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Looking to build a house, any good reputable sites selling plans?

post #1 of 13
2/24/10 at 7:56pm
Thread Starter 
I am looking to build a house starting within the month, already have the plot of land and builder. Problem is, I am located in Mass. (metrowest of Boston) and pretty much all of the new construction houses here are Colonial style (which I hate).

Looking for around 2600 sq. ft.; 2 car garage; open layout; 3 bed; 2.5... now in the process of finding some plans I like, but not sure where to start. I have found a couple custom houses while driving around looking at places but dont have the nerve to knock on the door and ask about the house!
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post #2 of 13
2/24/10 at 8:00pm
Hire an architect and go over what you want. It's really the only way to go.
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post #3 of 13
2/24/10 at 8:16pm
Dont build a McMansion.

That is all.

-SG
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post #4 of 13
2/24/10 at 8:17pm
GreenBuildingAdvisor.com
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post #5 of 13
2/24/10 at 8:19pm
Thread Starter 
the builder i am using has built/overseen the construction of well over 1000 houses, so i am hoping he will be able to contruct what i want from plans, not really sure if hiring an architect is worth the money in my case. Plus I do not really know what I want with enough detail to explain it to someone. I was hoping there would be some websites that had hundreds of different plan options with sample constructed pics, but I also want to make sure I buy solid legible plans.
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post #6 of 13
2/24/10 at 10:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pg600rr View Post
the builder i am using has built/overseen the construction of well over 1000 houses, so i am hoping he will be able to contruct what i want from plans, not really sure if hiring an architect is worth the money in my case. Plus I do not really know what I want with enough detail to explain it to someone. I was hoping there would be some websites that had hundreds of different plan options with sample constructed pics, but I also want to make sure I buy solid legible plans.

A good architect should be able to to understand what you need based off of the conversations and meetings you two had. Your builder may have built a 1,000 houses but in the end he never went through the formal training and does not have his interests aligned with yours. His one and only goal is to make some money to bring home at the end of the day.

I'm not saying that every architect is great but I'm sure that most will be able to deliver you something much better than a stock set of plans and a builder. They also should be able to help you through the process and make sure that builder of yours isn't cutting too many corners or hanging you out to dry.

I highly suggest reading this:

http://blog.buildllc.com/2008/09/the...-architecture/
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post #7 of 13
2/25/10 at 12:05am
If the guy has built over 1k custom homes, he has "stock" plans.
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post #8 of 13
2/25/10 at 11:57am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Reborn View Post
A good architect should be able to to understand what you need based off of the conversations and meetings you two had. Your builder may have built a 1,000 houses but in the end he never went through the formal training and does not have his interests aligned with yours. His one and only goal is to make some money to bring home at the end of the day.

I'm not saying that every architect is great but I'm sure that most will be able to deliver you something much better than a stock set of plans and a builder. They also should be able to help you through the process and make sure that builder of yours isn't cutting too many corners or hanging you out to dry.

I highly suggest reading this:

http://blog.buildllc.com/2008/09/the...-architecture/

I will check it out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Piobaire View Post
If the guy has built over 1k custom homes, he has "stock" plans.

I didnt say "custom," up here many of the new constuction comes in devlopments of 20-100 houses, usually with 5-10 different styles. He has built many of these developments which I was able to check out for the quality and materials used. Most of the custom homes he has built have been from the buyer bringing their own plans to the table and the plans he has available, were not the style I am looking for.
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post #9 of 13
2/25/10 at 12:03pm
Maybe not your style but some ideas here http://www.oakwrights.co.uk/oakwrigh...usestyles.aspx
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post #10 of 13
2/25/10 at 12:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pg600rr View Post
I will check it out.



I didnt say "custom," up here many of the new constuction comes in devlopments of 20-100 houses, usually with 5-10 different styles. He has built many of these developments which I was able to check out for the quality and materials used. Most of the custom homes he has built have been from the buyer bringing their own plans to the table and the plans he has available, were not the style I am looking for.

How did you check out the quality and the materials used? Just curious, as we have purchased the land we plan to build on.
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post #11 of 13
2/25/10 at 12:10pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piobaire View Post
How did you check out the quality and the materials used? Just curious, as we have purchased the land we plan to build on.

I brought a family friend I trust that knows about construction (more commercial tho) and went to look at a number of the builders recent houses that people were kind enough to let us look around. As for materials, you can see what was used in the previous builds, but also ask for the material list, that will let you know exactly what insulation, roofing, doors, foundation, heating system, etc. were used. And if you are unfamiliar with the area, as I am, it def. helps to bring someone knowledgeble whom you trust.
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post #12 of 13
2/25/10 at 12:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pg600rr View Post
Problem is, I am located in Mass. (metrowest of Boston) and pretty much all of the new construction houses here are Colonial style (which I hate).

http://www.houseplans.com/ perhaps? http://www.houseplans.com/exclusive_...ical_plans.asp if you like the mid-century style.

Also, http://www.freegreen.com/ is interesting if you're bothered about environmental impact/LEED certification/etc and has free plans for download.

There's a ton of books and websites selling house plans.
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post #13 of 13
2/25/10 at 7:20pm
Ideally, you and the builder will work out materials choices, manufacturers, appliances, etc. after getting a plan from an architect that suits your needs and location.

At least that's how we roll. But we're primarily commercial remodels and only do a custom home or two per year. I'd never let some schmuck I don't know make so many choices about a home I'm going to (presumably) own for the rest of my adult life.
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