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Custom
House Plans FAQ |
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Click on the following links to view Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Information:
General Frequently Asked Questions
Home Plan Customization Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Custom House Plans
Return/Exchange Policy
Shipping Rates
Order by Mail
General Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is included in a plan package?*
Exterior Elevation: Detailsed drawings showing how the house will look from each elevation once it is built.
Floor Plans: These drawings will show each level of the house, "indicating the dimensions of each room, the location of walls, windows, stairs, structure to hold the possible floor above and basic electrical layout.
Foundation Plan: This fully detailed drawing shows all pertinent notes, the dimensions, height, and thickness of the poured foundation. Structure to hold the floor above is also shown. Standard foundation type is specified per home plan.
Cross Section: These construction drawings will show you sections of the house as it cuts through the length and depth indicating the height and details for each volume.
Roof Plan: This layout will help you understand the structure of the roofing system and the location of each of the main trusses.
Truss Diagram: General layout and truss diagram that you can bring to a local manufacturer or simply to help the builder with the structure.
Construction Details, Wall Sections, and Stair Section: These pages provide general construction details and staircase section to conform, in most cases, with current building styles and regulations.
* Some plans may not include all of these features. Please call us for more details.
Phone 540-261-8874.
Q. Foundation Changes- what is available?
A. We can convert any specified foundation type according to your area's climate or specific practices. See the specific house plan for its standard foundation, as well as optional foundations. If no optional foundations are listed, call for more details. Phone 540-261-8874.
Q. How many blueprints should I order?
A. A single set of blueprints is all that is necessary for those who want to study the plan in more detail. However, if you wish to get an estimate from a contractor or subcontractor, or if you wish to begin building immediately, we recommend that you buy the 8 Set blueprint package.
Q. What is the Reverse Plan Option (right reading)**
A. Readable sets of plans are useful when you want to build the house exactly the way it is shown. You can order a reverse version of the original design for only $125.
** When available. Please see specific plan for options. If this option is not showing available for your selected plan, you may call for more information. Phone 540-261-8874.
Q. I want to Customize my plan. How do I do this?
A. Customization services are available for any house plan, or for developing your own original design. Click here to view information on Home Plan Customization
Q. How do I receive Engineering and Architectural Approvals for my plan?
A. Your city or state may require that you ahve a certified architect and/or engineer approve your plans and affix his/her seal to the plans for safety reasons or to meet local building codes. Please contact customer service for details. Phone 540-261-8874.
Modification Service / Home Plan Customization
Our team of professionals utilizes state-of-the-art computer technology for making most custom modification changes, quickly and affordably.
We can make quickly and inexpensively make minor modifications, like adding an opening, or changing the location of a room.
Major modifications, which alter the structure of the home, usually require a partial or complete re-drawing of the original house plan and require more technical time and design expertise.
SAMPLE MODIFICATION PRICING GUIDE
The average prices specified below are examples only. These refer to the most commonly requested changes, and are subject to change without notice.
Prices for changes can vary, from the prices below, depending on the number of modifications requested, the house plan size, style, quality of original house plan, format provided to us (originally drawn by hand or computer), and method of design used by the original designer.
To obtain your cost estimate or to get more information, please contact us at 1-800-499-3201, or fill out our online form.
Please note that the custom design process begins with the purchase of a reproducible set which is necessary before making any we can make changes to your chosen plan. The modification fees normally start at $600, and the average modification fees typically cost around $2,200, excluding the purchase of a reproducible master.
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Adding or removing a garage |
Starting at $600 |
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Garage: Front entry to side load or vice versa |
Starting at $300 |
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Adding a screened porch |
Starting at $300 |
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Adding a bonus room in the attic |
Starting at $450 |
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Changing full basement to crawl space or vice versa |
Starting at $495
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Changing full basement to slab or vice versa |
Starting at $495
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Changing exterior building materials |
Starting at $200 |
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Changing roof lines |
Starting at $600 |
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Adjusting ceiling height |
Starting at $280 |
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Adding, moving or removing an exterior opening |
Starting at $75 |
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Adding or removing a fireplace |
Starting at $90 |
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Modifying a non-bearing wall or room |
$65 per room |
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Changing exterior walls from 2"x4" to 2"x6" |
Starting at $995 |
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Redesigning a bathroom or a kitchen |
Starting at $150 |
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Reverse plan right reading |
Garage : $30 House : $125 |
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Adapting plans for local building code requirements |
Quote required
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Engineering and Architectural stamping and services |
Referral required |
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Adjust plan for handicapped accessibility |
Quote required |
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Interactive Illustrations (choices of exterior materials) |
Quote required |
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Metric conversion of home plan |
Starting at $495 |
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Metric conversion of a garage |
Starting at $195 |
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Metric version of the materials list |
Starting at $150
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Adding a bachelor (small apartment) |
Starting at $595 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CUSTOM HOME PLANS
Q. What modifications can I make through your customization service?
A. Customization options range from enlarging or reducing the total square footage of a plan to changing a roofline or foundation type. Your choices also include adding, removing and relocating rooms, windows, and doors, as well as many other refinements and amenities.
Q. How much does it cost to customize?
A. Review our Modification Pricing Guide to see a price range for particular changes. Once you have filled out the online payment form, fill out the modification checklist, our experts will determine the complexity of the work and send you an accurate cost estimate for your review.
Q. How do I get started?
A. Here’s our step-by-step process:
1. Select the house plan that most closely meets your needs.
2. Select BUY NOW, and select the Custom Plan option. When selecting the Custom Plan option, you are selecting to purchase 1 set of Reproducible Master prints at the price shown, plus paying the $50 initial custom design consultation fee. If you are unsure, you can call 540-261-8874 with questions.
3. Once you have purchased the plan you wish to modify, you will be contacted by the company to discuss your design requests. You will then be sent a modification checklist that you must complete, including all modifications and changes you want to be done on the original plan. You will be asked to return it by fax to the custom designers at 1-866-444-2571.
4. Within 48 hours (2 business days) of receipt of your completed modification checklist and description of changes, a cost estimate will be provided to you.
5. Once you approve the estimate, our design team will complete your modification project starting with a preliminary design, if applicable. Normally within 2 to 4 weeks after approval of the preliminary design you will receive EITHER 5 sets of blueprints or a reproducible set, as well as an accurate materials list, if requested.
NOTE: If no plan closely meets your needs, call 540-261-8874, if you wish to discuss having plans drawn from your original ideas.
Q. How do I proceed once I’ve received the modification cost estimate?
A. Approve the estimate. Fill out the payment form with your address information and credit card number. At this time, 75 percent of the total estimate is due. Return your estimate and payment forms via FAX to Tiny House Company at 1-540-261-8874. When we receive your approved estimate and payment, a preliminary design followed by the full construction drawings will be provided. You will be notified on completion of all changes, at which time the final 25 percent payment of your payment is due. Remit the payment in full and we will send your full construction drawings.
Q. Why do I need to purchase a reproducible master in order to create modifications?
A. When you purchase a reproducible master or vellum, you get a copyright release. This gives you the legal right to modify and copy the original design. This procedure adheres to stringent standards set by the industry.
Q. What is the turn-around time for your customization services?
A. The average turn-around time is 10-15 business days, following the receipt of the customer’s approval of any preliminary design modifications, if applicable.
Q. How will I know which home plans are customizable?
A. Any home plan is customizable.
Q. Is it possible to get different types of foundations like slab, crawlspace, and pillar?
A. Yes! We offer a variety of foundations to accommodate diverse soil types and basement requirements.
Q. How difficult would it be to change the ridge height according to my local code restrictions?
A. In most cases, it is fairly easy to do as we can lower the roof pitch or simply adjust the ground level with the site condition.
Q. Can one of your stock plans be changed to metal framing?
A. Yes! We can modify any design and integrate it with any type of building system on the market.
Q. Can your home plans experts adapt a stock plan to any prefabricated system or ICF (insulated concrete form)?
A. Yes! Our highly trained architectural professionals can modify any design to comply with the different types of building systems that are available and adapt the foundations and structure to accommodate the differences.
Q. If I don’t like the type of windows on a design, can I replace them?
A. Yes, our team of specialists will suggest alternate windows to complement the house and respond to your sense of style.
Q. Can I change the type of exterior finish, for example, from brick to vinyl?
A. Yes! You can change the type of any proposed exterior finish. Those that are featured on the homes in our magazine and on our website are suggestions only. Many of our customers choose to do so, whether for economical reasons or simply for personal preference. Note: there are some structural changes involved when converting from brick to vinyl and vice-versa. It is very important that you have your plan modified if you decide to change the type of exterior finish.
Q. Can I extend the original garage or add a garage to a design?
A. As long as the addition or extension does not become unwieldy or disproportionate to the house, our architectural design experts will work diligently to accommodate your requests.
Q. Can any of these plans be adapted for handicap accessibility?
A. Yes! All of our plans can be easily adapted to accommodate our handicapped customers. Our architectural specialists are highly trained and committed to providing for special needs situations.
Q. Do you have any home plans that can be adapted for a sloping lot?
A. Yes! Our home plans can be modified to overcome many lot-related challenges, from sloping to narrow. We also specialize in maximizing scenic views.
Q. Would it be possible to get a material list for a modified design, and if so, what does your material list include?
A. Yes, it is our policy to offer a material list for any modified design, for an additional fee. Our material lists provide a complete and detailed list of the items required to build your home, excluding finishing accessories, decorations, appliances and mechanical items.
Q. Will my home plans be stamped?
A. Our stock home plans are not sold with a stamp (architectural or engineering seal), but we can refer you to a local Engineer or Architect if you require a stamp, for legal or safety reasons. In order for us to know if you need this service, you must complete the appropriate section on the modification checklist (Item #17.).
Q. What is the difference between a full reverse and a mirror set of plans?
A. A full reverse or right reading reverse will help you read and understand the plans better, as opposed to a mirror reverse where all the writing will be backwards.
Q. Can I use your customization service to modify my plans to meet local building code requirements?
A. In this case, we recommend that you use our services to upgrade your plans and have them meet your local regulations. Ask your building inspector for a list of items that must be completed, added or modified. You may also employ the services of a local architect.
Q. Can we visit homes built by your designs?
A. Unfortunately, because of complex tracking of all clients and designs and also in order to respect our customer’s privacy we cannot provide this information.
Q. Can I have my custom home plans designed from a specific home style, my original concept or my need to realize a life long dream... and haven't found your perfect home plan anywhere?
A. Our custom design service is available for residential and commercial designs, and will assure you of an exclusive and prestigious design that will respect your budget and meet your expectations. The complexity of the design combined with the information you will provide us, will determine the exact cost of your custom home plan, which is normally between 1 and 3% of the total construction cost of your future home.
Q. Do you provide CAD Drafting Services?
A. Yes, our design experts can work with you to provide:
• Preparation of construction drawings (autoCAD)
• Conversion of hand-drawn plans to digital files
• Update to IRC 2000 Code
• 2D & 3D color and Black & White visualizations
• Color illustrations of house plans
SHIPPING RATES
Flat shipping charges within the United States and Canada:
Fed Ex Ground (8 to 10 days approximate) $45
Fed Ex Express (3 to 5 days approximate) $50
Fed Ex Express to Hawaii & Alaska $65
For International Shipping, please call or email for rates. Phone 540-261-8874.
Email: Info@TinyHomes.com.
If you are ordering multiple house plans (example: 1 set Plan: Lakefront & 1 set Plan: Classic Haven) that are shipped to the same location, it may be possible to have combined shipping for a lesser rate. Inquire at 540-261-8874 for by email at Info@TinyHomes.com.
MAIL ORDER FORM
To Order Home Plans by Mail, Click Here To Download a PDF Order Form.
For additional information, please contact:
Tiny House Company, LLC
20 GreenWay Place
Buena Vista, VA
Phone: 540-261-8874
Fax: (540) 261-8775
Email: Info@TinyHomes.com
Our office hours are 9am to 5pm, Eastern Time Zone