Frequently Asked Questions

We work with nearly two hundred designers and architects, each of whom includes slightly different levels of detail and information in a set of plans. For more details about what is typically included and not included in our plans, click here.

Knowing the exact details you will receive in a plan set when you make a purchase is important. If you have questions about what may or may not be included in a plan, we encourage you to contact us.

Each plan may contain slightly different assets. To see the list of what is not included in a given plan, scroll down on the plan page to the "What's Not Included" section.

Because site conditions and requirements are different throughout states and municipalities, there are certain details that can only be obtained locally. These include:

• Engineering Stamp

• Mechanical Drawings (location of HVAC equipment and duct work)

• Plumbing Drawings (drawings showing actual plumbing pipe sizes and locations)

We recommend consulting with a local professional prior to purchasing a house plan to determine if there are any additional items not included in our plans that you will need to acquire. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions about what is included or not included in an individual plan package.

The total heated square footage is displayed on all house plans. This calculation does not include unfinished or optionally finished space, garages, or outdoor living area. You can see a breakdown of square footage for non-heated areas under "plan details" for each specific plan.

If you don't see a specific elevation for a plan on our site, contact us for availability.

Our plans are not designed for modular construction or building kits. We offer a selection of metal-framed and barndominium style house plans, but we do not sell house plans designed for prefabricated or modular construction.

Yes! We sell both barndominium-style plans that are designed for conventional construction, as well as true "barndominium" type plans with timber-framed, post-framed or PEMB/Metal-framed plans.

The key difference between the two is that the "barndominium-style" plans include many visual aspects of the classic barndominium style but are constructed with 2x4/2x6 wood framing. You can see a full list of these options on our Barndominium style page.

"True barndominium" type plans are plans that also include barndominium-style elements with alternative framing construction options. You can view all of these different styles in our Timber-Frame, Post-Frame, and PEMB/Metal-frame plan collections.

Below are the most common plan types available on our website:

• PDF: A full set of drawings delivered in a digital format by email with either a single or unlimited build license. The PDF includes a copyright release, giving you legal permission to modify the plans and print additional copies.

• 5 Sets + PDF: 5 printed sets shipped to you, and a full set of drawings delivered by email. Includes copyright release and license to build.

• 5 Sets: 5 printed sets of plans shipped to you. This option does not include a copyright release to allow modifications or printing additional sets.

• CAD: This option will allow local design professionals, structural engineers, and builders to make modifications and code updates to the design. Includes a single or unlimited build license, and a copyright release to modify and print sets. Not all designers use the same CAD program. Contact us to verify the software used for a specific plan.

• PDF Light: A full set of drawings delivered by email, a single build license, and permission to print sets. This option does not include a copyright release to make changes.

Many plans include optional add-ons such as readable reverse plans, different foundation types, exterior wall changes (e.g. upgrade to 2x6), garage orientation and size, list of materials, structural engineering details, and many more! Each plan page has the full list of add-ons along with detailed descriptions in the "Options" dropdown on the plan page. For more information about add-ons, please see our Plan Options page.

In rare cases, a designer may offer a Study Set. The study set may be a full set of plans stamped "Not for Construction" or a simplified set that includes a floor plan and elevations only. If you are interested in purchasing a study set please contact us to verify availability for a specific plan.

A List of Materials, or Material Takeoff List, is an inventory of the materials required to build a specific house plan. This can be helpful for estimating cost to build, as well as saving time when ordering materials for a project. You can see plans that offer a list of materials for purchase here. Materials lists can only be purchased with a plan set for an additional cost. Contact us for assistance if you would like to check the availability of a materials list for a specific plan.

Yes. We have sample CAD files available and can request one from the designer if needed, since formats vary by software and extension. Please contact us through our Contact Us page to request a sample file.

Many plans offer different foundation options. We recommend consulting with your builder before placing your order to determine which option will best suit your lot and budget. If a plan doesn't offer the foundation option you need, we recommend submitting a modification request. The most common foundation options are:

• Slab: Popular on flat lots. They do not allow for any space underneath the home.

• Crawl: Elevates a section of the foundation off the ground, and offers a small amount of access underneath the home for storage and maintenance.

• Basement: Can provide additional living or storage space that is completely or partly below ground.

• Walkout Basement: Typically suited for a rear sloping lot. Walkout basements have doors that lead to the rear exterior of the home, and provide additional living space.

• Daylight: Daylight foundations are most commonly chosen for sloping lots, but do not include doors with exterior access.

Many designers offer alternate framing options for an additional charge. When available, alternative options will be listed under the "Options" menu for each plan. The standard framing type for a specific plan is listed under "plan details". If the type of framing you would like to use is not listed, we recommend submitting a modification request. In many cases, converting to an alternate framing type is possible. A quote for the wall conversion will be emailed to you in 1-3 business days.

Yes - most plans can be ordered with a readable reverse option. The layout will be flipped and all text and dimensions will be readable. Your order will be filled in reverse orientation only, and the standard format will not be included. Contact us for availability if a readable reverse option is not listed under a plan you would like to purchase.

We offer free, no obligation modification services to help you understand the feasibility, cost, and timeframe of any potential plan changes.

Whether you need to adjust the foundation type, change the garage orientation, or personalize specific areas to suit your lifestyle, we've got you covered!

To submit a request, click on the "Modify This Plan" button on the plan page and fill out the form describing the changes you want to make. A confirmation of your request will be emailed to you. A quote and timeline to complete the work will be emailed to you in 1-3 business days. For more information on modification requests, click here.

If you have already purchased a plan and need to make a change to the order, please contact us for assistance.

Most of our designers will allow changes to an existing order up to one year from point of purchase. We can apply the previous sale to the upgrade order and collect the difference; some designers may also charge an administrative fee to reissue a plan.

For changes to an existing modification order, please email your project's designer or drafter.

We are unable to assist with additions or remodels for existing homes. We recommend working with a local professional for projects of that nature.

We do not offer in-person design consultations.

We offer customizable Cost to Build reports to help you determine the approximate cost to build a specific plan in your zip or postal code. For more information on Cost to Build reports, check out our Cost to Build details page.

Our designers and architects price each plan individually, with pricing ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars—so there's something for every budget. Each plan also comes with its own set of delivery options and optional add-ons, which may have additional costs. You'll find all the pricing details right on the plan's product page.

If you find a better price for the same plan somewhere else, we'll match it—and give you an extra 10% off the matched price! If they are running a percent-off discount, we'll match it (excluding modification fees). Material lists and modification fees are not included. Just show us proof of the lower price, and we'll make sure you pay less with us!

All plan purchases are final. No refunds or exchanges. We strongly encourage you to contact us with any questions and ensure you have chosen the best plan to suit your needs prior to purchasing plans.

Plan delivery time depends on whether you ordered digital plans, physical plans, or both.

After plan purchase, orders are forwarded to our designers for fulfillment Monday-Friday. Digital plan set orders are delivered digitally within 1-2 business days, and physical copies are shipped for free via UPS Ground. If you order add-ons, plan delivery times may vary. For more details, please see our Delivery and Shipping page.

Yes! If you need to purchase more sets within 60 days of placing your order, we will credit your original purchase and charge the difference in price plus shipping. If you need to order more sets after 60 days from your original purchase, additional charges may be applied.

We offer two building license options: single build or unlimited build.

• Single build licenses provide you with legal permission to build your plan one time.

• Unlimited build licenses provide you with legal permission to build your plan an unlimited number of times with no re-use fees.

The copyright to the plan is retained by the original designer. The plan licensed to you cannot be used by or resold to any other individual. For more information on copyright, click here.

Our house plans were designed to meet industry standard building and residential codes at the time they were drawn. Many states, counties, or municipalities have their own specific building codes, regulations, and zoning requirements and as a result of the variety of code requirements, we do not guarantee that our plans will meet your local requirements. You may be required to make modifications to your house plans with a builder, engineer, or designer to meet local conditions and requirements. The purchaser should ensure that their plans comply with all applicable building codes and are suitable for a particular building site, including any subdivision restrictions, before construction begins. Because we have no control over the selection of your builder or other local professionals, we cannot be responsible for the advice or assistance you receive from them or the methods they use.

Our plans contain sufficient information to build a home, however your local municipality may require additional information in order to receive a permit. We strongly advise consulting with a local official to verify what information your building department requires.

Select plans in our Canadian collection include a purchasable option to obtain a BCIN #, which you can browse here. A local professional can also assist.

To save a plan, click the "favorite" button beneath the image gallery. To see all of your favorites, click the "heart" icon in the top right corner of any page. You can bookmark plans for future reference in any browser. Plans can also be organized into collections. When you favorite a plan on our website, you will be notified via email when we update the image gallery.

Occasionally plans are removed from our website, but may still be available for purchase. If you would like to check the availability of a plan you can no longer find on our website, please contact us.

Due to privacy concerns, we are unable to share detailed location or contact information for any of our client's builds.

Photos are provided to us voluntarily by clients who would like their homes displayed on our website. Any photos and video tours we have are featured in the main image gallery, or in a client album for a plan. If you add a plan to your favorites on our site, you will be notified when we update the gallery.

We love seeing client photos! If you ordered your house plans from Architectural Designs and would like to share photos of your build, email us at [add photo-submission email].

If you are interested in having your portfolio represented on our platform, you can submit an application here.

We offer an affiliate program for those looking to earn a commission by promoting Architectural Designs' house plans. For more information or to apply, click here.