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  • Green, Stylish, and Functional House Plans

    Green, Stylish, and Functional House Plans I get to talk about cool house plans all day long (eat your heart out George Gray), so I'm pretty excited when one comes a long that hits all my favorite features. The 1978 is just one such house.   Favorite Feature #1: Big Green   The 1978 has the potential to be a pretty awesome green home design. The designer definitely had this in mind when he started this project. From his site: "Being earth-friendly can be fun, and can save you a lot of money, Buy [house plans] that [use] natural lighting, and maximizes your view of the outdoor world." Natural lighting is proven to reduce stress. It's also proven to save on electricity bills and, if done right, heating and cooling bills. Passive solar design is by far the most effective and efficient way to use the sun's

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    Published On: 4/29/2008
    55 Views

  • New from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

    New from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Allow me to introduce you to one of The Plan Collection's newest house plans, M-4455 extreme. Unlike most of our new additions, this home is already famous. M-4455 extreme was built and featured on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". For those of you who are unfamiliar with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", it is ABCs Emmy Award-winning reality TV series that brings entire communities together in service to provide a deserving family with a new home and a new chance at life. Since early 2004, the Extreme Makeover Team (led by Trading Spaces' Ty Pennington) has been traveling the country in search of families that are in serious need of a new home. The family is then given a week-long, all-expense-paid vacation, meanwhile, the Extreme Makeover Team joins with volunteers from the

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    Published On: 4/24/2008
    71 Views

  • Structural Review - Engineers and Architects Stamps

    Structural Review - Engineers and Architects Stamps   We want to revisit a topic that we covered quite a while ago. We continuously get questions regarding architects and engineers stamps, or structural review. Our very own Jake England wrote the following quite some time ago, and it still holds true today:   What is structural engineering?   Structural engineering is the analysis of home plans or a building's proposed structure [or even existing at times] to verify that the framing members and the method of construction is sufficient to withstand local weather patterns, soil types, earth movements, wind speeds, and so on. For example, the areas where homes receive significant amounts of snow in the winter will require a roof structure strong enough to hold the weight, while homes in areas that receive no snow,

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    Published On: 4/16/2008
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    60 Views

  • A True Craftsman

    A True Craftsman Home design has long been plagued by home budgets. Sky rocketing costs have pushed us to build track homes and other poorly designed homes to keep the cost low and the profit high. The damages this has caused are various and are topics of more in-depth discussions. Suffice it to say that theyve created a cost driven society that ignores quality in areas like proper indoor flow, aesthetic detail, materials, environmental safety, health, etc. Home designers arent to blame for this, and neither are builders. Society evolved this way and its a problem in more than just homes. Lets look at a home that strives for something beyond quick construction, low cost, and mediocre design. The Corbin Park, from one of our newest home designers, is a beautiful Craftsman with a thoughtful

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    Published On: 4/4/2008
    163 Views

  • A Beautiful Southern Belle

    A Beautiful Southern Belle Southern house plans wouldn't be southern if they didn't display the generous hospitality known for the region. House plan number SU-5669-2538-1607-I has a long name and a longer list of outstanding features. Without question, this southern belle has a sense of hospitality to the owner and visitors alike. The stunning and refined look of the exterior is easy on the eyes and very inviting. The style gives an Italian villa on a horse ranch kind of feel. Upon entering, you are greeted with a large two story foyer with formal rooms at either side. The great room is beyond and is open to the large kitchen. A guest room with a private full bathroom ensures that friends and family are welcome. The main floor also enjoys one more feature that is uncommon to most houses even

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    Published On: 4/2/2008
    169 Views

  • Luxurious Craftsman on the Beach

    Luxurious Craftsman on the Beach DDI103-206, one of our best Craftsman house plans, is truly something to behold. After just one look, you can see that a lot of time and effort was involved in designing this charming set of house plans. This home designer was able to incorporate so many unique and exciting features, and at the same time, avoided the pitfalls that are often associated with luxury home design. Oftentimes, a luxury home will offer every amenity, but it just feels forced or rushed - like the designer was trying too hard and included features that just don't fit. Although they are designed specifically for comfort, luxury plans often lack that indefinable quality that makes a house a home. This is where DDI103-206 breaks away from the mold. This luxurious home plan offers many large windows

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    Published On: 3/21/2008
    205 Views

  • Ranch House Plans = Affordable Style

    Ranch House Plans = Affordable Style Most of the time, when we feature a house plan on The Plan Collection, we usually choose the biggest, the best, and the most impressive set of home plans that we can find. I have to admit, it is really fun to look at (and fantasize about) 8000+ square foot luxury homes, top-of-the-line log homes, and cutting-edge passive solar houseplans, but for most of us it just isn't practical. That is why I am featuring one of our Ranch House Plans number GAR-74007. This classy Ranch Home provides a lot of comfort and style, but won't empty your pocket-book. GAR-74007 is very attuned to the needs of today's family. There is a large bonus room above the garage that would make a great playroom for the kids, but it could be used as an office or a studio just as easily. The master bedroom, with

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    Published On: 3/4/2008
    295 Views

  • Modern Prairie House Plans

    Modern Prairie House Plans Once in a while, we get to be surprised as we find a new house plan we haven’t seen before, and it’s awesome. This time it’s plan number CD-R5300A3F-0DB, a mouthful. Though the name may be hard to remember, the design is not. This unassuming Prairie home opens up to an immaculate interior that features excellent line and a slightly retro-modern floor plan. The Prairie exterior is an elusive façade that does not portray the depth of the interior. Passing through the front door, you’re met with and elegantly informal floor plan, with a large kitchen to the left, the great room beyond, and the dining room ahead and to the right. The gallery is the centerpiece to this design, giving curvature of line and creating a barrier between the public and the private. The main floor is surrounded

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    Published On: 2/27/2008
    367 Views

  • Craftsman Bungalow House Plans

    Craftsman Bungalow House Plans There has been a lot of buzz lately about craftsman and bungalow house plans, so we’re ready to show you what they’re talking about. Craftsman home DD-3608 is a good way to start. Craftsman home plans start with an old world charm and quality that honor the artisans that brought them to us. This architecture cut out all the fluff of the Victorian era and gave the average citizen something they could appreciate: craftsmanship. This rudimentary design offers a close up on the raw beauty of the material. Stone and wood combine to create a natural art piece, something that doesn’t need to be polished and kept on a shelf. The charm that comes from our craftsman house plans is that blue collar quality, that humble elegance that can only be seen when we clear away all the extras. This

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    Published On: 2/19/2008
    383 Views

  • Garage House Plans and Apartments

    Garage House Plans and Apartments I want to let out one of our best kept secrets. We have a unique collection of versatile home plans, and that is our garage house plans. These come in two different groups: simple garages of all sizes and garages with apartments above them. Each offer a powerful set of options to your lifestyle that make storage, play, housing guests, nurturing children, and making money easy! Storage is a problem with a lot of smaller homes and with the cost to build only rising; it can be difficult to justify moving to a larger home. Another garage is often the answer. If you have the land and a permit, a second garage can be the bonus space youve been looking for. These structures are perfect for a secure shop or barn. Play time is another problem with most house plans. How can we create

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    Published On: 2/12/2008
    402 Views

  • Luxury Log House Plans

    Luxury Log House Plans Looking at a home in all of its contexts is an important step in choosing a particular design. In fact, it makes the home plans, or the house plans, or whatever your preferred phrase may be, just that much more important. The plans must have the context of the home inherent in the design. So what are the contexts; what do we look for in a home? To be fair, we must note that the answer is different for everyone. It depends on your last home, and what it lacked or didn’t lack. It depends on how much you have to spend… well, usually anyway. Too often we think of house plans in terms of how many square feet, how many bedrooms, how many bathrooms, etc. Instead we need to think about the indoor environment Looking at the environment, or the

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    Published On: 1/30/2008
    476 Views

  • House Plans from the Northwest

    House Plans from the Northwest Working at The Plan Collection means you’re constantly exposed to amazing house plans and the best residential architecture. However, sometimes it feels boring to look at plan after plan of the same thing. You've all been there. I know how many hours you spend searching for just the right house plan. It’s a tiring process. Well we're here to help ease the pain. As part of our ongoing campaign to bring you unique and quality designs, we've chosen to feature a beautiful design from the Northwest called the Macleod. One of our best rustic home plans, the Macleod is a collision of classy elegance and rough purity. The exterior is very much a European design with a mixed roof, multi-dimensional shape, large windows, and slight

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    Published On: 1/23/2008
    461 Views

  • Country House Plans Newest

    Country House Plans Newest Every now and then we add a few home plans to our Country House Plans line that I just have to write about. This time it’s the CR-534 series, consisting of versions A and B. The larger of the two is version A at 3,354 square feet. Version B comes in at 2,698 square feet. The difference between the two is fairly minimal, but opens up some more possibilities with modifications.This amazing design features a wrap around, covered porch and plenty of windows for great curb appeal. This also provides a connection with the outdoors, giving both sunlight and shade, and a transition from one environment to the next. Upon entrance, guests are greeted with a nice foyer flanked by a living room/office and a dining room. This formal barrier offers flexibility and a cozy spot for entertaining.

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    Published On: 12/19/2007
    832 Views

  • Luxury House Plans' Newest

    Luxury House Plans' Newest One of our most decorated luxury home designers has just released a new plan. Their work ranges from house plans like the Pontarion II, the Chateau Novella, and the Caserta. Designing luxury house plans requires a honed sense of style, a heightened sense of taste, and an acute attention to detail. Their dedication to the pursuit of these qualities has led them to create the Cheverny.In an elegant display of classic architecture, house plan Cheverny is a graceful environment. The stone exterior, arched windows and entry, steeply hipped roof, and gothic spires speak of a chivalrous age long ago. Though nostalgic, these house plans offer the best accommodations for modern amenities and, with the help of a green savvy designer or builder can be a sophisticated compliment to the

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    Published On: 12/5/2007
    798 Views

  • Country House Plans: Everywhere and Anywhere

    Country House Plans: Everywhere and Anywhere It’s not always easy to find a plan that will fit just about anywhere. Some house plans are built for a view, and hard to justify anywhere but on top of a hill. Others are far too spread out and would only do on a large building lot not common in urban areas. Still others are far too urban, with small garages, and narrow footprints. Style is another issue that limits home plans, meaning that if you love the plan, but it’s so very Victorian, and your neighborhood is quite Contemporary, then you’re forced to keep looking. I’ve said it before; versatility should not be an afterthought.Our country house plans feature many plans that are right sized, with plenty of privacy, yet open to the outdoors where appropriate. These plans can go anywhere and can fit in any

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    Published On: 11/28/2007
    867 Views

  • Log House Plans Step by Step

    Log House Plans Step by Step Log Houses are generally sought after for their rustic appeal. The exposed raw material blends in with nature’s landscape and gives a feeling of being one with your surroundings. The great outdoors are the main inspiration for the overall design of all log home plans.To truly capture the connection between nature and your log home, you’re plan will need a few key features. Log house plan NDGJB-1016 has everything you need to create your indoor/outdoor natural environment. The designers followed this simple recipe:Step 1: TransitionYour land is a valuable asset and should be enjoyed by your family and friends. To take full advantage or your very own outdoor home, create a transition between your house and your lot. A covered wrap-around porch is the perfect example of this.

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    Published On: 11/14/2007
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    820 Views

  • Country Erwin - home plans for life experiences

    Country Erwin - home plans for life experiences There are few names more country than Erwin, and few house plans with a more fitting name. The wide wooden siding, Farmhouse shape, and Shingle Victorian accents make this home a relaxed and accommodating haven. The inviting covered front porch offers shade and a refreshing breeze on hot summer days, and a warm and dry barrier on cold winter nights.Step inside to a comforting fireplace in an open family room. This friendly ambiance is welcoming to any guest. The room is large enough for a crowd, while maintaining its cozy nature. Beyond are the kitchen and dining nook where dinner parties and bright mornings are spent. Your family and friends will enjoy this space and the sociably conducive atmosphere it provides.The upper floor gives every bedroom its due privacy. The two secondary

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    Published On: 11/5/2007
    774 Views

  • Angelina - a goddess of luxury house plans

    Angelina - a goddess of luxury house plans Let me introduce you to Angelina. Don’t let her stunning façade fool you. She’s as smart as she is beautiful, and surprisingly warm and inviting. Who said Luxury isn’t friendly? Angelina can host relaxed dinner parties and other social gatherings with elegance, but without being stone cold. Ever been in a luxury house that you couldn’t feel comfortable in? Angelina shatters that perception with an open floor plan that brings guests and family together.Once you get past the striking curb appeal, the balance of the home really starts to shine. The interior matches the rustic beauty of the exterior. Upon entry, you stand in a two story foyer that is defined by the upper floor bridge. Passing beneath the bridge brings you into the great room, the center of this

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    Published On: 10/30/2007
    1045 Views

  • Cozy Log House Plans

    Cozy Log House Plans Log house plans can be used to live in all year long, or for a great vacation spot. At The Plan Collection, we have a variety of both small vacation lodges, and large log homes that you’ve always dreamt of.NDGJB-1027 is a beautiful example of something right in between. With three bedrooms, each with plenty of closet space, and two full bathrooms, this plan is fully capable of year long residency. However, with a small footprint facilitated by open design and few cumbersome extras, this set of log home plans is inexpensive enough to be a perfect get-a-way in your favorite resort town.1027 is one of my favorite log house plans for several reasons. One of the best features about this set of plans is the wrap around front porch. With a section left uncovered, you can choose to stay in

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    Published On: 10/24/2007
    787 Views

  • Versatile Country House Plans

    Versatile Country House Plans Versatility shouldn’t be an afterthought. Country Home Plan CR-516, the Chesterfield, keeps versatility in mind from the beginning. Lifestyles change and long-term usage must be addressed in any efficient plan. This country dwelling allows the waves of life to pass you by as you remain undisturbed.This plan is agile. It allows you to change things up with ease, and modify your floor plan according to future needs. CR-516 has several attributes that give you an advantage over advancing time.Advantage #1 – Bonus RoomA bonus room is undoubtedly a valuable space. This room can give you storage options, such as food storage, or a yard sale staging area (as I like to call it). It could easily be a workshop or hobby room. Because the room is detached from the rest of the upper floor,

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    Published On: 10/19/2007
    792 Views
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