From napkin sketches to blueprints, we work with it all! As a custom home builder, we offer design services where we work with your ideas, a plan that we have, a plan that you’ve seen or a combination of all of these. We use this starting point to get the ideas flowing and start designing.
Where or How do I Get Building Plans
Methods of obtaining your plan could include working with an architect or buying a published plan available online or hardcopy. Most of these plan publishers offer a one use license agreement and will also work with you to modify a plan. Our typical client might come in with just thoughts/ideas, hand drawn sketches, bits and pieces of several published plans that they have literally or electronically cut and pasted together, plans drawn by an architect or a published plan that they desire to modify a little or a lot.
What to Look for in a Plan
When evaluating a plan, give first priority to the floor plan and layout of the home. Give the exterior or façade a lower priority to start with. Once we’re comfortable with the floor plan, we can work to give the design a colonial, craftsman, contemporary, Prairie or other architectural style exterior.
Some additional things to consider when looking for a plan include – being aware of the copyright rules for published plans, plans can have a tendency to “grow” during the design process so start with a plan on the small side if you can, enlarging or modifying a room may not be overly complicated, shrinking or dramatically cutting square footage can be difficult. Finally, it may be obvious but remember that house size is a significant factor of house price!
Plan Resources
In addition to local architects, your ideas and Greystone Homes, here are some home plan sites with great options!