Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 04, 2000 11:21pm | #1

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   Rob -

   I can't imagine a worse class of blueprints than the "canned" prints you can buy from catalogues. You're much better off to find someone to draw prints for you.

   I always tell people that those "plan books" that you see in line are just designed to sell blueprints -
   b not
   build houses from.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 05, 2000 02:29am | #2

   *Rob,I can't imagine a worse idea than soliciting advice online. gggBut there are good "canned" prints available. Finding one that suits your needs is the challenge. We've built a home or to where the homeowner has paid around $10,000 to have plans drwan professionally that weren't as good as aniquated grocery store plans.As with everything I suppose, being a good consumer counts.Some starting points:http://www.southernliving.com/houseplans/http://www.dreamhomesource.com/http://www.store.homestyles.com/Best of luck shopping.Chase

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   Guest_ | Apr 05, 2000 03:33am | #3

   *Ron,I have built four fine homes from catalogue blueprints. What I had my customers do is order the minimum set, we redraw the prints incorporating the changes they want. (BTW the material lists they send are useless.)It is probably some type of copywrite infringement to do that, but I think the catalogue companies know that it is commonly done.(Gee, I hope their not reading this!)If you order a "mirror" set all the dimensions are in reverse. A real pain to deal with if you don't redraw.So what I'm saying is, use the catalogues as a resource, they are a great way to see a lot of possibilities in the size and style home you want, just realize that you will probably have to redraw to fit your particular needs. It still works out lots cheaper than an architect.John

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 05, 2000 05:49am | #4

   *If you have some idea what you want and are good with computers, you might want to start with a PC program like 3D Home Architect. I bought a "study plan" (half size blue print), reproduced the floor plan in 3D Home Architect, and then made all the changes I wanted. If you've built before and understand the "limitations" as to what you can change, you can design a decent house that way. BUT... you've still got to get an architect, home designer, or a good builder or GC to go over your plans and make sure it's "doable" at some reasonable cost. You can then take your floor plan (with input from above sources) to someone and have a good set of prints drawn up.Oh, one of the nice features of this program: I needed the plan "reversed" as mentioned above. But I reproduced the floor plan just like the original, did all my changes, (so I stayed oriented with the elevations, etc), and then hit a key and in 2 seconds (really) the whole plan was reversed, including all the dimensions, text, etc.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 06, 2000 05:00am | #5

   *Rob,If you are serious about buying prints, I advise you to check at lumber yards or ask any home builder if they know of any good architectural designers. From here I would tell the designer exactly what YOU want your new home to be. For the amount of money that you spend to have your "canned" house plans redrawn, you would be better off to and talk to a designer.I myself am a arch. designer and I would be more than happy to help you achieve the home of YOUR dreams......www.kreativedesigns.com

2. 
   Architator | Apr 06, 2000 07:58pm | #6

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   All of these canned plans must be redraw and re interpreted. Also, the foundation plans are generally generic; read over-reinforced concrete mat type and/or contain a warning telling you to have a local Engineer design it. Look at the plans for a design you like; then get an architect or a design-sensitive builder (some do exist) and go from there.
   Many builders have plans they are familiar with that could be modified to your liking.

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 07, 2000 12:16am | #7

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   I am a custom builder/carpentry contractor and my clients and I have purchased many "canned " prints over the years and have achieved excellent results. Prints from fine companies like Design Basics, Home Planners, Custom Creations, Garlinghouse, Frank Betz Associates, Donald Gardner,and Stephen Fuller, are quality products, and most of the time, a pleasure to work from. These designers, and others like them, are resposible for many the the custom home design trends popular today.
   Everyone simply cannot afford to have their custom home designed by an individual architect. These canned plans are a great alternative. My advice to my clients is to try to find a plan (or plans) that comes close to their desires from the catalogs and let us make the changes or combine the plans if required. An experienced builder is the most important ingredient. Spend the money on the builder.

4. 
   Cal | Apr 07, 2000 03:21am | #8

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   Bob-

   I agree. There are some great plans out there. Clients can get a good
   start on the project and really connect with the scope of the job.
   The houses have been built and usually laid out cost effectively.

   I think too many people get bogged down with custom drawings. Seems
   that the only people making money on the custom plans are the
   architects and engineers.

   Maybe I'm getting burned out on the endless problem solving
   that always comes with most custom drawn work.

5. 
   rob_patton | Apr 07, 2000 03:21am | #9

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   I have heard you can purchase drawn blue prints on-line. I am looking for print on PAD's or town homes. Does anyone have any thoughts on where to look?
   Dozer