What's Included with the Plan Package that I Order?

This is a very good question that is often asked by our clients. When you place an order, you should know exactly what you are buying. Below, we have described the typical items that are included in most plan packages. Due to differences in design styles and local codes, some of the following items may have to be produced by a local designer, architect, or engineer

1.	Cover Sheet Cover sheet typically includes a front view of the plan (may be in color), index of pages included, and other miscellaneous notes and details.
2.	Foundation Plan and Details Foundation plans describe to the builder, the type of foundation requested by the home owner or the type of foundation required by a certain geographic area. In most cases, the foundation plan will include footing sizes and locations, footing details and other important information needed to properly construct the home. In some specific areas, a structural engineer may be required to review and certify the house plans purchased. These reasons include, but are not limited to the following: seismic (earthquake) considerations, high wind (coastal , mountainous areas, etc.), snow loads, etc.
3.	Floor Plan(s) The floor plans locate all walls, interior and exterior, of the entire building, denote ceiling heights and treatments, locate all plumbing fixtures, cabinets, door and window locations and sizes, gives square footage measurements, locate water heaters and HVAC systems.
4.	Exterior Elevations The exterior elevations are used to depict the exterior finishes (brick, siding, stucco, etc.), roof styles (hip or gable) and slopes, ridge heights, and window styles, and overhang lengths. The exterior elevations include a front, right, rear, and left elevation.
5.	Building Sections The building sections describe to the builder how a particular home is to be constructed. Building sections typically show stud heights, the roof construction, whether stick built or pre-engineered, direction of the ceiling joist members, overhang finishes, wall and ceiling finishes, and interior roof support members.
6.	Roof Plan(s) There are two types of roof plans that are typically shown. One is the roof drainage or birds-eye view. The roof drainage plan depicts the roof type and roof slope of each plain. The second is the roof framing plan. The roof framing plan depicts the quantity and location of the roof framing members.
7.	Interior Cabinet Views Interior cabinet views depict the overall design and layout of all interior cabinets. These include kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, built-in cabinets, and other specialty items designed within a particular home.
8.	Electrical Plans The electrical plan depicts the general location of all interior and exterior electrical devices. This generally includes light switches, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, and smoke detectors. The electrical plan will also generally locate the breaker box and power entry.