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

---

Designing Great-looking Window Coverings on a Budget

Window coverings are one of the most important focal points... Read More

The Bathroom - The Forgotten Area Of Your Home?

The bathroom in your home is the one room that... Read More

How to Install a Ceiling Fan - A Simple Guide

A Complete manual on how to install a Ceiling Fan... Read More

Work From Home and Make Money from On-line Rewards and Incentives Programs

You'll be amazed at how much free money you can... Read More

Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide

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

Roof Cleaning - Making Your Old Roof Look Like New!

Many Florida residents that have come from the North are... Read More

Lighter Fluid: The Best Label and Scuff Mark Remover

The first time my husband saw me scrubbing the black... Read More

Kitchen Design ? No Need to Do It Alone

You can't opt out of the process altogether, though, because... Read More

An Introduction to Air Compressors

Air compressors are widely used among American manufacturers, industries and... Read More

Tips on Ladder Safety

PLACEMENT?Ladders should be placed so each side rail is on... Read More

Geothermal Heat Pumps 101

It seems like about three million of you have asked... Read More

Color Help: Many Factors Affect Color Preference

Understanding color psychology helps home makers choose colors for home... Read More

Country Home Accessories

Country home décor is the most sought after home interior... Read More

Designing With Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments;... Read More

Installing Drywall: Mudding and Taping

Installing Drywall, or hanging drywall as the professionals usually refer... Read More

House Plans ? Where To Start

You have found the perfect lot on which to build... Read More

Planning For a New Deck

Part of the fun of a new deck is the... Read More

Ceiling Fan Blades

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

Choosing a Vinyl Replacement Window Contractor

Whenever I write an article, it's usually tailored to the... Read More

The Next Revolution in Home Entertainment - IP Based Multi-Room Distribution

The Holy Grail of distributed audio; unlimited zones and unlimited... Read More

Mommy, Mommy, Theres a Caterpillar on my Bed

Chenille has been used for bedspreads since Catherine Evans revived... Read More

Imported Tools vs. Brand Name - Are They As Good?

So you are looking for hand or power tools on... Read More

Unadulterated Truth About Black Mold: What You Don?t Know Is Destroying Your Home And Your Health

With today's new building procedures, our homes are more dangerous... Read More

Interior Design For Bargain Hunters

Interior design for bargain hunters is the new fashionable item... Read More

Manhatten Paving-Asphalt Paving Seal Coats

Why should you even consider sealing your asphalt driveway?Seal your... Read More

A New Era in Bathroom Technology - Bathroom Home Improvements

Spa treatments in your own home? Sounds to good to... Read More

The Wireless Home

It was only a few years ago that Real Estate... Read More

Hydronic vs Forced Air Heating and Cooling

Hydronic, or hot water, heating has been standard for years... Read More

Beautiful, Sparkling Chandeliers!

If you want to add extra spark to rooms, consider... Read More

Modern Rugs Add Color, Texture, Interest and Space Definition To Your Room

Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and... Read More

Repairing Your Own Machine Components

Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the... 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

The Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget.... Read More