House Plans: Builder Tips to Save Money

A builder shares tips for saving money while creating the house plans for your dream home. You can hire an architect to design your house plans from scratch, but that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This video discusses the methods used by professional builders to save big money on really cool house plans.
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[@jessicamd8232]

This video gave great advices. But I thought it was going to give me ideas on how to save money when making/chosing a house plan... Like, when desining a house plan, chose standard size windows that you can buy at any hardware store instead of odd sizes that you'll need to have someone build for you. Or where to put windows in order to save on electricity bills later on. Or, how different house shapes may save money on materials (ex: square has less surface to finish for same square footage than rectangle). Or the fact that wood, sheetrocks, etc., often come in 8' long, so if your house has dimensions that are multiples of 8, there should be less waste. Or what different house styles cost the most and why. Ex: high pitch roof are generally much more expensive. Also, cathedral scissor trusses are pretty much the same price than standard trusses, but will make an incredible statement in your home, instead of 9 ft tall ceilings everywhere in the house, which is very costly, since you'll have to pay for extra wood, insulation, drywall, etc... Maybe there are other videos that would give that kind of advide out there. If you know some, let me know!!!

[@deannaworley9849]

Well I'm gonna write down your comment

[@beckyshell4649]

Me too, Having an architect work on my house plans for a year is not even a remote possibility.

[@LightGesture]

LOL. I'm in the same boat. I know where I can save for the most part... but I know where savings comes in a lot of times is in more expensive materials, that save TIME down the road... (compare to the full build, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, tile with time and durability, you'll save hundreds of hours just in the utility phase of the build.) like floor trusses vs ijoists.

[@aldoogie824]

General Contractor here. I do my own plans as well, with an engineer. This video is SPOT on!

[@repdom07]

Where are you located?

[@aldoogie824]

@@repdom07 Los Angeles

[@arkatec100]

I am an architect and I can tell you that most of us in my area don't charge $100 to $200/hr. I recently came across an article where contractors are, some contractors can charge more for design services than most architects. So don't assume that architects are more expensive. The design process can take time but remember you're spending lots of money to build your dream house. Make sure you're getting what you pay for.

[@ethanashby4305]

Bingo. I own a drafting firm and we just do residential house plans. New builds or asbuilt. Permitting is a big factor that needed to be discussed more in the video. Stock plans (at least in my area) will NEVER get you permits. The amount of headache involved for people who buy a cheap plan set online and try to get it permitted is insane. A big part yo also take into consideration is what is your time worth. I spend all day long drafting plans, I’ll have you fully custom home ready to go for permits in a few weeks. Is it worth you spending easily hundreds upon hundreds of hours drawing up your own plans or figuring out how to make a stock plan permittable? If so, great! But man it’s awful advice to recommend just buying a stock plan set online and hiring an architect or draftsman to fix them. I always charge as if I was drawing a new set, because that’s exactly what I end up having to do. Most in my area charge under $75/hr (although generally per sqft) for plans but most will never just make modifications to a stock set.

[@StallionFernando]

So you charge more or less? I assume depending on where your located and what type of homes your specialize in would affect the cost per hour.

[@ethanashby4305]

@@StallionFernando You're right, it'll vary greatly. Location affects it in a big way. I know that plans to the north of my area can often run under $1/50/livable sqft or so but all in my area noone is below about $2.25. Other states are under $1, some over $3. Pricing also depends on the level of detail required/requested, the method of construction, the jurisdiction and their requirements, timeframes, etc.

[@cynthiaeddy9218]

What area are in Earl ?

[@jessjourney7416]

I need an architect to design a two family home (up/down) for a 30x140 lot. Max width 24’. Please provide company information or a website.

[@efficientfuture1336]

I started making my own floor plans online. I started in February and went through about 10 different plans I made and decided to take the best of all of them. Im hoping to be done next month.

[@stevenl.halesr.6894]

Designing your own home is not as hard as some would think. If you have any common sense and have taken drafting and design, art and math in school, you can do it! Now, you can't have those plans certified...That takes the proper licenses of either an Engineer and/or Architects, but you can draw up your basic idea for the floorplan (and elevations...Which is also pretty easy), using 1/4 inch graph paper (1/4 inch equals 1-2 feet etc...), and take them to either or, and have them do the professional drawings. You just need to know how high you want your ceilings to be, and what type pitch the roof will be. Do you want dormers or gables, or a hip roof...Look at stock plans to see which best suites you! Knowing the building codes for your area is also a big help, and that information is easy to get by contacting the local building departments, and/or researching online. You'll get all the information you need concerning the depth of the footers for walls and foundations, as well as the freeze line if applicable for either basements, craw spaces or slabs, depending on the area you live, and the type home you want. Armchair Builder is a GREAT Site, and Source of information (GLAD I found them). He's not trying to make you a professional...He's helping you to become Competent in the Building Trades!!!

[@JenniferPChung]

This was really helpful to know the little things like making sure the art. stamp (if needed) is in the est. Thanks for this! The set back is a nice reminder too.

[@roxycauldwell544]

It's also worth mentioning that if you get a house plan online, some websites offer services to edit some custom ideas

[@karlhungus545]

I just used an RTM plan provided for free by the lumber company I bought my materials from, and had them make the required changes, which included shrinking the design by almost 500 sqft. Cost me NOTHING. After that they had an engineer on staff that approved the plan and away we went. An architect firm quoted me $5,600!

[@Thecompasscircle]

Mind sharing the company?

[@karlhungus545]

@@Thecompasscircle It was McDiarmid Lumber (Canada). I built in 2009.

[@tyroneanderson6154]

This is Awesome. Thanks.

[@jaycos5978]

You can hire a draftsman for a fraction of the price of an architect. Many municipalities don’t require an architect stamp for 1 family homes.

[@OpenBookBuild]

Right on Jay. Just keep in mind, there are building codes covering 95% of the U.S. population and make sure your draftsman is familiar with them and incorporates them into the design.

[@jaycos5978]

@@OpenBookBuild Exactly. I am the draftsman. My local municipality uses the 2018 IRC and I'm becoming very familiar with it!!!

[@DaicyMiaLuv2]

Thanks for the tips..

[@jasminmonserrate5250]

GREAT VIDEO !!!!

[@2centsworth766]

Building plans require footings/foundation, elevations, electrical, plumbing, etc. A complete set of plans requires multiple pages. It must be noted that outside of major cities what is required is less. Best to talk to county/city rep. Ask what is reqd. Lenders are really fussy. I live outside a city. All the county asks for is a simple drawing for the tax assessor.

[@AlindaFaye2000]

I learn so much from you. Thanks a lot!

[@balla2828]

Awesome video! Very informative!

[@PhylisTewhaiti]

boring

[@Asmrpurplelady]

Thanks for the awesome tips! What’s your take on building with precast concrete wall panels?

[@OpenBookBuild]

I haven't seen them used in residential construction very much. However, concrete walls are a great option in high wind areas. Obviously they change the way you build a house quite a bit as it totally changes the building envelope. I haven't priced them out but my guess is they will add quite a bit of cost to your new home.

[@ReeceCaruso]

Great suggestions! This is such an important topic to be discussing. I really enjoyed the video!

[@noga8974]

Very interesting video thanks, would you also recommend stock plans for an extension to an existing house?

[@OpenBookBuild]

I wouldn't. There are just too many variables when adding on to an existing home. This would make it very difficult to find an existing stock house plan that would fit the exact circumstances.

[@mikegrok]

I need to help my wife put on her prosthetic legs, so she uses a wheelchair in the mornings. For the stock house plans, when they list the plans as "wheelchair accessible" that means that someone in a wheelchair can visit, and access the dining room and one bathroom, it does not mean that a wheelchair user can access any bedrooms. I have been unable to find any stock house plans designed for a wheelchair user. For this reason, we will probably need to get an architect.

[@richardjohnson9105]

Thanks for the great content you provide, if I find online plans that are close but need tweaking are you suggesting that I have the changes made by the online plan company or by a local architect?

[@MsBridgesSocial]

I just finished modifying a set of plans from an online plan store. The CAD files that were sent to the homeowner were a complete mess. For example, a toilet has lines, curves, arches, circles. Each toilet, each wall, each electrical outlet, everything was broken into tiny fragments that I had to clean up while making the changes and preparing them for permit submittal. Granted the drawings included a nice set of elevations, but I still had to work through the night several nights to make the deadline. I charged $1800.00 to do this work. Honestly, that was a one off for a new friend of mine. I wouldn't charge that low again. And most CAD specialists will tell you the same.

[@dozydoedown859]

@@MsBridgesSocial HI! do you have a website or email? would love your opinion.. we have the house picked out (online plan) but have not bought the plans because we need to change to ICF type walls. i was going to get their CAD option for a draftsman/architect to make changes, but now not sure if paying 2x over a pdf would be frugal. esp if everything in the CAD program turns out like you said.... would it be better to just get the pdf instead?

[@fiordalizatejeda6133]

Hi. I will like to up grate and change some of the structure inside of my house. I leave in Houston Tx. Does Menards will make those changes ? or if you know any reasonable company that you may advise?.

[@user-bu1sd4hi3i]

Can we do stock house plans for AFFORDABLE HOUSING APARTMENT BUILDING PROJECTS? What is your advice??

[@Jollofpappi]

Quick question. Can I email copies of my survey to the stock plans company to get a site plan for a construction loan?

[@kenmarcou]

Thanks, I just found you and am super interested. I have an old house that needs structural repair and energy efficiency retrofits badly and then will need to finish as part of an in depth remodel. I’ll need permits. Is there a way to get floor plans stock for this? Seems like stock plans/architectural designs would only work for new building? Also, to what extent could your organization help with remodels (vs new build) and my situation? I appreciate it!

[@OpenBookBuild]

Hi Ken. Yes, stock plans are only good for building from the ground up. We have some free resources for remodeling over at the Armchair Builder website. armchairbuilder.com/

[@kenmarcou]

@@OpenBookBuild thank you! I will head over there to check it out!

[@embededfabrication4482]

what if you just want a basic rectangular layout, must be a place to find reliable plans online for such a structure?

[@2centsworth766]

Keep in mind a good set of plans keeps the builder in line. Tie the plans in with the building contract.

[@Salty99]

What is some good software for an amateur so that I can start working through general floor plans, materials, foundations, and other home building ideas?

[@reinvented4209]

Sweet Home 3D is free

[@rstroud2623]

*Thanks for this video. Do you only build in Ohio?*

[@samanimeguy23]

Have any plans for MINNESOTA state.

[@terence4427]

I want to build a house that has a 38 x 31 footprint but was told it's cheaper to build a house that is an even number on all sides (e.g., 38 x 32). Is there any truth to this or is the price difference negligible?

[@sa3270]

It may be slightly less waste, but truth be told, there are lots of homes that aren't multiples of 4 feet.

[@albertobosqu]

Does an architect need to draw the plans? I have a Civil Engineering degree and I am familiarized with AutoCAD. Can I draw my own plans and build? I live in Houston TX.

[@OpenBookBuild]

There are a lot of design considerations that go into the house plans. From local building codes to details showing how materials come together, I personally wouldn’t recommend drawing your own plans. Also, in many cases the building departments want to see a stamp on the plans either from a licensed architect or a licensed structural engineer.

[@amandalabbad6018]

Do you build in Columbus or recommend builders in the Columbus area?

[@OpenBookBuild]

Hi Amanda. We do not build in Columbus and unfortunately I don’t have any recommendations for you. Sorry I could not help.

[@amandalabbad6018]

@@OpenBookBuild thank you. Really enjoy your videos

[@PinkysIronDoors]

Improve your curb appeal with one of Pinky's Iron Doors! ✨❤️

[@samuelfydee3478]

Zambia lusaka

[@woodyahh2110]

Good luck getting a set of stock house plans stamped I can say more about that but I will bite my tongue

[@seanm3226]

“Literally millions of stock plans”. Yikes!

[@paulradas5398]

250 dollers per hour????? rather get a draughtsman from south african you will pay 1000 dollers all together. I am a registered proffesional in south african and we charge way less. or i can move to america?

[@WiFiTubeTV]

taking advice from a builder rather than an architect lol but if you are a commoner and want a common house (doesn't mean cheaper), then by all means go with a builder.

[@OpenBookBuild]

The house plans mentioned in the video were designed by architects or professional house designers.

[@stevenl.halesr.6894]

You're a wee bit ARROGANT...And NOT Real Good at LISTENING...Stock Plans ARE CERTIFIED PLANS!!!

[@OpenBookBuild]

@@stevenl.halesr.6894 I’m not sure how a Free video sharing my professional experience as a builder using house plans would illicit this kind of negative response...but that’s the Wild West of the internet for you. In the cities I’ve built homes in, you need a licensed professional’s stamp on the plans, either an architect or engineer or both. Most of the stock plans available online do not have these. This is something a local professional, from your state, provides.

[@stevenl.halesr.6894]

@@OpenBookBuild: I agree, that's why I called iWatch Yutub a wee bit arrogant! It's also why I made a follow up post to this video telling others that they can do what you're trying to teach them.

[@MsBridgesSocial]

Thanks for invalidating an entire profession that has played a vital role in human history. Nevermind that architects and designers are privy to design concepts and products that homeowners are not. Nevermind that the difference between a contractor-designed home and an architect-designed home is stark. Good Architects and designers pay close attention to the wish list of a homeowner and take note to include elements of a design that homeowners might not appreciate until they're living in it. Like storage, path of travel, ADA and age in place requirements, energy saving insulation and improvements on the envelope, and maybe stacked closets that can be retrofitted for an elevator. You know, it's hard enough to help people understand the value of a profession with historic significance. But this is not helpful.

[@OpenBookBuild]

Sorry I struck a nerve. First and foremost, many of the stock house plans available today were designed by very competent architects who put a great deal of time into coming up with the layout, energy efficient components and designs, and put a ton of time into the details. This is what makes the stock house plan so inviting: a great deal of time went into them and the cost can be spread out over many purchasers and therefore lower the cost of the design. I always recommend to our students that it's a good idea to have a local architect work with them to make their personalized adjustments and adjust for local building codes and practices. This video is about letting folks know that this option exists...if they still like the idea of designing a custom home from scratch...go for it.

[@samuelfydee3478]

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[@samuelfydee3478]

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