Home Design Forums from The Plan Collection

Palermo house plan

The Plan Collection — 2009-11-21T02:05:56Z

Anyone built the Palermo house plan? I like the layout but would like to hear from someone that built it.

Remodleing

The Plan Collection — 2009-10-22T13:04:32Z

I was planning on designing a funeral home some day and on this web site there have been some really nice floor plans that i could renovate into a funeral home. Does anyone have any ideas of which floor plans i can use? andy answer would help thanks:)

office remodel with party center

The Plan Collection — 2009-10-10T20:05:16Z

has anyone built a party center...trying a 2nd source of income office open m-f...thinking of party center in the basement and unused part of large building on weekends. any suggestions. BOUNCE HOUSE for birthday parties????

ranch house remodel

The Plan Collection — 2009-10-10T20:03:28Z

has anyone remodeled a ranch house and put a 2nd story/atrium off the back type addition...

House Plan # M2770A3S-0-SPS

The Plan Collection — 2009-10-02T15:39:27Z

Wanting to see interior pics of this home, before commiting to build. Love this house! If anyone has pics please respond. Thanks

Maria

The Plan Collection — 2009-09-19T01:10:13Z

Has anyone built the Maria? We are looking for any interior pictures from someone who has used this plan. Thank you.

Renovating a Commercial Building to put a basketball court

The Plan Collection — 2009-08-24T19:57:03Z

I am looking to renovate a commercial property to put down a basketball court. Does anyone have any advice on how this can be done; and the first step they suggest doing. I don't need a lot of space just enough for 1 or 2 college size courts. Thanks

Would you live in my house plan?

The Plan Collection — 2009-08-06T12:51:53Z

I just made two new house plans. I was wondering if you guys could review them and tell me what you think of them. You can find them at www.freebiehouseplans.com. Thanks for your help.

Need help abt plan

The Plan Collection — 2009-05-04T07:55:31Z

Hi, I hv 40*125 feet ground, I want to builtup one bunglow within a apartment on it, but as per Govt. i have only 20*105 feet area to built up. so...hv u idea abt it's plan. Please mail me as soon as possible. Thanks.

Total redecoration effort on a small budget

The Plan Collection — 2009-04-15T11:41:36Z

I just recently bought my first house...YIKES. It's a great foundation but overall pretty boring and in definite need of some work. I'm really strapped for cash so I'm trying to do everything really cheap. I've started a blog with different ideas and design options for my house and I would really love some input. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Karen http://www.simplylovelyideas.blogspot.com/

Casting a New Interior Design Makeover Show!

The Plan Collection — 2009-04-08T21:15:00Z

Hi all, Figured this would be the best place to post this. We're really excited about our show and we're looking for people with an eye for design... Hope the below explains. Thanks! Do you know someone who thinks they are a great interior designer...But they're really, horribly, painfully awful? Have they designed a room in their house that's so bad it hurts? A new home design show wants to help! Nominate your friend, spouse, or family member and we may give them a spectacular room makeover! A GREAT opportunity for BOTH of you to appear on a major CABLE TELEVISION SHOW! This has to be kept a secret! If you tell them, it will spoil the fun and we won't be able to use them. WE NEED... fun, outgoing people who are willing to commit to a 2 to 3-day shoot. *Homes or apartments must be within a thirty-mile radius of Central Los Angeles. If interested, please send pictures of the room and a little background about the person you're nominating to casting6030@gmail.com

Anybody built Donaldsonville plan?

The Plan Collection — 2009-04-07T17:13:22Z

I would like to hear from anyone who built or reviewed the Donaldsonville house plan:

House Plan:Donaldsonville

If you have any real-life images to share, it would be fantastic! Thanks y'all. :-)

Looking for Rooftop Deck concepts for a Town Home

The Plan Collection — 2009-03-26T02:27:23Z

Hello, I'm considering having an architect make me a townhome for the young professional. It should have a two-three car garage on the ground floor [front or side load], a self contained apartment/flat on the second floor, and a full rooftop deck with the possibility to add a sunroom or greenhouse so that I can plant a garden while in an urban setting. The design should also have an option for a second apartment/flat if the zoning requirements allow for it. I think the design would be a great seller, may I have help with the idea? Thanks, Ahowl7mx

Plans Include?

The Plan Collection — 2009-03-23T21:01:30Z

What is included in the house plans? Plumbing? HVAC? Electrical? etc...

help

The Plan Collection — 2009-03-15T01:47:26Z

ineed some more pictures of this house House Plan #Straton

House Plan #NDGJB-1009

The Plan Collection — 2009-01-31T21:41:21Z

I absolutely love everything about this plan. As our property (30 acres)has a wonderful side view we would plan to build it on an angle with the large windows facing the view and the back of the house angled to the front. With thoughts of changing the den to the main entrance does anyone see how that would cause a problem? Also, depending on cost, we may consider changing the construction to wood frame as apposed to logs. Any feedback on that would be appreciated and if anyone has any interior/exterior photos of this plan that would be a bonus!

Help with a House Plan

The Plan Collection — 2009-01-13T01:26:08Z

Hey everyone, my wife found a home with exterior pictures and interior pictures, but did not bookmark and couldn't remember where to find the home on the internet. We want to get the floor plans to this home. I will try and paste the picture here. If someone could help me find this home somewhere on the internet that has the house plans I would greatly appreciate it, I've looked everywhere. Here is the link: http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww351/jtf8751/cachedImageView.jpg

Bowling Lanes

The Plan Collection — 2009-01-09T23:09:42Z

Does anyone know of any house plans that could possibly fit one or two short bowling lanes anywhere in them. (The bowling lanes that I am looking at for a house aren't TOO long) (they are much shorter than real bowling lanes at the bowling alley.) But if anyone knows any house plan that could possibly fit a short lane(s), please let me know, thanks.

Home Entrance

The Plan Collection — 2009-01-09T23:03:44Z

Can anyone show me where I can find homes with exaggerated entrances (the way the front of your home looks from the outside). I love a house that has huge white columns, concrete steps, massive porte cochere, fountain, etc. but I can't find them ANYWHERE. If anyone can help, thanks!

In how many ways I can utilise the land of 50 by 80 sqare feet to build 20 plus flats on over the other.

The Plan Collection — 2008-12-14T17:51:16Z

In how many ways I can utilise the land of 50 by 80 sqare feet to build 20 plus flats on over the other.

Have front view lot - need Cracker Florida style home design

The Plan Collection — 2008-12-05T02:09:47Z

All views are out the front of house, doesn't have to be strick cracker style, anything with a clapboard, metal roof type.

Plan ID 23246

The Plan Collection — 2008-08-06T12:43:56Z

I really like the plans from this designer but for this particular house no plans show up on the page. I haven't had the same issue with any other plans, not yet at least.

House Plan:Lenox

That's all. Thanks.

plans that include basketball

The Plan Collection — 2008-07-22T12:48:00Z

http://www.theplancollection.com/house-plan-related-articles/Plans-with-Indoor-Basketball-Courts_ this is an article on your website, looking for plans or builders or information on what others have done with including an indoor basketball court as part of the home. any information would be greatly appreciated charlie boyd

House plan with attached mother in law quarters

The Plan Collection — 2008-07-18T13:13:07Z

If anyone can help, I am looking for a floor plan with an attached mother in law quarters. Looking for something about 1700-1800 sq foot for the man house 3-4 bedroom, 2.5 bath and then an attached mother in law quarter with about 800-900 sq foot and attached by a breezeway. Anyone have anything I would appreciate it

GML- houseplans

The Plan Collection — 2008-02-23T02:39:27Z

Can anyone tell me the actual architectural firm that designs the GML houseplans? For instance, most houseplans are coded on here with the architect's initials at the beginning..for instance, a plan with HPA in front is probably designed by HPA Architects, or Hpadesign.com. I want to know what the GML stands for.. Thanks.

Why Build ICF Concrete walls for your Home

The Plan Collection — 2008-02-13T17:53:28Z

What is ICF?

First, ICF stands for Insulating or Insulated Concrete Forms. Basically, these are stay-in-place concrete forms used to build exterior walls of homes or buildings. The forms consist of a middle section, which many times houses metal webs used to stabilize and strengthen the concrete that will eventually be poured into this section to fill all gaps. Each side of the form, which will ultimately be the interior and exterior of the walls, consists of insulating material. Many times this insulator is two to four inches of foam insulation. So, in the finished product, your exterior walls have a concrete core wrapped with insulating foam.

ICF systems are most often used for exterior walls only. There are a few reasons for this. First, there is not a need for thick, insulating interior walls. Second, if you want to reconfigure interior walls, this would be a huge chore if your walls were reinforced concrete. There has been a trend, however, in building a "safe room" on the interior of a home or office which is housed by concrete walls on each side. This room can be used for a storm shelter or safe haven like that in the movie, Panic Room.

ICF systems can be applied below or above grade. They can also be used in multi-story applications.

One common misconception about ICF systems is in how the final product looks. Since ICFs stay in place, there will be a need for siding, brick, rock, etc. on the exterior and drywall on the interior. The final product is a home that looks like a traditional home, if the home builder so chooses to finish it out that way.

Benefits of ICF Systems to the Homeowner

Energy Efficiency - The most common sited benefit of ICF wall systems is that it is superior in energy efficiency. Not only does it keep the cold or hot outside air from coming in, it keeps your air conditioned or heated air from going out. Suddenly, your air conditioner and heater barely have to run to keep your interior air at your optimal temperature. What does this mean for you? You can save 50-80% on your energy bill, depending on the doors, windows, roofing, etc.
Strength - ICF wall systems are rated to withstand extreme weather conditions, including tornados and hurricanes. They can endure winds in excess of 140 miles per hour. In addition, they are rated safe for earthquake zones (up to zone 4), as well.
Durability - These walls will not settle, crack, warp, rot, mildew, rust of even vibrate when you slam a door. They do not provide food for insects (like termites, for example), mold, or vermin.
Quiet - ICF wall systems decrease the amount of sound that comes in from the outside by over half. It is the quietest building material on the market.
Comfortable - ICF wall systems result in an even temperature distribution throughout the house from floor to ceiling. There is less than two degrees Fahrenheit variation in an ICF home, compared to conventional homes that vary anywhere from five to ten degrees Fahrenheit. According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) points to uneven temperature distribution as a leading factor in people feeling uncomfortable. The "feel" of an ICF home is unsurpassed in comfort.
Cleaner Air - ICF systems prevent draft and air infiltration, meaning they prevent airborne contaminants. This is great for a homeowner because not only does it reduce allergens but dust, as well.
Environmentally-Friendly - Aside from it reducing energy consumption due to heating and cooling, it also reduces construction waste. Each and every form will remain on the home or building. There is no construction waste resulting from this system whatsoever aside from the small amounts of packaging. So, not only are they a pleasure to you, but they are a benefit to the environment.
Fire Retardant - ICF systems can resist fires for up to four hours. Even when it starts to burn, the smoke is less toxic than burning wood.
Bullet Proof - Standing behind a concrete wall will shield you from any flying objects, including bullets. Sure, the chances are slim, but this is an added bonus.
Possible Premium Reductions - Many insurance companies offer a premium reduction for homes with ICF system walls.

Arguments Against ICF Systems

Cost Too Much - The ICF systems cost anywhere from one to five percent more than conventional framing. However, with energy savings, in addition to premium savings, this extra construction cost is paid off rather quickly. Also, costs associated with ICF systems are about the same as "super-insulated" framing or advanced framing techniques, yet ICF systems outperform these other systems in energy efficiency, strength, durability, comfort, and indoor air quality.
Limited in Options - Absolutely not! Forms are made for all sorts of shapes and sizes. Arches, curved walls, odd angles, etc. are all possible with ICF systems. If your builder says it isn't possible, insist they look at different form manufacturers or switch to a builder that can do these things for you. Also, these walls are great for high ceilings and multi-story applications.
Stuck with Home Size - This one holds some weight. Concrete walls make it more difficult to add on to an existing concrete home. However, it definitely can be done.
Ugly - The ICF walls are faces with traditional building materials, including brick, rock, siding, drywall, etc. Therefore, you cannot tell the difference between ICF walls and traditional walls aside from wall thickness.
Too Air Tight - Because the ICF wall systems are so air tight, it may be necessary to install air exchangers and/or humidity regulating systems. This allows you to still enjoy an allergen-less, dust-less home.
Can't Build in Cold Temperatures - Wrong. The insulating foam actually allows you to build in cold weather. Also, in Texas, any temperature is suitable for building these walls. The only time you might consider time of year is in sub-arctic areas where temperatures get extremely low.
Limited Floor Plan Options - Wrong again. You can take any floor plan and have it engineered for ICF wall systems. Also, there are many floor plans available that are already engineered for ICF systems.

Written by Tasha Lucas, Monster Constructors, L.L.C

You can also see this article on the Monster Constructors website:
http://www.monsterconstructors.com

Plan# NDG-983

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-31T02:37:03Z

Is there a way to possibly add a keeping room to this plan?

Going Green

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-24T18:23:05Z

Hey everyone!

This will by my section on green design. What is green design? It is ecologically friendly design that minimizes our negative environmental impact. This can be acheived in many ways. You would be suprised at how much money you can save by doing simple things like maximizing natural sunlight and caulking all the cracks in your house. You can even go extreme and get your own personal energy source. Feel free to ask any questions about green design whether for new construction or for remodeling. If I don't know the answer, I'll find it for you. For now, welcome to my Going Green Forum.

Multi-Unit House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-04T18:46:18Z

For the investors out there, we've collected a library of multi-unit stock plans that feature great floor plans and beautiful exteriors. Modifications are also available. Feel free to talk to us and one another about your ideas, your favorite plans, and any other comments you might have. Many of our designers offer marketing tools like renderings and color floor plans so you can advertise your new building and maximize the occupancy. Let us know what you're looking for and we might just find it for you... we're getting pretty good at that sort of thing.

Coastal House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-04T18:31:18Z

Always wanted a Coastal get-a-way of your own? Here's your chance to tell us all about it. Whether you're looking for a second/vacation home, or if you just want to live on the coast, we'd love to hear about your wants and needs. What do you think about the feature we chose? Tell us about other Coastal plans you've found while at The Plan Collection.

Country House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-04T17:41:45Z

Country House Plans have been one of our most popular for a long time. The timeless charm is irresistible. In fact, you hear the word 'charm' a lot for Country Home Plans. I have a hard time thinking of another adjective. What do you think of Country Homes? Post you comments here. Let us know about your Country Dream House. Maybe we can find it for you... who knows? We're good at that sort of thing.

Wheelchair Accessible House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-03T23:56:37Z

Sadly enough, universal access isn't the hot topic in residential design that it should be. It's a huge concern in the commerical world because of recent legislature and the public nature of commercial buildings. Residences don't have to provide for everyone, because they only house specific people, leaving the responsiblity on the homeowner. We've confronted that issue head on. I'm proud to say that we've contacted our designers requesting a complete list of any existing wheelchair accessible plans. There are fewer plans than we all want, but there are some great options and some well designed floor plans. Contact us for modification inquiries. Tell us what you've found. What do you think about the feature we chose? Feel free to share your frustrations and successes in houseplan shopping here. We love the feedback.

Garage Plans with Apartments

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-03T23:34:40Z

An apartment over a garage is such a good idea. What a superb way to take advantage of otherwise completely utilitarian space. Many of our clients have been searching for a separate unit for guests, parents, their college bound kids, etc. Many homeowners are also looking to bring in some revenue to help pay for rising mortgage costs. A nice apartment, especially one that is so separate from the main house, will pay for itself and ease the mortgage pains. What do you think? Please let us in on your ideas. We can help you find the perfect house and garage plans combination.

Southwest House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-03T22:32:14Z

Welcome to our discussion about Southwest style House Plans. We chose DR-Casa Bella for our featured plan. There are a few reasons why: 1. It's a classic example of what's being built these days in the southwest. 2. I love the floor plan. For those of you who are looking for a mother-in-law suite, here is an awesome solution. 3. With a name like Beautiful House (translated), how could I, being a rational person, resist? What do you think of this plan? What about the others in our Southwest plan collection? Feel free to post your comments. Let us know what you want in your Southwest dream package.

Log Cabin House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-01T17:54:55Z

Log Cabins have evolved with society. They used to be frontier survival huts. Now they are big and beautiful homes and vacation havens. They now come fully equiped and large enough to house anyone all year long. Some are still small, and many are still meant strictly for short stays. You decide what you want as you browse our library. NDGJB-1064 is a large Log Cabin chosen for it's good design and large capacity. What do you think of it? Show us your favorite log cabins from The Plan Collection. Tell us about your dream Log Cabin. Maybe we can find your match. See also Vacation House Plans.

Garage Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-10-01T16:42:05Z

Garage plans are great. They can save you thousands of dollars and are extremely versatile. Use them for anything you want! We chose plan GHD-2053 because of it's plain exterior which could fit in well with several architectural styles. If your local codes allow, this could be the solution to your in-law or guest suite needs.

OPEN FLOOR PLAN

The Plan Collection — 2007-09-30T03:20:41Z

We are looking for a floor plan that is generally open. Meaning, the kitchen flows into the dining/living area, since this is where most families spend there time. We figure why be divided. We need a side entry garage and are looking at 1400 to 1600sf with three bedrooms two baths. With the master bedroom being near the front of the house for security reasons. Eventually we would like to turn the basement into living qtrs for my parents. Any ideas? I can't find what Im looking for anywhere!

Cape Cod House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-09-27T17:43:45Z

We chose plan number EDC-T2143 because it has a good photograph showing the basic features of contemporary Cape Cod plans. This is a plan that you'll often see as a starter home, or for downsizers in the transitional stage. I'm sure there are better representations of the Cape Cod style in our library that don't have any photographs. Let us know what you find. Tell us about your Cape Cod dream home.

Beachfront House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-09-27T16:50:21Z

House Plan FF-2318 is a nice example of a Beachfront home. This home's designer has done something particularly worth noting. They put the main floor at the top level. This means the kitchen, dining room, family room, you name it, are all upstairs just like a penthouse. The view becomes amazing and the beach is more enjoyable. What do you think of this idea? Check out our Beachfront library for more options. Also, check out our Coastal House Plans collection for similar designs and even more diverse floor plans.

A Frame House Plans

The Plan Collection — 2007-09-27T16:01:51Z

House plan HW-1448 is a well organized A Frame house, taking advatage of an open floor plan. It's hard to find a better example of an A Frame style house than this. Search our library and see if you can find any you like. This is one of our favorites. Let us know what you find. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them with us and with our other clients.