Plan Modification FAQs

A modification is a change to the architectural plan of the house – a ‘mod’ of the plan you’re buying. Don’t worry – some customization is almost always part of the process, and we’re here to help. Depending on the changes you’re considering, edits can be made to the existing plan or the plan might need to be redrawn. Our in-house plan experts and designers can assist you with these edits. Commonly requested modifications include:

• Changing windows & doors
• Changing ceiling height
• Stretching or reducing square footage
• Swapping room positions
• Adding/removing garage spaces
• Reconfiguring outdoor spaces
• Changing materials
• “Value-engineering” the plan – that is, make it fit into your budget by simplifying complex areas, reducing square footage, etc.

Anything on a plan can be modified. We can answer any questions and provide you with quotes for all desired changes.

• Experience! We’ve been modifying plans for decades and have helped thousands of customers make changes to their home designs.
• Speed. Save time in the field later (when your home is actually being built) by taking care of all the changes you want and need now.
• Ease. In some areas, it may be hard to find a local designer. Save yourself the hassle of researching and interviewing by going with a trusted name. This way, there’s no need to look around.

There’s a lot of time and work that goes into modifications. Pre-drawn house plans are a great deal because the designer creates them once and then can sell them multiple times. (That’s how we pass the savings on to you!) But when you have custom changes made, a qualified professional must devote their time to your plan. This can mean carefully redrawing multiple pages of the plan and ensuring that all the details are done right.

Think of it this way: it’s like buying a dress or suit off the rack (much cheaper than having one made for you) and then paying a tailor to make tweaks. The professional has to ensure that every stitch, tuck, and hem is finished exactly as you want it, and that takes time. With a house plan, modifications that seem simple often require changes to multiple floors, windows, the roof, and the foundation.

Here’s the good news: buying a stock plan and having it modified is still an amazing deal compared to hiring a custom designer or architect to start from scratch. After all, would you rather spend $25,000 for a custom design (which is how much you could end up paying a designer or architect) or around $2,200 for a perfectly modified stock plan?

It depends on your project, but an average timeline is around 4-6 weeks (rush service is available for an additional fee). You’re in control here – part of the timeline actually depends on you, and how quickly you respond to the designer doing the work as he or she presents your changes.

Here’s the process: first, you request an estimate for changes by clicking on “Modify This Plan” from any plan detail page and filling out the brief form with the changes you want to make, or just call us. Then, we’ll be in touch with you to present a quote or gather more information as needed. If you accept the estimate, work on your project begins.

Your modification project starts the minute you place your order. The timeline for receiving your modified plans depends on how quickly you respond to your designer and the scope of the changes involved. Quick changes that don’t affect other parts of the plan may only require a brief conversation with a designer and a few hours of design work. Significant modifications involving multiple floors or redesigning major features may require more back-and-forth with your designer and the new drawings may need a few weeks to be finalized. Timeline estimates will be included with your quote. Regardless of your changes, we will customize your plans as efficiently as we can. It’s always a good idea to start your modifications as early as you can, so that you’ll be totally ready to go when it’s time to break ground.

Yes, we can provide a number of related services.* To receive more information or a quote for these services, please give us a call at 1-800-528-8070.

• Structural Engineering
• Plumbing Drawings (Isometric)
• HVAC drawing
• Plan Check Revisions
• CAD file upgrade
• 3D Renderings
• 3D Design Services

Yes. If a material list is not available, please give us a call to receive a quote for a new material list. Here’s what they typically include:

• Foundation
• Roofing
• Siding
• Decking
• Windows
• Insulation
• And much more

* Materials lists are estimates and not a guarantee of all the material needed for each project.