Archival Designs House Plans

Do the plans include everything I need to build my home and get permits?

Our house plans can often be built 'as is'; however, every state, county or municipality will have its own building and code requirements. It is possible that your plan may need to be modified to comply with these local requirements. This is particularly true in coastal areas and those facing seismic events, extreme winds and heavy snow. If you are building in any of these areas, it is likely that a licensed structural engineer will be needed to provide the necessary calculations and additional drawings. We authorize the use of our plans conditioned on your obligation and agreement to strictly

Do your plans meet building codes in my area?

Every city, local municipality and county throughout the United States has different requirements regarding the construction of a set of plans. Prior to purchasing your set of house plans, we recommend meeting with your local building officials in order to determine the building requirements for your area. Our plans are designed to meet most national building codes at the time they were originally drawn; however, many states and counties amend the codes for their local area. It is therefore, the responsibility of the purchaser(s) and/or builder to ensure that the structure is constructed to me

Will the plans be stamped or signed by an architect or engineer?

Stock house plans do not come stamped or signed by an architect or engineer, and may not include structural engineering notes/calculations. All house plans are architectural in nature, and must be reviewed by a local licensed engineer prior to construction. Please check with your local building officials to determine if an architect's stamp is required. After plan purchase from Archival Designs, the purchaser(s) and/or builder is responsible for additional expenses incurred through meeting municipality requirements or other requirements for construction.

Do your plans include electrical, plumbing and mechanical drawings?

Some of our house plans include schematic electrical floor plans that show the general placement of outlets, switches, and lighting. Detailed circuiting and wire sizing are not included and are typically completed by your local electrical contractor.Plumbing and mechanical (HVAC) drawings are not included, as these systems depend on local building codes, climate conditions, and site-specific requirements. Your local plumbing and HVAC professionals will design and finalize these systems to ensure proper performance and code compliance for your location.

Can I modify a plan to fit my lifestyle, and who will perform the changes?

Absolutely! At Archival Designs, you work directly with our expert design team. Whether you need to add a third garage bay, expand a kitchen, or change a room layout - including adapting our Top 4 Victorian House Designs That Capture Historic Luxury we can customize any of our 3,000+ plans. Our goal is to ensure the final blueprint perfectly matches your vision and site requirements.

Are your floor plans designed for modern lifestyle needs like home offices or aging-in-place?

Yes. Our portfolio includes a wide range of designs tailored for modern living—from homes with dedicated 'work-from-home' offices and wet bars to plans featuring master suites on the main floor for lifelong accessibility. Every plan focuses on open layouts and functional spaces that grow with your family.

What if the plan I love doesn't fit my lot's orientation or slope?

Don't let your lot limit your dream. We offer 'Right Reading Reverse' options to flip the entire layout of your home, and we can adjust foundations for crawlspaces, slabs, or walk-out basements to match your land’s topography. Our team is here to help you select the plan that best fits your specific build site.