House plans

There are two basic types of house plans that can be purchased, custom or stock plans, with each having distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Custom plans are just as the name implies. Since the home is being custom designed, specifically to meet the needs of that one person/family, the costs associated with the development of the custom floor blueprints tend to be significantly larger than those for a similar set of stock blueprints.

However, in some cases, a custom design may be the only viable option based on the client's needs, home location, special building considerations, etc.

Stock plans are, by contrast, home designs which have been developed to fit the needs of a particular group of the general population. They are not custom designed for a particular person, but rather, standardized for the needs of a larger group.

Stock blueprints normally include the "most requested" features including square footage, room dimensions, floor plan layout, amenities, and other like features. These plans provide an excellent value when compared to the corresponding price of a set of fully custom blueprints which may exceed several thousand dollars.

Building your home with stock home designs you also save on building costs because the design is proven – the bugs are nearly eliminated from the design. You also save time – you can have stock blueprints in hand within a few days – versus weeks or months for a custom designed blueprints.

To meet particular needs all plans can be modified by the original designer or through design modification service. Modifying stock blueprints is more economical than having designs custom-drawn. You can do it with a local builder or architect.

There are many different stock plans to select from. Normally they include the "most requested" features which include square footage, room dimensions, floor plan layout, amenities, and similar features. Most people would agree that these floor plans provide an excellent value when compared to the corresponding price of a set of fully custom plans.

Let’s look at some of the best sites of house plans:

Largest Selection of Exceptional House Plans
Create your own personalized catalog of your favorite house plans and download it now. Free.

The COOL house plans company
With over 22,000 home plans from which to choose, you might appreciate a little help in finding a plan that's just right for you.

Vaughan's Home Design
Affordable house plans and modifications. FREE UPS shipping for US customers! Vaughan's Home Design is a leading home design firm, in business for over 25 years, specializing in residential house plans and custom home design.

Donald A. Gardner Architects
Known as one of the nation's leading residential house plan designers, they offer award-winning pre-designed home plans.