Ask a Designer

Q) I am combining two rooms into one. At this time I have traditional 2" maple hardwood floors in one part and the other part is carpet. I want to have all hardwood, but would like to put a different type of hardwood-( 4" wide plank rustic)in the new area. The room is slightly seperate by a small (1ft wide) jutting in wall. Would this be possible? or would it look like a design nightmare? Thanks
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A) Thank you for your interest in our design services. However, our area of expertise is in overall building design. I would recommend that you visit the American Society of Interior Designers website, www.asid.org. Under the Design Services tab you can find an interior designer or look at their Interior Design Basics page.

Q) I bought a one set study package of the Awbery, if I buy an additional set can I build the house?
 -- Jessica C.

A) To obtain a license to build one of our homes you must purchase at least 8 sets of plans. You may also purchase reproducible masters or electronic files. We do offer upgrades on packages. To upgrade from the one set of the Awbery to the eight set, it would cost 20% of the original purchase price plus the difference of the package price. So 20% of $525 equals $105 plus $800 less the one set price of $525 equals $275 for a total cost of $380.

Q) I bought the 8 set package but my engineer recommended I get the electronic files, can I get a discount towards an upgrade?
 -- Amy K.

A) To upgrade your 8 set package to an electronic file package we charge 20% of the original purchase price plus the difference of the package price. So to upgrade your 8 set would be 20% of $800 or $160 plus $1225 less $800 or $425 for a total cost of $585.

Q) We are interested in the Grandeza home plan. Can the plan be modified to change certain details? Can the plan be adjusted for concrete construction (e.g., ICF)?
 -- Jerry M.

A) We are able to revise any of our stock floor plans for a quoted fee. Please feel free to call us to speak with a designer directly regarding the changes you would like made. They will review your changes and give you a firm quote. Once you approve the quote, we work with you to create a final plan.

Q) We're interested in the Coronado Plan 11-029. We like the overall house plan but have concerns that this plan's exterior may not be appropriate for weather conditions in the coastal North Carolina area. We would build in the Albemarle Sound area - one hour south of Norfolk, Virginia. This area gets mild four seasons and was hit by a hurricane 8 years ago. Should there be overhang on the roof to shield the structure from rain/snow/winds etc? Would Plan 11-029 be adaptable for NC's climate or is this house plan only appropriate for the Southwest? Thank you. GKS
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A) We offer revision services to all of our plans, so we can change the exterior of the Coronado for you. Please call with specifics of how you would like to revise the exterior, and a designer will be able to get you a quote for how much the revision will cost.

Q) I asked a question a few days ago, but never got a reply. What happened?
 -- Stephanie P.

A) Chances are you created a login account, prior to the launching of our new website, without an e-mail address. Or your login email address is invalid. Please update your login information providing a valid e-mail address and submit your question again. We'll reply with an answer ASAP.

Q) Can I afford to build this home?
 -- Elizabeth W.

A) The cost of building a home depends on where you build, the cost of materials in your area, how you finish the home, and whom you hire to build it. Therefore we cannot tell you the cost to build. Your contractor is in the best position to give you an estimate, after a thorough review of the drawings.

Q) How is the living area of a plan determined?
 -- Marshal M.

A) Generally, calculations are made from outside the exterior frame walls, and do not include decks, porches, garages, basements, attics, and unfinished bonus rooms. Stairs and vaulted areas are counted only once. Balconies and open walkways in vaulted areas are included in the square footage. You can always call us to find out exactly how a plan's square footage was calculated.

Q) Will your plans meet my local building codes?
 -- Russel G.

A) Many states, counties, cities, and subdivisions have their own regulations. Some even require a professional registered in your state to review and approve plans. Our plans are sold throughout the country and comply with national building standards. You may need to take your plans to a local building designer or engineer to bring them up to local codes. Contact your local building department to see what's required to get a building permit.

Q) Can I get an address where this plan has been built, so I can see the finished home?
 -- Sandy B.

A) Sorry, no. All our customers' personal information (including yours) is confidential.