Question 1

What is a study set?

Accepted Answer

The study set is a reduced-size PDF (11" × 17") of the floor plans and elevations from the construction documents. It is not a license to build, but it is very helpful to understand the rest of the house and to develop an initial budget with a builder. We credit the study set price against the final purchase of the license to build.

Question 2

What's included in the set of plans?

Accepted Answer

Our plans are builder's sets: general information and specifications, foundation and roof plans, floor plans, elevations, wall sections, details, and an electrical plan. Structural engineering is not included—that should be handled locally so your build meets local codes (every jurisdiction is a little different). Plumbing and mechanical diagrams are typically provided by subcontractors and coordinated through your builder. Need more? We offer add-on services you can purchase during checkout.

Question 3

How many blueprints come with your plans?

Accepted Answer

None in the old sense—we have not run traditional blueprints since 1995. You receive digital construction documents (PDF) and print what you need, usually black-and-white on a printer. They may not look as “vintage,” but they are much easier to read, which matters when you are building a house.

Question 4

Will my plan be emailed?

Accepted Answer

When you purchase a plan online, we email you a PDF of the full construction documents. You can print what you need, when you need it. Most builders only need a few full-size prints; many trades are happy with 11×17 sheets. We can print and ship copies if you like—often it is quicker and more cost-effective to print locally.

Question 5

Do you provide a material list?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide material lists—and you often do not need one. Your builder usually works with a local supplier to put that together. If you are owner-building, bring the plans to a nearby supplier; they can help develop a list based on local availability and pricing.

Question 6

Can home plans be modified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contact us through the site with your ideas and we will estimate modifications. A local draftsman or architect may make changes after you purchase the plan. Even if someone else modifies the drawing, we still own the design; the license protects the work. If you did not buy a license to build, having someone else redraw the plan is not allowed.

Question 7

What if I need a different foundation type for my plan?

Accepted Answer

Plans are drawn with a specific foundation type (slab, crawlspace, piers, etc.), but changing it is often a simple modification. Many engineers prefer editable CAD files—we can share those when needed. If alternate foundations are already drawn, there may be no charge; otherwise a modest fee may apply. Your local engineer can also design a new foundation under your one-time license.

Question 8

Why don't you sell CAD files?

Accepted Answer

Our drawings and design system are a core part of our value—we prefer to modify our own plans and believe we do it well and affordably. We have seen third-party edits that rarely improve the design. Keeping changes in-house helps protect quality and intellectual property.

Question 9

Can I get a CAD file for our engineer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Have your engineer contact us directly. Before release they sign a licensing agreement that the file is for your project only—not to be modified or reused elsewhere. Once signed, we can send the file so they can complete their scope.

Question 10

Can I get a stamped set of plans?

Accepted Answer

Our plans are intended to meet the International Residential Code (IRC), but local jurisdictions add requirements for wind, seismic, climate, and more. A stamp is a licensed professional’s confirmation for your permitting authority—requirements vary by location, so we cannot stamp for every place. Work with a local structural engineer or architect to review our construction drawings and provide stamped documents; your builder is usually familiar with this process. We also offer related services (e.g. structural engineering, REScheck, Manual J) when available.

Question 11

How much does it cost to build? What is your process? How do I decide what to buy?

Accepted Answer

There is no one-size-fits-all cost—start local: ask builders what typical cost per square foot looks like for the finish level you want, then browse plans by rough square footage. When you have a short list, purchase a study set (11×17 floor plans and elevations—not for construction) and share it with several builders for a rough budget (not a formal bid) based on your expectations. That feedback usually clarifies cost and which builder is the best fit. When you are ready, buy the full plan set and move to final pricing—and send us photos when you build.

Question 12

My builder says his draftsman can draw your plan. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

Only if you have purchased the license to build the design. The license is for the intellectual property, not just the PDF. Building from an unauthorized copy is not legal.

Question 13

Are there other photos for the plan I'm looking at?

Accepted Answer

We add client photos when we receive them. If you do not see photos for a plan, we may not have any yet. Browse other homes in the same plan family—they often share similar features and can set expectations.

Question 14

Are there model homes I can walk through?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. Most homes are designed for individual clients, so open models are rare. Occasionally one may be available, but it is unlikely to be the exact plan you want.

Question 15

What is your guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Every plan on our site was designed by the Allison Ramsey team, backed by decades of experience. We are here to guide you through the process and help your build go as smoothly as possible—not only to sell a plan.

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Colonial Beach Cottage (11313)

Colonial Beach Cottage (11313)

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