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Full Construction Blueprints |  | Our detailed, clear and concise blueprints include everything you need to build your dream home. Because each has been quality-checked by professionals, you can rest assured that your plans will be accurate and workable. And they can be yours at a fraction of the cost of custom-drawn plans.
How many sets of blueprints should I order?
Our minimum blueprint order for construction is a 5-set package. Additional sets purchased within 12 months of the original order date are available at a special rate. After one year, blueprint prices are subject to our published package prices in effect at that time.
Our best value is the 9-set blueprint package, priced at savings below the 5-set package with four additional sets. Prices for all plans and packages vary depending on the square footage of the home. These prices are provided on the Home Plan Detail page of each home plan within the home plan search.
Typically, several sets of construction blueprints are required to build a home. Estimate the number of sets you need based on the following:
____Yourself (we suggest 2-3)
____General Contractor (we suggest 2)
____Plumbing Contractor (we suggest 1)
____Electrical Contractor (we suggest 1)
____Heating Contractor (we suggest 1)
____Sets for Collecting Bids (we suggest 2-4)
____Local Building Department (we suggest 1)
____Lender (we suggest 1)
All blueprints are designed by licensed architects, members of the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), or members of the Council of Publishing Home Designers (CPHD). All of the plans we feature were designed to meet one of the recognized North American building codes (the Uniform Building Code, the Standard Building Code, the Basic Building Code or the National Building Code of Canada) in effect at the time and place they were drawn.
The blueprints for most home designs include the following elements, but the presentation of these elements may vary depending on the size and complexity of the home and the style of the individual designer:
Exterior elevations show the front, rear and sides of the home, and include notes on exterior materials, details and measurements. Roof details show slope and pitch, as well as the location of dormers, gables and other roof elements, including clerestory windows and skylights. Details may be shown on the exterior elevation sheet or on a separate diagram. Note: If trusses are used, we suggest using a local truss manufacturer to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations.
Foundation plans include drawings for a standard, daylight or partial basement and/or a crawlspace, pole, pier or slab foundation. All necessary notations and dimensions are included. (Foundation options will vary for each plan. If the home you want does not have the type of foundation you desire, a generic foundation conversion diagram is available.)
Interior elevations show the specific details of cabinets (kitchen, bathroom and utility room), fireplaces, built-in units and other special interior features, depending on the nature and complexity of the item. Note: To save money and to accommodate your own style and taste, we suggest contacting local cabinet and fireplace distributors for sizes and styles.
Detailed floor plans show the placement of interior walls and the dimensions of rooms, doors, windows, stairways, etc., on each level of the home.
Schematic electrical layouts show the suggested locations for switches, fixtures and outlets. These details may be shown on the floor plans or on separate diagrams.
Cross sections show details of the home as though it were cut in slices from the roof to the foundation. The cross sections specify the home's construction, insulation, flooring and roofing details.
General specifications provide instructions and information regarding structure, excavating and grading, masonry and concrete work, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, and specifications about drywall, tile, flooring, glazing, caulking and sealants.
Note: Regional variations, local availability of materials, local codes, methods of installation and individual preferences make it impossible to include much detail on heating, plumbing and electrical work on your plans. Your home's ductwork, venting and other details will vary depending on the type of heating and cooling system (forced air, hot water, electric, solar) and the type of energy (gas, oil, electricity, solar) that you use. These details and specifications are easily obtained from your builder, contractor and/or local suppliers.
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