FAQ
Find answers to your questions about purchasing, modifying, and using our house plans to ensure a smooth and informed building process.
Why should I buy pre-designed house plans?
Pre-designed house plans are a smart choice if you’re looking to save both time and money. Buying pre-designed house plans from Alabode not only saves you significant time and money compared to hiring an architect, but it also provides access to a collection of carefully curated and refined architectural designs.
Custom architectural design fees can range from 5% to 15% of the total construction cost, often amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity of the project. Additionally, the custom design process can take several months, from initial consultations to finalized construction drawings. In contrast, Alabode offers a selection of expertly crafted plans that are ready to use at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to start building sooner.
Each plan in Alabode’s collection is thoughtfully designed by experienced architects and designers, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functionality. By choosing Alabode, you’re investing in high-quality, well-considered designs that help streamline the home-building process without compromising on style or efficiency.
What do I get when I purchase these plans?
When you purchase house plans from Alabode, you receive a detailed set of architectural construction documents, delivered digitally in both PDF and CAD formats, along with a license to use the plans.
See our list of included drawings here.
Our license allows you to print, copy, modify, and share these plans with other parties involved in the design, permitting, and building of your home. Please read and understand our terms of service agreement prior to purchasing our plans.
Do your plans include structural engineering?
No, our plans do not include structural engineering.
It is important to note that while we include schematic foundation and framing plans for reference, these are provided as a general guide only without engineering and are meant to serve as a basis from which your structural engineer can specify all structural design elements and details. The foundation and framing plans included are marked "Not For Construction" and indicate the general layout for footings, slabs, load-bearing walls, beams, and trusses/rafters, etc., but they do not include any specific structural engineering information or calculation. In order to bid, permit and build your house, it is essential to have a locally licensed structural engineer or professional review and specify all structural design elements.
What else will I need to get a permit and start building?
In addition to purchasing plans from Alabode, you will typically need a few additional documents, designs, and approvals to obtain a building permit and start construction. Since each jurisdiction has its own unique set of requirements, we recommend that you consult with your local building department or a local professional designer or builder to help you navigate the permitting process and make any necessary modifications to the plan you purchased. Our plans are intended to serve as a basis for you to tailor your home to meet any local requirements.
Most importantly, you will need to engage a local professional to provide structural engineering for your plan.
Other items you may need include:
- Survey
- Soils Test
- Site Plan
- Plumbing Plan
- HVAC Plan
- Electrical Calculations
- Professional Stamp
See Important Information about our plans for more detail on additional items you may need.
Do your plans have a profesional seal?
No, our plans do not contain any professional stamps, seals, or signatures. If your jurisdiction requires a professional stamp, you’ll need to have them reviewed by a licensed local engineer or architect who can either approve and stamp the plans or make necessary modifications. Our CAD files can help streamline this process. Contact your local building official to see if this is a requirement and check with your local architect or engineer for availability.
Can I modify the plans?
Yes, you can modify our plans to suit your needs. We provide digital PDF and CAD files with your purchase, giving you the freedom to adapt the design as you see fit.
We understand that small revisions are sometimes needed to make a plan work for you, and we’re happy to make those adjustments while ensuring the overall architectural style and aesthetic of the original design remain consistent. To see whether your desired changes are feasible prior to purchasing a plan, contact us for an estimate. For more information about customization, click here.
How can I be sure a house plan will fit my property?
To ensure a house plan fits your property, start by reviewing the dimensions and layout of the plan in relation to your lot's size, shape, and orientation. Consider setbacks, easements, and any local zoning requirements that may affect the placement of the house. It’s also important to assess the topography and unique features of your property, such as slopes or trees, that could impact the fit.
If you’re still unsure, we offer a complimentary site plan fit evaluation to help you determine how well the chosen house plan will integrate with your specific lot, providing peace of mind before you begin building. Contact us with your lot information to initiate your evaluation.
How much will it cost to build one of these house plans?
The cost to build a house from our plans can vary based on location, materials, and local labor rates. Additional expenses may include site preparation, permits, and any custom modifications. However, all our plans are designed with efficiency, economy, and constructability in mind, which helps to keep construction costs manageable.
For an accurate cost estimate, we recommend consulting with a local builder or contractor who can provide a detailed estimate based on your specific circumstances and current market conditions once you select a house plan.
Will I own the copyright to the house plan?
When you purchase a house plan from Alabode, you are granted a license to use the plan for the construction of a single home. While the copyright to the design remains with Alabode, our copyright release allows you to print, copy, share, and modify the documents with those involved in the design, permitting, and construction of your home. However, you cannot sell, distribute, or use the plans for additional projects without permission. If you need to use the plan for another build or to make significant modifications, please contact us to discuss licensing options. Please read and understand our Terms of Service prior to purchasing our plans.
What is your refund policy?
All sales are final. View our refund policy here
Do you offer custom design?
Yes, we do offer custom home design services. If you’re looking for a completely unique home tailored to your specific needs and preferences, our experienced architects can work with you to create a one-of-a-kind design from the ground up. We’ll collaborate closely with you throughout the process, from initial concept sketches to final construction documents, ensuring that every detail aligns with your vision. Whether you need to accommodate a challenging lot, integrate special features, or simply want a home that stands out, our custom design services are here to bring your dream home to life.
Depending on the region where your project is located, this may include collaboration with a local design professional. Contact us to discuss your design goals.
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Have questions about our plans, or a general enquiry?