What is a preliminary house plan set?
Preliminary house plan sets are partial plan sets. Some designers offer both preliminary and standard sets for each plan, which allows you to purchase the partial set for bids or HOA review prior to committing to the purchase of a full standard set.
Preliminary plan sets can be purchased as either editable or printable (depending on the plan) digital files or hard copies of the floorplans, elevations and roof/floor framing layout. These plans are useful in several instances:
- Obtaining Rough Estimates & Bids on General Contracting, Framing, Doors, Windows, Insulation, Stucco & Drywall, Roofing, Plumbing and Engineering Costs
- Saving costs over purchasing a standard plan set if you know you will be making major changes to the house plan
- Saving time and money on the back-and-forth design process by choosing an existing plan, but allowing the designer or a local drafting company and engineer to complete and customize the plan set to better meet your needs and local specifications
- Provides an attractive layout and starting point for design-build and spec-build contractors that wish to compete the full set of plans to their specifications
- In communities with strict design guidelines, preliminary plan sets allow the HOA to review the general structure and style of the home and give feedback prior to purchasing a complete set of plans
In most cases, the cost of the preliminary plan set can be credited toward the purchase of a standard plan set for the same house plan and file type within six months from the date of purchase.
When preliminary plan sets are available in CAD (dxf) format, they include a license to complete, change and use the design to build one house one time, but a preliminary set does not include everything you will need for permit or construction. You are purchasing the right to use the design concept but will need to complete the construction drawings to your local specifications using the original designer or a local designer, draftsman, engineer or architect.
Preliminary Plan Sets Typically Include:
1. Floorplans
Depending on the size of the home and number of stories, each preliminary set of preliminary house plans will include one, two or three sheets to scale, detailing the layout of the rooms in the house, dimensions, door and window locations, stairway, railing and fireplace locations, ceiling heights, plumbing fixture locations, general cabinet and island locations, coffered ceiling details, and key notes specifying any special design features throughout the house.
2. Elevations
The house plan exterior elevations show the front, back, right and left sides of the house. Courtyard plans may also include an elevation drawing of the interior of the courtyard. Elevations show wall heights, door and window header heights, roof pitch and slope, covered patios and chimneys. In addition, the house plan elevations show details such as stucco or stone accents, exposed wood or metal beams and headers, stucco pop-outs, overhangs, fascias, parapets, and any other accents or details on the exterior of the house plan.
3. Roof & Floor Framing Plan
The roof plan includes information on the slope, pitch and overhangs of the roof. The direction and span of roof and floor trusses and joists are layed-out on this sheet. Bearing walls and beam locations are noted on this plan as well.
Preliminary Sets are similar to Study Sets.
