Questions for yourself ...
Do you have a piece of property?
Does your property allow for a walk-out basement?
Do you need a builder?

Questions you might have for us ...
1. What is the difference between HDS and other architects/builders?
2. What happens with the basement in a house plan?
3. The garage is on the wrong side. Now what?
4. Who designs the interior of the home?
5. How much will building my home cost?
6. Do you design custom homes?
7. Do you design additions/modifications to current homes?
8. Which "format" do I choose from the product purchase page?
9. I've received my plans. Now what?

Purchasing a home plan is both a timeless and important decision. Before making the investment, we encourage you to ask yourself several questions. Home design expert and consultant Karen Gale has provided an outline of what you should consider below in our "What You Want To Know" guide.

1. Do you have a piece of property?
Some areas have restrictions on the size of your home, so check it out! The total dimensions of our home plans are provided on the product description page. If you still don't feel confident in making this decision, feel free to contact House Design Studio via phone or e-mail for a free consult.

2. Does your property allow for a walk-out basement?
Most of our basements can easily be modified by your builder to include a walk-out area to your specifications.

3. Speaking of builders, do you need one?
Check a local Home Builders' Association or your lumberyard for a reference. Keep in mind that many builders have, or know of, property which might interest you and be conducive to your House Design Studio house plan.

Questions you might have for us ...

1. What is the difference between purchasing a plan from House Design Studio, or consulting an architect or builder to build a plan?
An architect will charge at least three times our cost, and sometimes more. Builders and architects both tend to use "cookie cutter" house designs that they've used endless times before; the latter will rely upon outdated and unoriginal work within your "personally tailored" plan. By contrast, House Design Studio provides home plans that are unique AND affordable.

And if you're still unable to find the home that matches your tastes and interests? Don't sweat it! We will work with you to design and deploy a custom house plan that is original and you.

2. Explain to me what happens with the basement in a house plan.
Most of the HDS plans come with a basement stairway. If we include a finished basement, you will see it along with the other levels. If you would like us to design a finished basement for your favorite plan, just contact us prior to your purchase and we will provide a reasonable and affordable quote.

(Note: If you prefer no basement, HDS can modify plans for a $50 surcharge)

3. I like a plan, but the garage is on the wrong side! What do I do?
No problem! House Design Studio provides you the option to order "mirrored" plans for an additional fee. That will reverse the entire home, and put the garage on the side most convenient for you. Because of design alteration, there is a $150 surcharge.

4. Who designs the interior of the home? How will my kitchen cabinets look? What if I want extra windows?
Your kitchen will be set up just the way you want it by a professional kitchen designer, who are available for consult via your builder. You will also choose doors and windows you like from a catalog or showroom. Your builder will sit down with you to make all the choices for your new home, even the extra windows.

5. How much will building my home cost?
The builder will have your answer. He or she can give you a approximate figure on the square-foot price.  That will help you in selecting a home you can afford. Ordering the conceptual plan first may give your builder a better idea of what you have in mind. Conceptual plans can be ordered from the product description page. Ordering the full sets of construction plans will allow your builder to give you an absolute price.

6. Do you design custom homes to my specifications?
Absolutely. As mentioned earlier, some customers have an exact idea of what they want with their new home design. HDS has over 25-plus years of residential design experience, and can tailor that custom home to meet the needs and satisfaction of the customer. We will have you fill out a custom home form that will give our design team an general idea of your dream home, and then arrange a phone consult at your leisure to fill in the details. Visit our custom home form here.

7. Do you design additions/modifications to current homes?
Yes. House Design Studio has ample experience in home modifications, ranging from everything between significant home additions to outdoor living areas and patios. Please visit our custom home form and provide any relevant information in the Comment box. You will be contacted by a House Design Studio team member within 24 hours.

8. Under format, I see: Construction 8-pack, Conceptual, and Reproducible Vellum. Which do I choose?
Most of our customers choose the 8-pack as it provides enough plans for the builder and subcontractors involved in the building of your new home. If you're a bit hesitant on the design, and would like to get a better idea of the home plan and the subsequent building costs prior to investing in the 8-pack, we recommend the Conceptual.

The Reproducible Vellum is typically purchased by Builders/Architects who wish to make changes (including copyright release) and need to make copies. Below is description of each option as provided on the product description page.

Construction 8-Pack: Provides sufficient plans for the builder and subcontractors. The extra sets are for mortgage approval and the building permit process. If more than eight (8) plans are required, choose the Reproducible Vellum option.

Conceptual: For review only, not for construction.  They include the floor plan and front elevation on an 18" x 24" sheet with overall dimensions. This does not include construction plans. A license to build is not included and the plans are marked, “Not for Construction”.

Reproducible Vellum: This is one master copy set of your plans with a copyright release which gives you legal permission to make changes to your house plans and print copies. It is typically purchased by builders. Also popular if your home has multiple contractors and more than eight (8) plans are needed to supply demand. Modifications to plans should only be made by qualified professionals. House Design Studio LLC is not responsible for changes made to our construction plans by any party.

9. OK, I've received my plans. Now what?
If you've chosen your builder, bring your builder the plans. You can also bring the plans to your local lumber yard which will give you a cost estimate for building materials.