Answers to the Top 10 Mysteries of House Plan Modifications

Your House Plan Customization Questions Resolved!

 

Weve all been there. Youre looking at a house and say, "Oh! I like that!" and then you move on with the buts:

"...but I want a bigger kitchen."

"...but I dont like the garage there."

"...but I was hoping for a covered porch."

Our large collection of house plans has something for everyone, but every once in a while, you may want to make a tweak or two to the plan. Thats why weve compiled a list of the top 10 questions we get about house plan modifications.

 

1. Communication of Mods

Q: After browsing the house plans on theplancollection.com, Ive come up with one that I really like but would like to make some changes. How do I let you know what changes I want?

A: You can definitely call our toll-free number at 866-787-2023, but most of our customers prefer to use our online form. To do this, youll need to go to our site and locate the plan you want to use. You can use our search function to locate it by typing in the seven-digit plan number or by searching for it manually.

Once you’re on the plan detail page, scroll down past the House Description and click on the green button that says "Modify This Plan." That button will bring you right to the Modify This Plan page where you will need to fill out a few boxes to give us some information. Well need your name and contact info, as well as a description about what you want changed.

 

Be as descriptive as possible with the changes you want made. For example, "Push out the porch 10 feet and add a fireplace." Specific details go a long way. Submitting a sketch of the changes is also greatly appreciated, and theres a place to do that within the form.

After youre done writing the information, click "Submit For Free Quote!" It will go straight to us, and we’ll get back to you within two to three business days with a cost estimate at no charge or obligation.

 

2. Kinds of Mods

Q: What types of changes can I make to the home plans?

A: We can handle pretty much anything you throw at us, within reason. The only stumbling block for you may be the cost to make the changes. The more complicated the changes, the more expensive they will be (see below).

One major issue we run up against is shrinking down or enlarging the house plan significantly. That’s costly, and you will usually be better off finding a similar house plan thats closer to your size requirements. There are also certain requirements, for door entrances, stairways, and hallways for example, that must be up to national guidelines, and those changes – if not within the guidelines – are non-negotiable.

 

3. Price Tag

Q: Okay, lets talk numbers. How much will a modification to the floor plans cost?

A: As easy as it would be to say that all modifications are a flat rate, thats not the case. Our designers and architects have to take in some major considerations and do the math to make sure the house is up to code and sustains the changes. With most modifications, you can expect the changes to add $150–$300 to the price of the home plan. Complicated or more significant changes like moving exterior walls to add square footage can add $500–$600 or more.

Submit a "Modify This Plan" form to get an accurate (and free!) quote for your modifications.

 

4. Timing

Q: How soon will I get my modified home plans?

A: We get it. Building a home is one long timeline, and there are deadlines that others are banking on along the way. With modifications, you can expect to get your plans back between 5 and 15 business days in most cases. Some of the larger modifications, such as those that include moving or eliminating exterior or load-bearing walls, may take a bit longer. We always give you a time estimate when you give you your quote. When you chat with our designer about your modifications once you place your order, theyll be able to give you a closer idea of when you can expect the final plans.

 

5. Degree of Customization

Q: Do I have to pay a fee for small tweaks like making a window larger?

A: Most often, you won’t have to pay extra for small changes like making a window a bit larger, moving a door, or making minor changes to the interior of a room.

Typically, these sorts of changes are called redlining and will be marked in by your builder on the plans, typcially in red ink. Its best to have your builder make these changes before you submit the plans to the local building department for approval. But in many cases, thats not necessary. Check with your building inspector for whats required in your area.

Because redlining the plans may be "unofficial" (meaning not approved by the local building department) you may run into trouble, depending on your local codes. Some building departments have rules and regulations that state you must document each change – no matter how small – to the plan, and theyll need to approve it before you can build (especially with beachfront properties). In instances like that, you may be better off paying a modification fee and having our team of designers make those changes for you before you submit the plans for approval.

 

6. To Modify or Not to Modify

Q: Should I make redline changes if the codes in my area allow it? Is there any danger in it?

A: Redline changes are more dangerous to your wallet than your safety. Redline changes are actually quite common, and your builder should be used to them. The danger comes in when the builder makes the changes to their master set of plans but not to the plans that theyve already distributed among their crew.

This may lead to a member of the crew framing a window that is actually too small for the new one that was ordered – or something similar – which leads to more work, time, and money on the backend.

7. Foundation Choices

Q: I need a different type of foundation. Am I able to change the foundation option?

A: Many of our house plans come with a choice of foundation options. If you find that the plan you want to purchase doesnt have the foundation option you need, reach out to us. It may be that we have that foundation option available but just havent put it online yet.

If the foundation option is not available, you will need to purchase the plans and have them modified for between $150 and $300.

 

8. Simple Reverse

Q: I love the home design I’ve chosen but want it in reverse. Is that possible?

A: Absolutely! In fact, many of our plans have the standard option to purchase the plan in right-reading reverse or a mirror image, in which case the text will also be reversed. Some of our plans do not have this option, however, and you will need to pay between $150 or more plus the cost of the plans to get them modified with right-reading reverse.

 

9. Limitations

Q: How many modifications can I make to a plan?

A: Not every plan is perfect for everyone, so it’s not unusual that modifications will need to be made. There really is no limit except cost: the more changes you make the more expensive it may be to make them. If you find that you need quite a bit, dont hesitate to reach out to us. We have seen many modifications in our day, and we can help you determine which can be redline changes and which you will need to pay for. But it’s completely normal to make more than a few modifications to a plan.

 

10. Custom Home

Q: Am I able to make a completely custom house plan?

A: The short answer is, yes – if you’re wiling to pay the price, which will be much, much more than the cost of a pre-designed stock house plan. We have a large network of talented designers and architects that we would be more than happy to refer you to. Just contact us or call our toll-free number, and well get you connected with one in your area.

 

Hopefully youve got your home modification questions answered. Do you have more questions? Well be happy to answer them! Reach out to us at 866-787-2023 or visit our contact page to shoot us a message.