How House Plans Work

The Ins and Outs Of Choosing Online Custom Home Plans!
So you've decided to build your own home, congratulations! Now where do you go from here?

If you are a first timer, it is sometimes confusing figuring out how house plans work. House plans, sometimes referred to as home floor plans, are easily deciphered once you understand the basics. Let's discuss some of them so you know what to look for when looking at custom home plans for your dream house.

House Plans Options

There are many options available when it comes to house plans. Home plans usually come in "sets" which can be broken down as follows:

CAD Set ? This is a complete set of house plans that is available in electronic file format. Usually this type of house plan is requested from professionals. A CAD set is useful if you are planning on making a lot of changes to the initial house plan purchased. This isn't usually something a novice would be interested in, unless they are working very closely with a designer.

Study Set ? This type of home plan includes complete exterior views of your home to be plus floor plans of the upper and lower floors (for two story homes). A study set is useful in helping you determine if you can afford the home you are considering building. Usually excluded from a study set are items such as the roof, foundation and details of the home.

Construction Set ? Construction house plans are complete and include everything you need to build your home. Exterior views, complete floor plans, roof and foundation plans and details that explain how to build your home are included in a construction set. You want to consider a construction set if you are interested in buying a basic home plan package from which you'll secure financing and settle all the other details necessary to have your home built.

Reproducible Set ? You can buy a reproducible set if you think you may need minor changes made to your home plans. You can make copies from this type of home plan, but you are not allowed to build more than one home from these type of plans without a separate license.

Selecting a Style Home

Once you have figured out what type of plans you'll need, you next need to decide on the type of house plans you want to look at. Here are some examples of common house plans that can be purchased:

• Cottage Plans
• Beach House Plans
• Log Home Plans
• Modular Home Plans
• Storage Shed Plans

Let's examine each of these more closely:

Cottage Plans
Cottage plans are usually crafted with warmth and cozy spacing in mind. Most cottage plans are not designed with the idea that the home will be very large. Cottage plans include characteristics such as cozy living spaces, wood siding and stone based porches among other things. Many also are designed to accommodate one and one half to two story homes with low pitched roofs. The exterior materials often used in cottage plans include brick or stucco.

Beach House Plans
Beach house plans usually result in homes that have a very distinct look. The architectural style that is the foundation for most beach house plans varies from Spanish to Mediterranean to Traditional styles. Beach house plans therefore, can reflect a wide range of interests. Some reflect the area where the house may be built. For example, many coastal home plans created for homes on the southern East coast (think Florida) are crafted with the idea that the home will be on stilts as a measure to help guard against hurricanes and other tropical storms. Stucco exterior styles or Mediterranean styles are not uncommon of coastal home plans fashioned for customers living on the West Coast. Many beach house plans also include special features such as large bay windows and outdoor living spaces.

Log Home Plans
Log home plans are often crafted with the romantic in mind. Most log home plans have a rustic feel, built on traditions. Log home plans will incorporate natural elements into the style including use of wood, stone and glass to create a home that reflects the spirit of the forest. Log home plans are popular because homes built with logs are great insulators against cold weather. Most log home plans are custom designed for homes in areas of the country that experience cold snaps during the winter months.

Modular Home Plans
Modular home plans are largely popular because they are inexpensive and result in homes that are easy to build and place just about anywhere. You can find modular home plans to meet just about any need. Most are one story homes or ranch style homes. Modular home plans are also popular because they can be built quickly and do not require extensive detailing. These plans are great for those wanting to build a starter home, but not wanting to break the bank while doing so. You can find many of the same features in a modular home as you can in a traditional one.

Storage Shed Plans
Storage shed plans are crafted with one thing in mind... space! Why look at storage shed plans unless you are looking to build a structure that will accommodate your need for more space? Most storage shed plans vary in size and structure, depending on what you are looking for. You can literally find a storage shed plan to match any specific requirement. Whether you are looking to store animals, hay, tools, supplies or excess household items, you can usually find a plan to accommodate your needs. Most storage shed plans are in essence "mini versions" of their full house plan cousins. They are small and usually one story, though some (particularly those built for farming considerations) may be two story.

Building your home is an exceptional adventure and can be quite rewarding if you go into it with an open mind and some fore thought.

About The Author:
Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as Unique House Plans, and Storage Shed Plans

---

The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers

So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom.... Read More

Grandfather Clocks Bring a Sense of Awe?Theyre So Tall

Standing tall and big are the stately grandfather clocks. They... Read More

Is a Hot Tub for You? Top 5 Questions You Need to Answer

As a way of relaxing, more and more people are... Read More

What Two Words Will Double the Space in Your Home?

Just two words and a bit of explanation about them... Read More

Building Your Dream Home ? Part 2

Razing the CottageWith new house plans and permits in hand,... Read More

House Plans ? Research Is Key

When you think about building your new home consider your... Read More

Apartment Inspection Checklist

You have found an apartment you like and you are... Read More

Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom?

A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my... Read More

Power Tools and HAV - Hand Arm Vibration - Prevention is Better Than Cure

Power tools are some of the most useful devices ever... Read More

Colors: Their Connotations and Perceived Meanings

Throughout the ages, colors have been used to evoke certain... Read More

Cleaning House and the 80-20 Rule

Cleaning house is one of those things that needs doing... Read More

Learning Interior Design

Learning interior design can be a simple or complicated task... Read More

Home Floor Plan Designing For Your Future Home

Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder:... Read More

Chairs, Rocking Chairs and Other Comfortable Places To Park It!

A chair is one of the best inventions ever made.... Read More

Make a Grand Entrance of Your Front Door

You may find it difficult to believe that the days... Read More

Dining Rooms: Designing for Your Emotional Well-Being

I read an interior design book last night. Since I... Read More

Draught Proofing Your Home

This article takes a look at a number of ways... Read More

Removing Old Aluminum Windows

This week we are going to talk about the process... Read More

Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide

Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a... Read More

Ceiling Fan Blades

A ceiling fan consists of three basic parts, namely the... Read More

Bring Out the Comforters for Back to School

If the weather is turning chilly it must time for... Read More

Refinishing A Hardwood Floor

Want to bring your hardwood floors back to their former... Read More

Single hung aluminum window glass repair

Let's talk about repairing broken glass in an aluminum frame... Read More

Single Pane Window Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame

Let's suppose you still have those old aluminum single pane... Read More

Pool Supplies Should Also Contain Safety

A swimming pool with attached spa has just been installed... Read More

Fixing Old Wooden Chairs

Fixing Old Wooden ChairsIF you have some old chairs that... Read More

Hardwood Floor Care Will Keep Your Hardwood Looking Fantastic

Hardwood is still the homeowner's favorite choice of flooring and... Read More

Home Improvement for The Ladies!

Your Own Homes Improvement Outline(One for the Ladies)Let me begin... Read More

Ten Things You May Not Know About Selecting Hardwood Flooring

1) Red Oak is not the only choiceIf you want... Read More

Non Slip Maintenance Of Honed Interior Marble

A honed finish is a satin surface with relatively little... Read More

A Well Chosen Bathroom Vanity Will Make Your Bathroom Look Great!

A bathroom vanity is the centerpiece of your bathroom. Regardless... Read More

Your Home is Your Symphony

"Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting... Read More

Buying The Right Comforter For Your Bed

Putting the right comforter on your bed can make the... Read More