Resources.
How to Read Blueprints.
Before explaining how to read blueprints, it may be valuable to understand what blueprints or blacklines are. It is quite difficult to build a structure to scale when the scale you are working from is very small. To make things easier to read, designers complete drawings on large sheets of various sizes, the most common size for residential structures is 24”x 36”. Today these plans that were once drawn by hand are now drawn on computerized equipment. The prints are now referred to as blacklines instead of blueprints because they are printed on large format copiers with black toner instead of in an ammonia development machine that produces blue lines. We still refer to all prints today as “blueprints”.
Choosing a Contractor.
Choosing a building contractor is probably the most important decision you will make. Your builder will not only be responsible for building a high quality house that will last for years and years, but they will also be responsible for coming in on budget, getting the house built when you need it to move in and coordinating the multitudes of subcontractors it will take to get the job done. It should be stated at the outset, that most home contractors are dependable and trustworthy business people, however there are a few guidelines that you should follow to protect yourself and your investment.
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Financial Considerations.
Budgets should be considered while shopping for the right home plan and location. As a general rule of thumb, your building site should cost no more than 20% of the total cost of your home and site combined. Banks often provide attractive loans that can initially finance the lot purchase as well as the construction cost, which can then convert automatically to a permanent loan. Find out if your bank reserves the right to approve the builder you choose. Make appointments with local contractors and builders in your area to get estimates on the average cost per square foot to build the home plan that you have chosen. You should also get estimates on the cost of driveways, utility hook ups and septic tank installations or sewer connections.
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Use of Plans.
All Study Plans sets (or Review Sets) and Construction Plan sets are published and distributed by The Plan Drawer, Inc. The United States Copyright Law protects the content of these plans and their architectural design. These documents may not be redrawn, duplicated, distributed or sold without prior written authorization by The Plan Drawer, Inc. The purchaser of our Construction Plan Sets license or a digital file usage license is granted permission to use these plans for the construction of one single family home only. The purchase of any additional set(s) of Blackline Prints does not entitle the licensee to construct more than one house. This permission is granted to the licensee exclusively, and may not be sold or transferred to any party without prior written authorization by The Plan Drawer, Inc. Study Sets are to be used for evaluation purposes only and may not to be used for building permits or construction.
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Zoning and Restrictions.
Zoning laws and design regulations may place restrictions on the property chosen for your new home that you don't know. Research setbacks, building lines, max ridge height and lot coverage requirements along with any plan review submittal requirements that the property developer may have included in the deed restrictions. Adjoining property may need researched to determine potential uses that might affect you. Will you have municipal services such as gas, water and sewer hookups and how much are the impact fees or will you need a well drilled for water and a septic system with leach fields? These costs can significantly affect your overall expenditure for you new home.
Single Use License Information
A Single Use License Agreement for Print Sets grants the Licensee a limited non-exclusive and non-transferable right to construct one and only one home as depicted in the licensed plan. Use of the plan to build more than one home is prohibited. The print sets and the plan may not be copied, reproduced, modified, transferred or sold without the express written consent of the copyright owner
A Single Use License Agreement for a Reproducible Set, Digital Set–PDF Format or Digital Set–CAD Format grants the Licensee a limited non-exclusive and non-transferable right to construct one and only one home as depicted in the licensed plan. Use of the plan, either in original form or as modified by the licensee to build more than one home is prohibited. Permission is also granted to the licensee to modify the plan but not to claim copyright in either the original or modified plan. The reproducible set and the plan either in original form or as modified by the purchaser may not be sold, distributed or transferred without the express written consent of the copyright owner.
Home Design Copyright.
As part of the commitment of The Plan Drawer, Inc. to help you achieve your dream home we provide the following information for your use.
All plans that are sold by The Plan Drawer, Inc. are protected by copyright. Just like books, movies, and songs, home plans receive protection under Federal Copyright Law. These copyright laws prevent anyone, other than the copyright owner (The Plan Drawer), from reproducing, modifying, or reusing the plans or designs without specific express permission from the copyright owner.
If you suspect that a violation of The Plan Drawer, Inc.’s copyrights has occurred, or if there is any uncertainty about the plans purchased, please contact The Plan Drawer before proceeding. A reward may be offered for home design copyright infringement.
Factors to Consider.
When searching for your home plan, consider these factors:
Determine your family lifestyle requirements to incorporated into the plan.
Do you want patios, porches or decks?
Do you prefer a large eat-in kitchen or a large formal dining room?
Will you want additional spaces for a den, home office or place for hobbies?
What about cathedral ceilings or open areas, wood burning fireplaces, large bay windows or skylights?
What are the styles of the existing homes in the area you plan to build?
Is the area you hope to build on flat, hilly or rugged terrain?
Are the lots that are available in your area narrow or wide?