Important facts to know before purchasing house plans!

Buying house plans online is a big investment and there are many stock plan companies that sell substandard home plans. Ensure that your construction documents have all the necessary details to safely construct your home, and understand what should be included before you make your purchase.

Direct From The Designers™ House Plans sets the highest design standards in the industry, and our plan standards and guarantees show our strong commitment to our customers.

Plan Details and Code Conformity

It’s important to note that all plans sold on Direct From The Designers House Plans have complete plan details that include:

• Exterior elevations, foundation plans, roof plans indicating slope, ceiling plans, dimensioned floor plans, building sections, and structure layout as necessary to convey intent of the design
• Blueprints from Direct From The Designers are guaranteed to conform to the International Residential Code (IRC)

Additional Engineering/State Stamp

There may be other steps you’ll need to take to insure your house plans are in compliance with local codes. Despite our all-inclusive structure on our plans, some areas of North America have additional engineering. You may need to hire a State licensed structural engineer to analyze the design and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your local building department. Examples of this would be, but not limited to,

• Earthquake-prone areas of California and the Pacific Coast
• Hurricane risk areas like Florida and the Gulf States
• Carolinas and Atlantic Coast
• New York, New Jersey, Nevada and sections of Illinois

If you aren’t sure, local building departments typically have a list of all of the items they require to submit to obtain a permit to build. Our team of house plan advisors are also more than happy to help you understand what’s needed and get pricing for any additional details you may be required to add.

Additionally, stock plans do not come with a professional stamp. If your building department requires one, they may only accept a stamp from a professional licensed in the State where you plan to build. In this case, you’ll need to take your house plans to a local engineer or architect for review and stamping. In addition, plans which are used to construct homes in Nevada are required to be drawn by a licensed Nevada architect.

Foundation Site Plan

Our foundation plans have been designed for universal conditions and do not address specific sites. It’s recommended that soil samples be taken at the site by a local soil testing laboratory. The foundation should be modified by a local structural engineer to comply with the findings and recommendations of the soil testing laboratory.

Site and Septic Plan

In addition to the house plans you order, you may also need a site plan that shows where the house is going to be located on the property. Your home builder or surveyor can help with this step.

You may also need a septic design unless your lot is served by a sanitary sewer system. Many areas have area-specific energy codes that may also need to be followed. This normally involves filling out a simple form providing documentation that your house plans are in compliance.

Best Price Guarantee

We’re here to ensure you purchase your plans with confidence and Direct From the Designers offers a best price guarantee. If you find the same house plan and package for less somewhere else, we'll refund the difference plus 10% more!

Return Policy

See details for our Return Policy here.

Additional Information

For more information or to receive pricing on obtaining an engineering stamp, modification estimate or design assistance from our house plan experts, simply email, live chat or call our toll free number 877-895-5299, and we’d be happy to assist you.