What is the difference between house plans in pdf, CAD and hard copy formats?

House Plans in pdf Format
House plans that are purchased in .pdf format will be delivered via e-mail. The pdf file can be sent to a local printer to have hard copies of the blueprints made to distribute to your subcontractors, engineers, and permitting department. Unless otherwise specified on the house plan’s information page, you can use this type of file to print as many copies as needed to build one house one time but may not resell or distribute the digital file or the plans. Changes to the house plan typically cannot be made to a pdf file unless you arrange for the designer to make changes for you before sending out the house plan. You can contact the designer to recieve an estimate for changes.

House Plans in CAD Format
House plans that are purchased in CAD format will be delivered via e-mail in .dxf format. dxf files typically import into professional CAD software programs, allowing a drafting company, architect, engineer or designer to make changes to the house plan. Unless otherwise specified on the house plan’s information page, you can use this type of file to make changes to the plan and then print as many copies as needed to build one house one time, but may not resell or distribute the CAD file or the revised plans.

House Plans in Hard Copy/Print Format
House plans that are purchased in hard copy (print) format include a set number of copies of the plan, already printed to scale. Hard copies typically cannot be reproduced or altered, and the license allows for building one house one time. If you need additional copies, you will need to purchase them separately. Pricing for house plans in hard copy/print format includes shipping to any US state except Alaska or Hawaii - please contact us for a shipping quote to other areas.

In addition to the options above, you may also purchase either a Standard House Plan Set or a Preliminary House Plan Set. The file formats and house plan set types offered for each plan varies. If you are interested in purchasing a file format that is not offered on the house plan’s information page, please contact us.