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Local building codes

Please check with your local, licensed professional architect or engineer for specific building codes or restrictions that could affect our floor plans. Areas in coastal locations or other regions that are subject to severe weather events might have additional structural requirements that would affect your home building plans.

Utilities

Check to see if electrical, water, and sewer is already supplied on the lot or land you are intending to build on. Pulling power, water, or other utility lines to your location will add costs that should be calculated in your budget. Septic tanks will require different plumbing connections (and most won’t accept sink disposals), for example, and are not allowed in some areas.

Soil conditions

Depending on your lot or land, soil conditions might require additional structural or foundation requirements that are not included in our plans. Pier and beam or slab on grade have different structural components, for example. In most cases, a geotechnical engineer will need to be hired to take soil samples and give you a detailed soil report so that the home site is ready to receive the correct slab/structural plan without causing foundation issues in the future.

Land clearing / trees

Tree removal is an important factor to calculate in your budget. It is preferable to remove the entire root ball instead of stump grinding. Stand alone pine trees can be problematic, since the tap root isn't as deep and can sometimes decay over time. These trees will be at risk during severe weather events. Trees that are grouped together have a higher chance of standing tall after high winds or inclement weather. Make sure you consult a reputable, insured team to clear any unwanted or dying trees, and back fill the land after clearing.

Structural Engineering

Depending on the soil and weather conditions in your area, you may need to hire a structural engineer to produce a slab on grade elevation drawing, or provide other additional structural calculations. The costs associated with these services vary from state to state but are usually nominal. Some engineers require on site inspections throughout the slab construction process. Regional weather conditions, like strong winds or rain, might also require additional structural engineering.

Permitting

No matter where you build, all floor plans will need to be stamped by a local, licensed architect or licensed engineer. This principle applies to any floor plans purchased online. All floor plans need to be stamped and then submitted to the local jurisdiction to be issued for permitting. Minor changes might need to be made to the floor plans depending on your jurisdiction.

HOA / POA

Depending on where you build, Home Owner’s Associations (HOA) or Property Owner’s Associations (POA) will have separate, distinct rules to abide by. Be sure to check with those organizations prior to purchasing any floor plans online to ensure you can build what you want. Most of these organizations will have specific administrative processes to follow prior to beginning your build.

• Make sure you know who provides power. You'll want to start service or get a "will serve" letter beforehand
• Make sure you know who provides water/sewer. You'll either need to get a meter installed or also get a "will serve" letter in advance
• Make sure your new structure falls within any easements or setback lines. You'll need a stamped drawing showing its in compliance

All of the above will help you get ahead of the process and save you time, money, and avoid delays with going back and forth with any or all of the providers. Be sure to do your own research to make your new build go as smoothly as possible.