Do your plans comply to my local building codes?

While these plans are all you will need to build a house, they may not be all you will need to obtain a building permit. Some areas of the country have specific requirements that will necessitate a local engineer to review and possibility add details to the plans. California, as well as some other earthquake prone regions will require seismic engineering, and possibly energy analysis (which may be a simple form to fill out). The coastal areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina will have to be engineered to meet hurricane codes. Local building departments requirements can vary, even in the same state, and even with different plan reviewers in the same city. If you are not sure you can contact the local building department for assistance.

Additionally, most plans will have one or more “LVL” (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams that will need to be sized based on the local snow loads. Your supplier can normally have this done at no charge.  Many builders are now using floor trusses for the second floor framing. These make the building process go much easier for the various sub-contractors. The supplier will size these for the builder.

These plans are drawn to conform to the International Residential Building Code, except as stated above concerning local environmental issues.