Question: Can a contractor (or I) actually build a home from your plans?  
 
  Answer:



 Yes. Our plans include everything you need to build, including elevations, floor plans, cross sections, and roof details, etc. Important details, such as where the home will be located on your site, and how the water, sewer, and electrical hookups are made is something you will need to address with your contractor and local building inspector.  
 
  Question: What's included with your plans?  
 
  Answer:


 Your basic package includes multiple sets of blueprints, which include the following: Exterior elevations, Foundation plan, Detailed floor plan, Cross sections, Interior elevations, Roof details, General specifications.  
 
  Question: How much is a set of plans?  
 
  Answer:


 Even with all the options, you can get everything you need for well under $800, less than a quarter the cost of the average custom design. Click here for a discussion of the pros and cons of stock plans vs. custom plans.  
 
  Question: Can I modify existing plans?  
 
  Answer:



 Yes, For a small fee you can add a bedroom, change a roofline, add a second story, etc. The nice thing about the Internet is that it's easy to ask. Just click here to send us your modification via e-mail. Don't forget to include the Plan ID # of the home you're interested in modifying, and we'll figure out the price.  
 
  Question: How can I check on the status of my order?  
 
  Answer:
1. You will receive an email order confirmation immediately after placing your order.  
2.


 You will receive a email shipping confirmation along with a UPS tracking number when your order is shipped. You may then track your order through the UPS system by visiting their Web site at http://www.ups.com.  
3. Email us with your questions by clicking here.  
4. Call our offices at (800) 772-7225, 9-5 PDT  
 
 
  Question: Do I really need a general contractor?  
 
  Answer:



 For a major addition or a new home, a general contractor (GC) will usually pay off in numerous ways. The GC will plan the project, hire subcontractors he knows to be competent, avoid costly errors, and save the homeowner lots of time. And if something goes wrong, the GC has lots more leverage than you do.  
 
  Question: Is (Building material "A") better than (building material "B")?  
 
  Answer:











 There is no single right answer for comparing say, wood windows to vinyl, or cement shingles to asphalt. Contractors have experience with many product types in your area, and can often direct you to existing buildings that feature the kind of materials you're considering, allowing you to see the product in a finished form. Best of all, the material that you choose is likely to be available locally.

Don't overlook your local building inspector. He'll welcome the opportunity to help you avoid costly mistakes. He's seen them all, and can be your best friend before you commit.

Another valuable resource is your local Home Builders Association. There are over 16,000 of these in the U.S., and are often listed in your Yellow Pages under "Building Contractors."		  
 
  Question: Why don't they build homes like they used to?  
 
  Answer:



 Actually they build them better than they used to. You'll seldom see a modern home with a sway-back roof or broken foundation. Changes in materials and building codes have lead to more consistent construction, which also permits standardization of things like insulation width, which in turn makes construction more efficient.  
 
  Question: How much does it cost to build a home?  
 
  Answer:






 Obviously, prices will vary depending on how lavish your plans are. The most common way of expressing building costs is in "dollars per square foot", and most homes fall in the range of $65/foot to $150/foot. However, the area that you live in will play a large role as well as whether you've decided to include a marble bath tub and gold faucets.

Your local Home Builders Association (Yellow Pages under "Building Contractors") will be able to help you narrow the range.

  
 
  Question: How Long does it take to build a home?  
 
  Answer:

 A small home or addition can often be completed in 90 days, while a major custom home can take a year or more. The average time for a conventional home is 6-7 months.