Construction set: This includes 5 sets of plans including all four exterior views, complete floor plans, a basement or foundation plan, a roof plan, building sections, and any other details necessary to explain how to build your home. This is the basic package that you need to obtain a building permit, secure your financing, and to actually build from.

Reproducible Set: This is similar to the construction set except it comes to you on an erasable paper called Mylar, sepia, or vellum. This is what you want if you are planning to make minor changes to the plans. Once you’ve made your changes, you are able to make all of the copies you need to build from. Not all of our designers offer this option, so check to make sure it is available. A reproducible includes a copyright release allowing you to legally make copies of this copyrighted plan. It does not, however, give you the license to build the plan more than one time without a Multi-Use Construction License.

CAD Set: Once again, this is similar to the construction set except it comes to you in an electronic format. You would want to consider this if you are planning on making substantial changes to the drawings and your or a professional in your area has a CAD program and the ability to make the changes. Not all of our designers offer this option, so check to make sure it is available. A CAD set includes a copyright release allowing you to make changes and legally make copies of this copyrighted plan. It does not, however, give you the license to build the plan more than one time without a Multi-Use Construction License.

What is included in the square footage?
The square footage includes all of the area inside the exterior face of the "heated walls". It does not include garages, porches, or decks. For this reason, you cannot multiply the stated dimensions of each room, add them together and come up with the total square footage because you are not including hallways, closets, etc.

Can the plan I like be changed?
Most of our designers offer modification services. The best way to approach this is to call us to discuss the items you wish to change. Many times, changes can be made "in the field" or during construction thus saving you design fees. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our staff design professionals to see if this fits your needs.

How do I find out if the house I like has been built in my area?
Unfortunately, our designers do not release this information for privacy reasons.

How do I know if I can afford to build the home I have chosen?
Your first step is to click the "look up cost to build" link in the House Plan Details box. This figure is based upon average construction cost compiled by the Census Bureau and the National Association of Home Builders. To this amount, you need to add the cost of your lot, builder profit, septic systems, wells, permit fees, etc. This will give you a good idea of whether or not the home is within your budget. However, there is not substitute for actually sitting down with your builder with a full set of plans and establish budgets for all aspects of the home. This includes lighting, carpet, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, etc.

What if I only need 1 set of plans? Can’t I take them to Kinko’s to make more copies?
You can, but it’s illegal. All plans sold through DDI Architecture are protected by copyrights held by the individual designers. You can click on copyright notice at the very bottom of any page for more specifics on this issue.

Can I return the plans if I change my mind?
Unfortunately, no. Since it is possible to make illegal copies of the plans you received, we do not allow any refunds. You need to make sure of your order before placing it.

Will the plans I order contain all of the information needed by my local building department?
Almost. In addition to the complete building plans that you order, you will also need a site plan that shows where the house is going to be located on the property. Your builder can usually help you with this. You may also need a septic design unless your lot is served by a sanitary sewer system. Many areas now have energy codes that have to be followed. This normally involves filling out a simple form proving compliance. Now for the tricky one. 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 of the Florida coast. If you are building in this type of area, it is possible that you will need to hire a local engineer to analyze the house and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you aren’t sure, building departments always have a handout they will give you listing all of the things you need to submit for a building permit.

What is a Material List and what does it include?
It is a complete list of the building materials needed to build your home. It includes lumber, insulation, rafters, etc. It doesn’t usually contain items that are part of a bid such as drywall, plumbing, electrical, appliances, etc.

Is my privacy and credit card information secure?
Completely. When you place an online order on our secure server, all information is sent encrypted to an automated payment-processing center to see that everything is correct. Your order information is then sent to us without your credit card information. This way, no credit card information is ever stored on our server and no one will have access to it at any point in the transaction.

As for your privacy, we do not give out any private information to anyone for any reason. You can read more about this by going to our privacy policy.

What is Mirror Reverse and how does it differ from Right Reading Reverse?
A mirror reversed set of plan got this name because it is exactly like looking at a set of plans in a mirror. All of the text is backward. In the days before we used computers to draw our plan, this was the only way to get plans that were the opposite of the way they were drawn. With computers, however, most programs allow us to ‘flip’ the plan but keep the text forward reading. So, if you’ve picked out a plan but need to have it reversed, make sure the right reading reverse is available for that plan.

Is it possible to see a rear view of the homes?
Yes. A growing number of our designs already have a rear elevation available by clicking on the "rear elevation" link under the front view. If you don’t see it, simply write or call and we will send you one by fax of e-mail.

I want to build this home on 3 different lots. Can I just purchase extra sets?
No. In addition to buying a set of plans, you are also buying a license or permission to use the designer’s copyrighted material for the construction of one home. Some designers offer discounted fees for multiple use but you need to call to check.

How do copyright laws affect me?
All plans sold through DDI Architects and protected by copyrights held by the individual designers. You can click on the “copyright’ link at the very bottom of any page for more specifics on this issue.

How much do modifications cost?
They can range for $50.00 to hundreds of dollars depend upon the extent of your changes. If you are interested in making changes, give us a call. We will go over them in depth and get back to you with a quote.

Would my modifications be less expensive if I drew them on my Home Architect software?
Unfortunately, no. Even though it would clarify your intentions, the designer would still need to spend the same amount of time changing all aspects of the drawings.

What is a daylight basement?
It is most often seen on sloping lots that allow at least a portion of the basement to have larger windows. Depending upon the amount of slope, you can often times have a door that walks directly out. There are also designs listed with daylight basements that are simply built farther out of the ground thereby exposing part of the basement wall. These go under the names of "split-entry", "raised ranch", "bi-level" and "multi-level".

What if the foundation option I need does not show as being available?
Give us a call and we can verify this. Often time, a designer is willing to change the drawings for you, but we need to call him to get you a quote. If it is not already available you might also want to check with your builder. Many times changing a foundation type is a very simple matter and can be done during construction.