Start your house plan search here! Our advanced search tool allows you to instantly filter down the 22,000+ home plans from our architects and designers so you’re only viewing plans...Read More

Advanced Filters Explained

If you’re using The Plan Collection search function feature and aren’t quite sure what the different options mean, here’s a quick explanation of the filter options that we commonly receive questions about:

• Architectural Styles

  We have architectural styles to suit everyone. With thousands of options available at The Plan Collection, you'll find the perfect house plan for you, whether you are looking for the perfect ranch, a rustic cabin, or a farmhouse. Keep an open mind during your search, and click on a few different styles. We’ve had many customers who thought they wanted a Cape Cod and ended up purchasing a Craftsman.

• Ceiling Height

  This is a very specific option, and we would think twice before checking these boxes at the beginning of a search. It could really narrow your results – and some of our floor plans have a mix of ceiling heights depending on the room. For instance, some Great Rooms may have 12-foot-high ceilings but the kitchen may only have 9-foot ceilings. The ceiling heights noted in the filter are typically the primary heights found on the first and/or second floor.

• Special Features

  Our interior options and special features are great to help narrow your search, but checking off too many features may limit your search results. It’s always better to have a broader search, and then you can modify a plan you love to incorporate the options you are looking for such as a mud room, workshop, or in-law suite.

• Foundation Options

  All of our plans come standard with one or more particular types of foundations. However, you can modify any of our plans to include the type of foundation you are looking for. For example, if you are looking at a home with a basement foundation and you would like a slab, just send us a modification request form and we can get you a free quote from the designer. Additionally, some of our plans have foundation options directly on the plan page. So you may be able to order the foundation without submitting a mod request.

• Kitchen Features

  Kitchens are the heart of the home and can often be the deciding factor on which house plan you choose. Whether you’re looking for a large island, a breakfast nook, or an amazing walk-in pantry, remember that all of the plans can be modified to exactly what you are looking for in your kitchen.

• Master Suite Features

  These features can be helpful if you are looking for something specific. For example, if you are searching for a two-story home and you would prefer to have the master bedroom on the main level – or the second floor – then checking off “main floor master” or “second floor master” is a good option. If you are searching for a one-story floor plan and would still like some privacy, check off the split master bedroom feature. A split master bedroom is on the opposite side of the house from the other bedrooms, allowing for a little quiet time.

• Porches & Other Exterior Features

  Who wouldn’t like a wrap-around porch for sipping iced tea or a huge covered lanai for grilling and entertaining? The choices in this section are all great options for your home. Keep in mind you can always modify a plan to exactly what you need.

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• Building Lot Type

  If you’re looking for a very specific design to accommodate a narrow, sloping, or corner lot, this search filter can be useful. It will also limit your search results. Quite a few of our plans offer daylight basements as an option, so for sloping lots a search filter using foundation type might be more advantageous. If you find you’re not getting the results you want, we would leave this unchecked.

• Garage Options

  Most of our house plans come with a garage – but not all. In other cases, you may find a 2-car garage but would prefer a 3-car garage. If you find a layout that you love and you’d like to add or expand a garage, just send us a modification request with what type of garage you’re looking for (attached, detached, carport, 2-car, 3-car, etc.), and we’ll get you a free mod quote from the designer. Additionally, if you find a floor plan that has a front entry garage and you would like a side entry or a plan that has 2 bays and you would like more, these can be modified as well.

• Exterior Wall Material

  Plans use different types of exterior wall materials. Some have vinyl siding, aluminum siding, brick, rock/stone, stucco, or a combination thereof. This is usually a personal decision between you and your builder, although you can submit a modification request.

• Exterior Wall Framing

  Many of our plans are designed with 2x4 exterior wall framing. However, some are 2x6 or concrete. The type of exterior wall framing you decide to use is not only a personal choice but could possibly be a requirement from your local building department. Many homes built in areas that have extreme weather conditions may require 2x6 framing. It is always best to check with the local building department to see what the requirements are before purchasing a plan. Keep in mind that if you fall in love with home plan that has 2x4 framing, it can always be modified to 2x6.

• Roof Type

  There are many different roof types available. From a gable roof to a hip roof, we have the style you’re looking for. Builders are the ones who typically use this filter.

• Roof Pitch

  Many of our customers are not looking at whether or not their dream home plan has an 8:12 or 9:12 roof slope but some of our builders are. So unless you are building in a development that has specific requirements or perhaps your local building department has specific codes, we would leave this section blank.