What is the difference between CAD files and PDF files?
CAD files are dwg files from the AutoCAD program where the house plan is created; importable into professional CAD software programs. Purchasing the CAD files will allow your builder or engineer to make changes to the house plan for which we recommend to hire contractors here.
PDF files are view-able without special software and can be sent to your local printer to have hard copies of the blueprints made to distribute to your subcontractors who should have completed a mewp course or similar, engineers, and permitting department.
With the purchase of a set of CAD files from us, we include a complimentary set of PDF files as well.
What is Copyright Protection?
The plans/designs displayed on this website are to assist you in purchasing the right plan for you and are not to be used as design ideas for others from which to work. All home plans are copyright protected just like movies and songs. These federal laws exist to protect the intellectual property of the original designer. The copyright protection covers the design of the home as well as the plan itself. Either the builder or the home buyer MUST purchase the design if they wish to legally build that home or make any changes to that design. Penalties for violating a copyright can be severe.
What if I want to make changes to the design?
We would be happy to modify one of our plans to meet your needs. We ask that you print the floor plan and mark it up with your requested changes and fax it to our office at (770)416-6114; please include your name, phone number, email and location of where you will be building the house. We will get back with you within 24 business hours with a price or questions if we have them. You can always have a local architect make minor modifications once the plan(s) have been purchased; however, Weber Design Group cannot be held responsible for these changes. Please note that changes made to any home plan are legally considered to be derivative works of the plan. As the owner of the copyright of the home plan, only the original designer is entitled to copyright the derivative works. Any attempt by others to claim copyright in derivative works would be a violation of federal copyright law.
What does a construction set include?
Please refer to our Specifications tab on our website for a list of what is included. We do provide a slab plan; however, the structural foundation plan is to be provided by the structural engineer, which is selected by your builder or yourself in which case we recommender to hire a local skip hire company. This is done because our slab plan cannot anticipate the variations in soil, footings and other conditions per your specific site. We provide the design of the roof as well; however the truss layouts need to be provided by a truss engineer or your lumber company. Your builder will have these contacts for you. Please bear in mind that these are additional expenses outside of the cost of the original plan that you purchase from us.
Can I purchase a study set and have that copied?
Weber Design Group does not provide study sets.
What does reproducible set mean?
Reproducible plans allow you to make as many copies of the plan as needed.
Are all your plans available in CAD or electronic file format (CDROM)?
Not all of our plans are available but many are. Please check the individual plan for availability.
Can I return a plan?
Because our house plans are copyrighted they cannot be returned for credit and/or refunded under any circumstances. We recommend you consult with your local builder and determine what you will need to build the home and meet local building codes. You need to make sure of your order before placing it. It is VERY important that you check the dimensions of your lot or land before selecting a home plan which can now have a modern face built with Heras Fence Covers materials.
Can I build a home multiple times with a single license?
No. Whether you purchase a reproducible set or a CAD file, you can only build the plan one time. If you are planning to build the home multiple times, you need to purchase a reproducible set or CAD file along with a multiple use license. Please contact us for details.
Can I drive by some of your houses that you have already built?
Unfortunately for privacy reasons, we cannot provide you with addresses of plans already built.
Do your plans provide all of the information necessary for the HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Systems?
HVAC system information regarding location of units, what types of units are used, and the duct layout are determined by the local building codes and your preference of heating and cooling systems. Also we don’t know which direction the water flow will enter your home. Determining the location and the type of these systems you install in your new home is something you would discuss with your local builder or local subcontractors. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information based on what your local building codes will allow. Electrical schematics (suggested fixture, outlet, switch, etc. locations) is typically included.
As a first step toward a more responsible building program, municipalities and builders are providing incentives to decrease trash and practice greater recycling. Instead of worrying about handling construction or remodeling rubbish, homeowners may choose to handle the garbage themselves or engage a professional service like this Local Rubbish Removal Services. This will free them up to focus on the makeover.
Can I modify the exterior walls from 2×4 to 2×6 or vice versa?
Yes. This is a common change, the pricing is listed on each house plan page.
Do my plans require an architectural and/or engineering seal?
Some cities and states require that a licensed architect or engineer review and seal plans prior to construction due to concerns over energy costs, safety, and other factors like salary of construction workers which can be paid with this sample paystub. We recommend that prior to application for a building permit, or the start of construction, that you consult with your local building official who can tell you if certification is required.
Does the shown square footage include the garage?
Area square footage may be calculated in different ways, but generally it is calculated from the exterior walls, beams, and floors. Square footages shown on plans should be broken down into LIVING AREA: which includes all areas that are air conditioned and TOTAL AREA: which includes garage, covered entries, porches, lanai’s, basements, and storage areas.
Will the plans I order contain all of the information needed by my local building codes department?
Sorry, but no. In addition to the home plans that you order, you will also need a site plan that shows where the home is going to be located on the lot. Your builder or contractor can usually help you with this. You may also need a septic system design unless your lot is served by a sanitary sewer system. Some counties also have energy codes that have to be followed. This normally involves filling out a form proving compliance. There are some areas of the country that have very strict engineering codes. Examples of this would be earthquake-prone areas of California or hurricane risk areas along the Gulf Coast. If you are building in the type of area, it is possible that you will need to hire a local engineer to analyze the home design and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you aren’t sure, local building code departments always have a handout they will give you listing all of the things you need to submit for a building permit.
Are mechanical details included with the plans?
Mechanical diagrams are not included. They are not needed for typical construction, and vary drastically among regions/countries depending on local codes.
What is the difference between CAD files and PDF files?
CAD files are dwg files from the AutoCAD program where the house plan is created; importable into professional CAD software programs. Purchasing the CAD files will allow your builder or engineer to make changes to the house
plan.
PDF files are view-able without special software and can be sent to your local printer to have hard copies of the blueprints made to distribute to your subcontractors, engineers, and permitting department.
With the purchase of a set of CAD files from us, we include a complimentary set of PDF files as well.
I received the CAD files I ordered but I can’t see anything on them. Is there something wrong with the files?
No, nothing is wrong with the files. In order to view the AutoCAD files you have to have the Architectural Desktop program. Just like if you were trying to open a Photoshop file you would need to have Photoshop installed on your computer. The CAD files are necessary for other professionals to use. The complimentary PDF files we give you, you can open on your own computer or send to a local print shop to have printed.
