You have questions?
We have answers!

• Can I save with online building plans?
• If I change a house design by 20%, will I avoid litigation of copyright infringement?
• What is Auto-Cad?
• What if I want to make changes to my plans after construction has started?
• Do I own the building plans after they are completed and I have paid for them?
• I have a hard time visualizing the elevations.  Can you produce realistic three-dimensional computer-generated renderings for my new home?
• I don’t have the original house plans but would like to add a room.  Can you do the plans for me?
• What is a “Green Home” and can you design a home in compliance with the standards of the Florida Green Home Coalition?

More Question Subjects

• General
• Plans & Drafting
• Building Code
• Permitting
• Remodeling & Building
• Builder Developer
• See All

Have a question? Let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

Plans and Drafting

I have researched several companies that sell building plans online, and their prices seem to be lower than those charged by local drafting companies.  Would buying plans online save me time and money??

No.  Unless the company you are dealing with has a thorough knowledge of state and local building codes, you could end up paying a great deal more in both time and money because in addition to purchasing your plans online, you will then need to bring them up to local building codes.  Quite often these plans cannot be modified and will have to be redrawn by a local drafting company.

Remember, you will need written permission from the online company to reproduce their plans and/or you may have to purchase a set in order to obtain copyright authorization.

back to top

If I change a house design by 20%, will I avoid litigation of copyright infringement?

No.  Unless original house plans are purchased from the copyright registrant for use on a one-time basis, ownership is forever retained by the original artist/designer.  Do not attempt to change them, even slightly.  Copyright laws are very strict and penalties can be harsh – and expensive.

back to top

What is Auto-Cad?

Auto-Cad is the software program our drafters use to draw your plans.  It is an excellent program that helps speed up the drawing process.  Plans are far more accurate than hand-drawn ones and the program eliminates guesswork of measurements, room sizes, etc.

back to top

What if I want to make changes to my plans after construction has started?

Plan addendums can be done at any time – hourly rates apply.  Cost depends on what phase construction is in.  If it’s early, plans can be changed quickly and easily with a minimum charge.  However, any changes must first be submitted to the building department for their approval.

If construction is further along, costs could be more extensive and again, changes must be submitted to the building department, which may slow the construction process.

back to top

Do I own the building plans after they are completed and I have paid for them?

No, copyright laws declare that the plans forever belong to the design company.  However, paying for them gives you the right to use them on a one-time basis to build your home.

back to top

I have a hard time visualizing the elevations.  Can you produce realistic three-dimensional computer-generated renderings for my new home?

Yes.  We have an artist who can do an excellent color rendering of what your house will look like after stone, stucco, and/or brick trim has been added.

back to top

I don’t have the original house plans but would like to add a room.  Can you do the plans for me?

Yes.  First you will need a field measure to map the existing house; then we can add the addition.  A field measure is done for a variety of reasons.  For instance, the addition you plan to add may be too close to your property line.  A field measure is done to ensure that you have the room to build.  We have a field measure crew on staff who can accurately map your existing house and then add the proposed addition to the plans.

back to top

What is a "Green Home" and can you design a home in compliance with the standards of the Florida Green Home Coalition?

A “Green Home” is an energy-efficient home that incorporates multiple environmental, ecological and sustainability features that materially enhance the built environment.  (Features such as disaster resistance, excellent indoor air quality, universal design, resource efficient materials, low water use, native landscaping, etc. are considered.)

We are familiar with the requirements from the Florida Green Home Coalition Standards for a "Green Home" and can design a home for you using these standards.

back to top

To find out more visit our drafting services page.