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| Q: I want to build a home as economically as possible. What should I look for in a house plan? |
| MHP: Architecturally, you want to keep the shape as simple as possible with the least amount of corners. You would also want to keep the roof simple. A crawlspace or slab foundation is less money to build than a basement. A simple 2-story home is less to build per square foot than a comparable 1-story due to less roof and foundation area.
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| Q: What is the difference between 'mirror' reverse and 'right reading reverse'?
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| MHP: Reversing a plan is the same whether it is Right Reading or Mirrored. In both cases, the structure is flipped so that all areas are on the opposite side of the existing drawing. Mirror reverse is done when plans are hand-drawn. The prints can be run flipped, but there is no way to also flip the text. Therefore, when we mirror a plan, all of the numbers and text read backwards. Right Reading Reverse is also flipped, but because the plan is drawn with a CAD program, we have the ability to flip the text and numbers so that they read properly.
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| Q: I'm confused about whether to purchase a Reproducible Master, a PDF, or a CAD file. Can you help me figure out which one I should buy? |
| MHP: All three of these plan set types come with a Copyright Release so that you or someone you hire have permission to make changes to the plans and then print them for use.
PDF's (if available) are becoming more popular because you save shipping cost and delivery time. The designer e-mails the plans directly to you with the Copyright Release so that you can print the number of sets you need locally. You can have the copies printed on erasable vellum so that minor changes can be made. A Reproducible Master is the vellum that the designer prints and then ships to you. A CAD file is recommended when you want to make more than minor changes. Although a CAD file costs more, it is likely the professional you hire to make changes for you will be able to work faster with a CAD File, thus saving you money. Many designers have done-away-with their drawing boards and will only work with CAD files. Before you order, make sure you ask the professional you hire which method he will use to make changes.
In all cases, your license to build will be for one house only (unless you purchase a plan with unlimited builds). |
| Q: Why is it that when I add up all of the room dimensions, I come up with less square footage than you state the plan has? |
| MHP: Living square footage is calculated to the exterior surface of the heated walls. You probably have not included spaces such as hallways, linen closets, stairways and interior walls. All of these areas are considered part of the living square footage. Our designers are very careful to calculate this figure accurately. |
| Q: Why isn't engineering included with my plans?
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| MHP: The simple answer is that we cannot anticipate where plans will be built. If our plans were engineered for every location in North America, they would be over-kill and cost you thousands of dollars more to build than they should. Why should a house being built in Arizona be engineered for hurricanes? Why should a house being built in San Diego have beams designed for snow loads in Alaska? Why should a house being built in Detroit be engineered to withstand an 8.0 earthquake? You will be saving thousands of dollars by purchasing a pre-drawn stock house plan. Yes, you may still need to take that additional step and hire an engineer to review the plans for compliance in the area where you plan to build, but you'll still be saving a bundle on the architectural fee.
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| Q: Are mechanical details such as plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical included with the plans?
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| MHP: Plans will show the location of plumbing fixtures, lights, switches & outlets. They will not include the location of plumbing pipes and risers, nor will they show an electrical wiring diagram or panel location. This information must be determined locally by your builder, electrician and plumber based on the foundation you build and local requirements. Location and type of HVAC units will also be determined by local conditions and requirements. Note: Some designers do not show any electrical on the plans due to builder preferences in their area. If this is an issue, please check with us before ordering plans.
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| Q: Can I modify a set of house plans?
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| MHP: In almost all cases, yes. You may obtain a Modification Request from our designers by clicking the Modification Request tab on the search results page of the plan you are interested in. Requests are fifty dollars, but that amount is refunded to you when you have the modifications made.
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| Q: Do your plans have everything I need to get my permits?
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| MHP: It's hard to say. It is quite possible that you will require location-specific engineering for your plan.
For example, if you are building on the West Coast, your plan will most likely need seismic engineering. If you are building on the Gulf or Atlantic Coast, you will most likely need wind/hurricane engineering. If you're building in an area that experiences heavy snow loads, you will need to have beams checked to make sure they accommodate local requirements. Another climate factor is area-specific energy codes that need to be addressed. In all of these cases, you will need to consult with a professional licensed in your state.
We recommend you check with your building department prior to purchasing plans so that you know what they will expect plans to include.
Special restrictions apply in Nevada. Please call your local building department for further information before ordering plans for use in Nevada.
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| Q: What do you mean when you refer to 'total square footage'?
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| MHP: The total square footage of a house plan is the total of the areas inside the exterior face of the heated walls. It does not include areas like bonus rooms, basements, garages, porches, or decks. You cannot determine the actual square footage of a house by adding the square feet of each room because it does not include the interior walls, stairways, linen closets, etc.
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| Q: How can I get a Material List for the plan I want to order?
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| MHP: If a Material List is available, you will be able to order it from the Order Page. If one is not available, the lumber yard you select to purchase your lumber from will probably do it for free as a service for purchasing your lumber from them.
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