A Complete Plan Information Guide

Everything you need to know about our home plans and blueprints.

Modern single-story house with large windows and a spacious deck.

Blueprint Sets for Every Project

We offer a variety of blueprint packages, ranging from 1 set (study set) to reproducible vellums. Once you have selected a house plan to view in more detail, click on the ‘view prices’ button or ‘purchase’ button to view which blueprint packages are available for that particular house plan and designer. We recommend that you purchase at least 8 sets of blueprints so that you will have enough sets to get you through the building process. In addition to a set for yourself, you will need to supply a set to your builder, mortgage lender, local building department, and any subcontractors who need one.

Flexible Plans for Every Builder

A very popular plan package for individuals who will be getting multiple bids from house plans is reproducible vellums. A reproducible set gives the homeowner, builder, or other construction professional the ability to make multiple copies of the house plans throughout the building process.

Meeting Codes, Exceeding Expectations

We design our pre-designed house plans and home plans to meet or exceed national building standards set forth by the IRC (International Residential Code). Modifications may be necessary to meet local building codes. Please check with a local architect, builder, or other construction professional in your area regarding local building codes. To view a list of what comes with a blueprint package, please click on the plan of your choice.

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Modifications & Customization of House Plans

Many homes have been built from plans prepared by Design Depot, Inc. A significant percentage of these were custom homes built from the very same stock plan designs shown on this website. One thing is certain about this vast number of homes: almost everyone made changes to the plan while building the home. The following is intended to walk you through the process of making changes or customizing the design to suit your specific requirements, whether that be issues about your lot, special requirements of your locality, or just personal preferences.

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Mirror Prints

Building the design in reverse? No problem! Mirror prints and plans are available in reverse from Design Depot, Inc. All plans can be provided fully reversed, where even the lettering reads correctly. For further information, check the Plan Packages information or select the View Pricing Options button on the page for the particular plan you are interested in.

Redlining Blueprints

This is by far the most common way that most changes are made. It is also the simplest and least expensive. Although our industry uses the word “blueprints,” this is a holdover from days past. All the plans used today for construction are printed on white paper with black or blue line lettering. Because of this fact, notations are easily made on these prints. They can be made by pen, pencil, or a red line pencil, which stands out clearly—hence the term “redlining.”

Smart Modifications With Redlining

Redlining is not suitable for major changes, but is suited for the vast majority of changes, such as:

Shifting of interior partitions that do not affect structural spans.
Extending a wing of a house lengthwise that does not affect structural spans.
Material changes, specifications, fixtures, cabinet layouts, contract provisions, etc..
Shifting, adding, or changing windows or doors.
Addition or deletion of fireplaces, garages, false dormers, raised or dropped ceilings, etc..

Redlining in Special Situations

If it involves anything other than some material or specification notes, redlining is best done by an experienced contractor who is familiar with your local codes and would know if the change requires further input from a local professional. Since plans may not be photocopied, make sure to order enough sets—usually at least 8—so each can be noted with the proposed changes. A redline set is acceptable for contracts, most lending institutions, and most building departments. If you are building in very high wind zones or floodplain zones where local engineering is required, redlining may be unacceptable.

CAD Files

Where major changes are contemplated, a CAD file is suggested. Design Depot, Inc. can provide these. Please call for availability and pricing. The CAD file allows an experienced local architect or designer to add, revise, or draw involved changes to any plan. CAD files are also extremely helpful where local engineering or code modifications are required.

Flexible Modifications With Our CAD Plans

Changes that may be made with our CAD files are as follows:

Enlarging the home in any direction, even where roof pitches, trusses, or rafter lengths are changed.
Adding a room, garage, or porch.
Changing foundation types if not available with the basic plans (most are available, so check first).
Elevation changes, including roof pitch and roofline changes.
Significant interior layout changes.
Adapting a plan to meet local codes or to provide engineering where required.

Your CAD Files, Properly Managed

CAD files are best modified by a local architect, designer, or engineer, but may also be modified by an experienced contractor. Authorization is provided to enable you to make prints from the CAD files at a local copy shop. Copy shops are not permitted to reproduce house plans without such authorization. CAD files are the electronic files that contain all the information on your blueprints. Special restrictions may apply to the use of CAD files, so check with Design Depot, Inc. Direct phone number (231) 946-7004 or on the Contact Us page.

Customized Blueprints

If you prefer, you may contact Design Depot, Inc. to make changes to the home you have chosen to build or to make changes to customize the plan for you. Do not hesitate to call or go to Contact Us. We may also have a plan in our collection that already includes the changes you are considering. Remember, Design Depot, Inc. is committed to helping you obtain your dream home and will steer you in the right direction to help you achieve that dream.

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