materials are typically higher than standard products. However, energy efficient homes cost less to operate. A green home will provide homeowners with monthly savings on utility bills that may pay for the initial upfront overages. Also, a green home will likely have a higher resale value.

Green homes are designed to operate more efficiently and economically, often resulting in lower monthly utility costs. Improved insulation and energy-efficient construction methods can also enhance year-round comfort by reducing drafts and maintaining more consistent indoor temperatures. In addition, green building practices contribute to healthier indoor air quality through improved ventilation systems and the reduced use of materials containing harmful chemicals. Environmentally conscious homeowners can also take pride in knowing their home helps minimize environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and airborne pollutants. Beyond the day-to-day benefits, green homes may also offer increased long-term resale value due to their efficiency, sustainability, and growing market appeal.