Our standard method of providing a set of drawings is via an e-mailed PDF file. The Adobe PDF format has become the international standard for document delivery and viewing. Adobe Reader DC is a free software download (if not already on your computer) that will allow you to view PDF documents.
The Adobe PDF file format is an electronic document identical to the paper “blueprint” set. The purchase of the PDF plan entitles you to make up to ten (10) copies of your plan (you can review the licensing agreement in the "Terms & Conditions" section.) at a local photocopy center. Note that the PDF version does not contain an engineer's or architect's seal so make sure the municipality where you plan to build does not require a seal.
The print size of your plan drawings will be either 11” x 17”, 18" x 24" or 24" x 36", depending on the format used when initially designed (we always indicate the original print page size on the actual drawing), and is normally based on the size of the house you have selected. Because the PDF plan will be sent to you by email, you will save on the shipping costs and our administrative costs to get copies printed for you.
The purchase of a home design in PDF format allows you to build this structure one time only. Your name and location of your build is noted on the plans. If modifications are needed, it's best to have our designers do that as a PDF File cannot be altered.
We also offer the option to provide hard copies of the drawings and mail or courier them to you. If you would like to get a quote please reach out and we can provide a quote depending on the number of copies you require, where you live and how quickly you want to receive the copies.
If you prefer or require modifications by other professional designers or engineers, the AutoCAD File would be your best option (see below).
-----------------------------------------------
A CAD or Computer Aided Design file is a digital version of the house plan which can be modified by other professionals using industry standard software (AutoCAD, Chief Architect, ArchiCAD, etc.). This file format is perfect for clients who need to modify a house design to meet their requirements (for example, you may want to make a room larger) as well as specific local building code requirements, including local engineering and/or architectural requirements. We send our CAD files out in “DWG” format. As long as your engineer/architect and/or builder has the software to open and modify a DWG file this should work.
It is important to keep in mind that when modifying an existing plan drawing, there are potential impacts that may go beyond the change. If, for example, you want to make a room larger and move a wall to accomplish this, it is important to consider the impacts that change could have. If the wall moved were structural in nature, then there would need to be accommodations made to properly transfer the impacted loads.