Taking the plan from blueprint to dream house : A builder may provide a ballpark estimate of construction costs from a study plan, but he or she should consult the working drawings to give a more accurate figure. Many variables can affect the bottom line, including the choice and availability of materials, labor costs, choice of finishes and degree of detail. Ask several contractors for competing bids. If you've got the vision but not the bankroll (at least at this time), it may be wise to choose a plan with bonus space that can be built out as finances allow. Be sure to allot a portion of your budget to landscaping and finish details. Architects and interior designers recommend that you don't skimp on the seemingly small stuff. Higher-quality trim and building materials may trump extra square footage. "Good, insulated windows may be costly initially," Martin says, "but over the long run, they're going to save you money on your power bill." Crown moulding and custom cabinetry can make a stock plan feel like it was designed specifically for your family. After all, it's the personal touches that make a house feel like a home.
Having been in the business for more than 30 years, we have seen a large number of house plans which looked good at first glance. However, upon closer examination, many of these plans were found to be lacking large amounts of needed information. If a house plan is not easy to navigate or is not thoroughly detailed, then the builder is left to guess at the designer's intentions. This often means that he will "pad" his bid to make sure that he covers any unknown construction costs that may arise.
Stock house plans can also be tweaked to meet the needs of an individual. Therefore you can be rest assured that you won't be forced to accept every single internal or external detail of the plan. There are a variety of stock plans from which one may choose based on their personal interest. From the wide variety of house plans offered in the choices above, you can be assured to get one that suits to your lifestyle and ranges within your budget! All is now left to your decision.
Moreover, you can save a lot on construction cost when a using a stock house plan. The advantage comes when you purchase a plan that had been previously used. This means all costs have been put into consideration, therefore, one can easily know what to expect come time for the actual construction. This gives an accurate budget, a small construction span, and efficiency due to prior arrangements during the recent use of the house plan.