House Plan

http://www.google.com

You could probably Google "house plans" and get several million examples, most of which would be unsuitable. Instead I would encourage you to imagine what you would like in a dwelling, and then post a description to which we might respond.

Do you want something that is traditional and normal in your neighborhood, or some kind of bold architectural statement? What "standard" rooms do you need and how many? Any special rooms (workshop, office, etc.)? One story or two? Basement? Garage?

Such questions could be endless, but I'll stop for now.

Each location has its own building code, requirements , preferences etc.

An Igloo would not don in the desert.

Google "house plans <your location>"

Yes, you can do a Google search for a home plan that suits you, but once you buy it will it pass muster with your local building codes?

You do not state where you are located in the world. And, what type of construction are you interested in? Wood, steel, masonry or concrete?

In any case, most likely you will have to hire a Registered Architect and possible a Structural Engineer to modify the plans and stamp/seal them so that they can pass the local building codes enforced buy the Building Inspector. For instance: If you live in the "Snow Belt" of the USA most likely the roof framing design and fabrication requirements will have to be heavily modified........I've found in my practice as a consulting Structural Engineer that most house plans that clients buy and bring to me are drawn to minimum loading and construction requirements for such areas as Florida and California, where there is hardly any live load applied to the roof framing. Of course this light framing will not work in the northern USA where we experience significant Snow Loads. Some plans are downright dangerous and totally useless.....where a house cannot be built prperly and also cannot be made safe. They're just plain garbage! Alot of the plans I run into are drawn by a whole host of people that are good at CAD darafting buy have no freaking clue about code enforcement issues.....and even some Register Architects moonlighting by punching out house plans are also downright dangerous! These Architect guys and gals in my opinion are nothing but "frustrated artists" and have no business selling plans or doing work for a business selling the canned house plans. Word of warning: choose carefully what plans that you'll buy. You may be better off buy a relatively inexpensive house design software package!

Also, if you're located along the coast there are specific code requirements for wind loading due to hurricanes. In the mid-west of the USA, say within "Tornado Alley", there are code requirements for house framing to help resist tornado wind forces as well as heavy rainfalls.

Almost all the types of house construction that you will encounter in "canned" house plans will need to be modified one way of another.

I'd start by talking to your local code enforcement officer/inspector aboutwhat code issues you will need to deal with and go from there selecting an appropriate house plan set. That way you'll save a ton of money on buying the right plan set and not wasting a whole ton of $$$$$ changing the plans. Canned house plans can cost a small fortune and quickly escalate with unforeseen "extras" that'll complete the set so you can actually build them house.

Any further questions are welcomed here. Good luck!

I agree 100% with the previous reply by CaptMossie. Find a reputable builder or archetect in your area of interest and work out a home design that wil meet your needs with them. They will know the local bulding codes and structural requirements for your site.

"from which site I can down load various plans."

Will you want to download the labor and materials, too?

Try here:

http://www.houseplans.com/

you are a great comedian

But you are funnier, quiet hilarious actually.