Pros and Cons of House Plans

There are pros and cons to using house plans to build your dream house.  Assuming that you have decided to avoid the new home community route, you have to decide if you want to build with stock house plans or custom plans.  Weighing the pros and cons can help you to make that decision.

Pros of using house plans

• Using stock house plans is a fraction of the cost of having custom plans drawn up.
• The overall cost of building the home is less.  With custom plans, the material costs may not be known until later in the process and can quickly add up.  With house plans, the material list is already a part of the plan so it is easier to get an accurate estimate of what the final cost will be.
• House plans can be modified if you do not find one that is exactly like you want.
• Instead of waiting weeks for the plans to be created, you simply order house plans off the Internet and have them in a few days.
• There are hundreds, if not thousands, of plans to choose from.  This makes it easier to find the home right for you.

Cons of using house plans

• You are limited.  With custom plans, you can create the exact home of your dreams, for a price.  With house plans, you have to work with what is available.
• You may have problems finding the perfect house plan that fits on your lot.  Some lots are so small or unique in size that they require a very specific design for a perfect fit.
• Local building codes may make it impossible to use house plans.  For example, in hurricane-prone areas, local codes may require pilings or other features that are just easier to create with a custom plan.
• The size of your lot may restrict the size of your house.  It may be hard to find a house plan with the specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms that you want for the size of a house dictated by your lot size.

Assess your situation and create a pros and cons list specific for you.  You may be able to save money using stock house plans, but you may have to sacrifice some of what you want in a home.  Or, your lot may prevent you from using stock house plans at all.  Of course, it is also possible that you will find the perfect house plan at a reasonable price so you can start building your dream home.