At Associated Designs, one of the most frequent questions we receive is: "What comes with a plan set?". When preparing to build, it's crucial to know exactly what drawings, documents, and permissions are part of your house plan package. Selecting the right plan set not only saves time and money but also keeps your project on track from permits through construction.
What Does a Plan Set Include?
A buildable plan set provides all the construction documents you and your builder need to bring your home to life. Typical inclusions are:
- Floor Plans – Scaled layouts of each level, showing walls, windows, doors, and dimensions.
- Exterior Elevations – Front, rear, and side views that highlight the home’s style and finishes.
- Foundation Plan – Details for slab, crawl space, or basement foundations.
- Roof Plan – Roof layout with pitch, framing details, and drainage.
- Sections & Construction Details – Cutaway drawings showing framing, insulation, and assembly.
- Electrical Plan – Suggested placement of outlets, switches, and lighting.
- Plumbing Layouts – Locations for sinks, toilets, hose bibs, and other fixtures.
- Supporting Details – Notes on beams, headers, load-bearing elements, and framing.
- Material Specifications – Information on siding, roofing, windows, and doors.
- Licensing & Legal Use – A license to build plus copyright protections.
Quick Answer:
A standard construction plan set includes floor plans, elevations, foundation and roof details, sections, electrical layouts, supporting notes, and material specifications. Licensed packages also grant the legal right to build.
Types of Plan Packages Available
Associated Designs offers plan sets tailored to different needs and stages of the building process:
- Study Package – For reviewing layouts and estimating costs. Includes plans and elevations but is not licensed for construction.
- Buildable Package – A complete, licensed set of construction documents for one build. Required for permitting and building.
- PDF Package – A digital version of the full construction set, easy to share and print locally.
- Print Packages – Multiple printed copies (5-set, 8-set, etc.) often required by contractors and building departments.
- CAD Package – Editable files for customization with a local designer or engineer.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Plan Package
- Is this package licensed for construction in my state or county?
- What file formats are included (PDF, CAD, printed sets)?
- Will local engineering or stamps be needed for permits?
- How many printed copies will my builder or building department require?
- What modification options are available if I want changes?
Significance of Select Plan Packages
Choosing the wrong plan package can delay permits, increase costs, and create frustration during construction. The right package ensures your builder has the documents needed to schedule trades, order materials, and break ground confidently.
Licensing & Legal Permissions
Understanding your Plan Sets Licensing
When you purchase a pre-designed plan, you’re buying more than drawings — you’re purchasing a single-use license to build that design. This license gives you the legal right to construct the home while protecting the designer’s creative work.
Licensed plans ensure that:
- You have official permission to build.
- Designers are fairly compensated for their work.
- You avoid copyright infringement risks, fines, or redesigns.
- You receive accurate, up-to-date drawings suitable for permits and construction.
Why Honoring Copyright Matters
Copying or redrawing a plan without permission violates copyright law. Even small alterations do not make a design your own without a license.
Respecting copyright:
- Protects creativity – Designers can continue developing innovative plans for homeowners when their work is valued and protected.
- Ensures quality – Licensed plan sets are complete, detailed, and approved by the designer, unlike unlicensed copies that may contain errors or missing information.
- Keeps costs fair – Licensing keeps plan packages affordable for all homeowners, since the cost of one design can be shared across many builds.
One License for One Build
Most plan sets are licensed for a single build. If you want to construct the same home again, you’ll need to purchase an additional license. This keeps the process fair, transparent, and legally compliant.
Q: What does a construction plan set include?
A: It includes floor plans, elevations, foundation and roof details, building sections, electrical layouts, structural notes, and material specifications. Buildable packages also include the license to build.
Q: Do I need a CAD package?
A: Only if you plan major modifications. Otherwise, a PDF or printed package will work.
Q: Can I use a study package to build?
A: No. Study packages are for review and estimating only. A licensed set is required to construct.
Q: How many printed sets will I need?
A: Most jurisdictions require multiple copies for permits, inspections, and contractors. A 5-set or 8-set is common.
Q: Do plan sets include site-specific engineering?
A: Not always. Many regions require a local engineer to adapt plans for soil, wind, snow, or seismic conditions.
At Associated Designs, every plan package is designed to give homeowners a clear, step-by-step path from design to construction. Whether you begin with a study set or are ready to purchase a licensed buildable package, you’ll know exactly what’s included and how it supports your project.
