How to Choose the Best House Plan (+ Free Plan Example)
Choosing the right house plan is an exciting and crucial step in building your dream home. It sets the foundation for everything from design to construction, and impacts how well your space will meet your needs.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect house plan, answer common questions, and provide a free example to get you started on your journey.
What Is a House Plan?
How Much Do Home Plans Cost?
Where to Find the Perfect House Plan
What Does a House Plan Include?
Who Needs My House Plan?
Tips for Selecting Your Ideal House Plan
FAQs
What Is a House Plan?
Think of a house plan as the ultimate guide to building your home. It’s a collective effort between architects, designers, and engineers, each playing a crucial role in bringing your vision to life.
An architect or architectural designer will create the document, referred to as a “house plan” or “construction drawing set,” to meticulously detail the design and layout of your future home. Next, an engineer will review the plans to ensure they comply with building codes and that the structure can be safely constructed.
The resulting drawings outline every aspect of the construction process, from the overall design to the specific materials and techniques to be used. They serve several key purposes: helping you obtain building permits, guiding the construction process, and ensuring that the final structure meets all design specifications.
In essence, a house plan is a comprehensive document that addresses every detail of your home’s journey from initial design to final inspection. It’s the blueprint that keeps everything on track and ensures that your new home is built exactly as envisioned.
How Much Do Home Plans Cost?
The cost of a home plan varies significantly based on where you buy it from and the complexity of the design.
Basic plans generally range from $1,000 to $5,000, while more elaborate and customized designs can cost between $5,000 and $15,000+.
Lower-cost options often include only pre-designed plans and may require additional fees for obtaining your own copies. These files are necessary for engineers to review and approve the plans for construction.
This is why, when budgeting for home plans, it’s important to account for both the initial cost and any extra expenses for modifications or engineering services.
At Abrigo, our standard home plans are priced at $4,420, which includes detailed architectural drawings and extensive support throughout the design process. Custom architecture fees start around $10,000, offering tailored designs and dedicated project management.
In comparison, our sister company, Amy Dutton Home, provides high-end architecture services for up to $60,000, reflecting Amy’s close involvement from project inception to completion.
Where To Find the Perfect House Plan
When it comes to purchasing a house plan, you have several options, each offering different advantages. Three of the most common are:
- Architectural firms: If you’re looking for a custom-designed home, working with an architectural firm is a good option. Architects offer personalized design services tailored to your specific needs and preferences. They can be especially helpful if you have unique requirements or want a bespoke design that reflects your individual style.
- Online providers: For a more straightforward and budget-friendly approach, online providers offer a wide range of pre-designed house plans. These plans are often available for immediate purchase and can be an option if you’re looking for a more standardized design at a lower cost. However, keep in mind that these plans may require additional modifications to meet local building codes and personal preferences.
- Design-build firm: A design-build firm combines the best of both design and construction services, providing a seamless and integrated approach to home building. This option can streamline the process by having one team handle both the design and construction phases, ensuring that plans are well-suited to the methods and materials used by the firm.
What Does a House Plan Include?
A house plan usually covers the basics, including floor plan layouts, exterior views, sections, site plans, foundation details, and electrical and plumbing setups, providing a clear guide to build your home.
Features like interior design, landscaping, and custom components aren’t always included, but can often be added by request or purchased separately. At Abrigo Home, our full construction drawings uniquely include an interior design plan, landscaping plan, furniture plan, and three hours of customization with our design team.
Review this chart for a sense of what you can expect to be included in (and excluded from) your full construction drawing home plan set.
| Feature | Preliminary | Full Construction Drawings |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 (based on comps) | $4,420 (based on comps and consultation time) |
| Allows You To |
|
|
| Best For |
|
|
| Included |
| Everything listed in the preliminary section plus plans for:
|
Who Needs My House Plan?
Your house plan is a crucial document used by professionals throughout the construction process. Here’s a breakdown of who needs your house plan and why:
- Builder/contractor: The builder or contractor is ultimately responsible for making the design a reality. They use a house plan to guide every aspect of construction and ensure that details align with specifications.
- Engineers (civil and structural): Several engineers need home plans to ensure structural integrity of the home. Civil engineers focus on the site and infrastructure, while structural engineers evaluate the load-bearing aspects and make necessary adjustments to meet safety standards.
- Permit officials: Local building codes and safety regulations are the primary focus of permit officials. They will review your home plan to ensure that all requirements are met before work begins.
- Inspectors: They perform inspections at various stages of the build to verify that everything is done correctly. Inspectors will refer to a house plan to check that updates are happening in-line with approved plans.
- Interior designer: If you’re working with an interior designer, they will use the house plan to create a cohesive and functional interior. The plan helps them understand the layout and dimensions, allowing them to design spaces that complement your chosen architectural elements.
- Cabinetry and countertop fabricators: Fabricators who create custom cabinetry and countertops will refer to a house plan to ensure that their products fit perfectly within the design. Accurate measurements and layout details are essential for their line of work.
Tips for Selecting Your Ideal House Plan
- Assess your needs, lifestyle, and plans for the future. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need now, and moving forward, such as if you plan to grow your family or take in family members who need care. Think about whether you need a home office, extra storage space, or special features that will enhance your quality of life.
- Consider your ideal layout and flow. The layout of your home will dictate how functional and comfortable the space is — whether it’s an open concept or has designated spaces instead. Either way, your home plan should include logical transitions between spaces.
- Evaluate your site. From the get-go, you should consider the orientation of your home on the lot, including where the best views are, which areas get the most sunlight, and whether there will be any topographical challenges during construction.
- Go green. Energy efficiency is a key factor in modern home design. Look for plans that include features such as proper insulation, efficient windows, and space for energy-efficient appliances. An environmentally friendly design can reduce utility costs and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Consult with professionals. Architects, designers, and builders have the expertise to ensure that a home plan fits all of your needs in a realistic way. Not only can they provide insights into how well a plan works on your lot, they can also make suggestions to make it more functional and beautiful.
- Budget for additional costs. While the cost of the house plan is an important factor, remember to budget for additional expenses such as permits, site preparation, and construction. Ensure that the plan you choose aligns with your overall budget and includes details for obtaining necessary approvals.
FAQs
How do I choose a floor plan?
Start by evaluating the basics of what you’re looking for in a home. This can include everything from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to your preferred layout or whether you’ll need room to grow in the future. A good floor plan is one that meets your lifestyle needs and preferences while ensuring functionality and efficiency.
What does a house plan include?
A house plan includes detailed drawings and specifications that outline the design and construction of a home. Typically, it features floor plans showing the layout of rooms, walls, doors, and windows, as well as positioning of the home on the lot and outdoor features. House plans can also include specifications for materials, finishes, and structural elements, providing a comprehensive guide for builders and contractors.
What is the most important drawing on a set of house plans?
The most important, and prominent, aspect of a house plan is how everything will be laid out — also known as the floor plan. The floor plan is crucial for understanding how spaces will be utilized and how they flow together. It serves as the primary guide for construction and is essential for ensuring that the design meets the homeowner’s needs and preferences.
What is included in a plan set?
A home plan set will typically include floor plans, elevations, and structural details. Anything locale-specific, such as a site plan, structural engineering plan, and accessibility plans is not generally included but can be purchased separately. Additionally, utilities and fire/health/safety components are handled by a builder or local inspector.
How much do home plans cost?
The cost of home plans vary significantly based on where you buy them and the complexity of the design. Basic plans generally range from $1,000 to $5,000, while more elaborate and customized designs can cost between $5,000 and $15,000+. Lower-cost options often include only pre-designed plans and may require additional fees for obtaining your own copies These files are necessary for engineers to review and approve the plans for construction.
Ready to dive into home plans of your own? Reach out today to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation with the Abrigo Home team.