“Stock Plans” make plans that you can order from a magazine, catalog, or website. Some builders offer such pre-designed plans. Although they are not meant for you, homes built from these plans can be pleasant and attractive.
However, given the time and cost of building a house (which is a normal process in nature), many will never consider anything other than individual plans intended solely for them or by them. However, stock plans can certainly be attractive and have some value.
Here are some of the pros and cons of buying stock plans:
Pros:
- Stock plans may be less expensive. Prices for a set of plans can be a thousand bucks - or less. Plans are listed as a menu, and prices for plans are clearly posted. Once you have decided on a plan, this is a simple click and purchase process. You choose the shape of the picture and quantity.
- Stock plans can save time when choosing a home. Since projects are made and there for review, if you can quickly select, you can save time. Usually plans are displayed as floor plans and exterior views. Depending on the catalog, you can only get a front view, and sometimes several types to help you understand the design. This is a mail order solution. Elements of the mail order have been a part of our culture for a long time - from the bride by mail to the mail sets from Sears.
- These predefined plans are usually collections from different perspectives. It can be challenging when you view plans and presentations. You will find “new” ideas that you probably haven't considered before.
- Catalogs of stock exchange plans can start your imagination. They can make creative juices flow. Stock plans can be a valuable starting point for learning new ideas.
Cons
- Stock plans are rarely allowed. If they are sent to receive permits without further action, they are likely to be rejected.
- A professional engineer or architect stamp (looks like an old notarial stamp) is required for plans in many places (you should check with your local building department). Getting a professional brand is not as easy as it sounds. Many professionals will require re-drawing or at least a few changes and additions to bring the plans to local codes and worthy of their seal. The fee for this may vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars and will take several weeks depending on the project and the time of the professional.
- Some changes are inevitable. Since plans are not set up for you, it is rarely that you will not see things that you want to change. This can be costly, because most companies with a stock plan are not focused on individual attention.
- Stock plans are reusable plans that have been built many times. For some, this may be a negative factor.
- Plans from the Internet or a catalog are designed for a massive appeal, similar to cars and other consumer goods. This is beneficial for factory-made products because they lower prices. But since since home construction is always common, some people find a home market for the mass market attractive to be a waste of opportunity. It would be custom to build a car and end up with a Ford Taurus. What is it?
- Stock plans are for construction in many places. Country areas have basements, snow, hurricanes, cold temperatures, warm temperatures, and many other factors that are unique to each area. Some types of building systems are common in certain areas - and general plans may not cover all the possibilities. In addition, local traders will notice the Stock House and mark them as such - not always positively.
However, the predefined plans of a local builder can cause many of these problems. They will usually be ready to issue permits, will be recognized at the local level, and if the builder makes a change, this can be very good.
Thus, stock plans are valuable for learning and education and are a fruitful source of ideas. However, they are more likely to be not as inexpensive as you first think, or how quickly, and, of course, will not be something that is solely for you.
Having a professional working with you and with you to develop custom design based on your ideas, your ideas and various ideas that you have gathered from many sources, as well as his or her expert creativity will allow you to fully utilize the truly individual character building a house.
Remember that home construction is the only industry that still remains a true custom in nature - projects should also be.
