Best sources of free house plans for inspiration?

Question

Hi, I am looking for some new sources of free house plans to inspire a new build I am about to partake. What are some of the best websites you have found for house plans?

Account Closed · Answer

Hi Michael,

I have used www.mascord.com for years. You may however need to have someone scan through the prints you buy and make sure they line up with what the codes are in your jurisdiction. Even with both fees still pretty inexpensive.

Kevin Martin · Answer

Account Closed  I draw plans and do structural engineering in Florida and everyone else on this thread is exactly right. City requirements are vastly different from state to state and even county to county. I do work all across the state and the plan requirements, design, and a whole variety of other details can be night and day Depending on what municipality you need to permit through.

Go online and find a few good layouts/ideas you like and take it to a designer/architect/engineer and let them take it from there. Don’t buy any plans online! I’ve seen people throw away thousands on those sites.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

just google just about any architect in the state you want to build in.. they will have plans on line.

just like @Steve StMartin  has shown you Mascord is Or WA architect. so those plans will work in those states.  each state can have little nuances.. so good to be state specific architect.

I tried using my Oregon architect for a new build in Charleston and it was just too much trouble.. even though he was better priced.. plans had to go back and forth as he got up to speed on what was required in that jurisdiction.  So there is exactly ONE Portland 4 square in Charelston SC and we built it. LOL

Devin Beverage · Answer

Hi there Account Closed! Great question.

Honestly, I'm one of those weird people who's a nerd for house plans, and you can probably find all you need by googling "house plans" or "House floorplans". Unless I'm oversimplifying your question that is - tell me if I am.

I know I've browsed ePlans.com, Houseplans.com, but there are many others!

Sean Walton · Answer

Account Closed If you are just using it for inspiration pinterest actually has some. I would caution you not to order plans online to build from. Most states have specific requirements. Since you are in Florida there are hurricane straps etc. Depending on your jurisdiction and the size of the house they may require an architect or structural engineer licensed in your state to stamp and sign the drawings.

Hank Wu · Answer

There are some great pdf resources available on the internet archives, archive.org

Kevin Martin · Answer

@Huiping Sheng I will PM you with some details. We do mostly residential as well so I might be able to help you if you can’t find anyone depending on what you need.

Kevin Martin · Answer

@Huiping Sheng residential or commercial? Tampa isn’t too bad compared to South Florida but I might be able to point you in the right direction.

Best sources of free house plans for inspiration?

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