Hi Dave and Carl,
I am looking to build and have been looking at many plans in books.
I always seem to want make changes to the size or move a wall so the plans would need to be redrawn by an architect.
I see the books all say you are not allowed by law to make changes unless you buy the plans and get approval from the owner of the plan.
Is this true?
What are the rules of using existing house plans?
Thanks so much for your help.
Jennifer
Jennifer,
Home plans are protected under federal copyright laws against their unlicensed reproduction, use, or distribution. These same laws protect works of literature, music, drama and motion pictures which are all considered "original works of authorship".
The express consent of the copyright holder is generally required to use or modify a home plan. The copyright holder is usually the original designer and may or may not be an architect. There is more information on the American Institute of Building Design's (AIBD) website
This may prove frustrating if you only want to make minor changes to a plan. That's why I created the interactive plan tool at www.originalhome.com which allows you to make minor changes to our designs and order your custom plans without paying a design fee.
Hope this helps,
David Moore
Original Home Plans
Dear readers, you may want to read a similar post on copyright infringement, Copyright Basics for Home Designers.
Do you have a question for David?
Click here to "Ask the Architect".
Carl
House Plan Copyright
House Size vs. Lot Size
We are looking to buy an irregular, triangularly shaped lot consisting of 6,098 square feet, or .14 of an acre (43,560 sq ft x 0.14 = 6,098).
I’m trying to find if we can build a 4500+/- sq.ft. home with a 3 car garage.
Will it fit?
Can you please help?
Thanks, Su
Su,
Here are the steps you can take to answer your question:
1. Get a scale map of the property from the Realtor or the town's tax assessor.
2. Go to the town zoning department to find out what zoning setbacks apply to the lot and draw the setbacks to scale on the plot plan.
 |
| Survey showing proposed house, easements, and setbacks. |
4. Re-size the floor plan to match the scale of your plot plan (using a copier or a simple image editor like "Paint"), cut out the floor plan, and lay it over your site plan.
If your house fits, the lot may still not be large enough due to additional zoning restrictions, so make sure you ask the zoning department about all of their requirements.
On my website, www.originalhome.com, you can find many 2-story Colonial and Cape home designs meeting your requirements, but there are many other home plan sites to choose from.
David Moore
Original Home Plans
House Plans for a Major Renovation
I recently purchased a 1,950 sq ff home that was originally built in 1930s that
needs a complete remodel.
A large family lived there so it had some additions done over the years as the family grew. I want to redesign the interior to end up with 3 bedrooms &. 2 1/2 baths.
I plan new Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC, Windows and Siding.
I do not plan to add any space.
I plan to simply make the existing structure more aesthetically appealing and functional.
I have a limited budget because of the neighboring home comps (comparables).
What can I expect to pay for plans that include a plot plan, floor plans and exterior elevations and CDs (construction details)?
David
Hi David,
The amount you'll have to pay for plans depends on who you hire. You may be able to use a draftsman or unlicensed designer, but your state may require an architect or an engineer to draw your plans.
The plan cost also depends on how much work needs to be done. Do you already have a design in mind, or will the designer need to develop the design? Do you need detailed construction plans (CDs) that you can bid to different contractors, or just minimal drawings required for a permit? Are you changing the exterior volume? If not, you may not need a plot plan or exterior elevations.
With all of these variables, your plans could cost anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000. To get an accurate number, you'll have to request some proposals. I'd start by talking to your local building official about plan requirements and who can draw them.
Good luck with your project,
David Moore, AIA
Original Home Plans
Arches
I wanted to know the advantages and disadvantages of arches in architecture.
When are they "needed", and could you give some examples?
I would really appreciate that.
Thanks,
Batool
Batool,
Arches were originally developed to span openings with masonry units such as bricks or stone blocks, and they are still widely used for this purpose.
As building technology developed, arches were also formed from concrete and assembled from cast or rolled steel components. Arches are still a method of choice for constructing long span structures from these modern materials.
Arches are not "needed" for wood construction which relies on columns and beams to span openings, and most residential structures in the US are wood framed.
Arches are generally used in houses for aesthetic effect because they appear graceful and elegant while providing a counterpoint to plainer, rectangular forms.
Entire books have been written on the topic of arches. For starters, you may want to look at Wikipedia
David Moore, AIA
Original Home Plans
Dear Readers,
Do you have a question for David?
Click here to Ask the Architect.
Carl