Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copyright Protection?

The plans/designs displayed on this website are to assist you in purchasing the right plan for you and are not to be used as design ideas for others from which to work. All home plans are copyright protected just like movies and songs. These federal laws exist to protect the intellectual property of the original designer. The copyright protection covers the design of the home as well as the plan itself. Either the builder or the homebuyer MUST purchase the design if they wish to legally build that home or make any changes to that design. Penalties for violating a copyright can be severe.

What if I want to make changes to the design?

Major modifications may necessitate a redraw or can even be considered a new concept. As a result major modification requests need to be submitted to Weber Design Group for a price quote for these modifications. Your local architect can make minor modifications once the plan(s) have been purchased; however, Weber Design Group cannot be held responsible for these changes. Please note that changes made to any home plan are legally considered to be ?derivative works? of the plan. As the owner of the copyright of the home plan, only the original designer is entitled to copyright the derivative works. Any attempt by others to claim copyright in derivative works would be a violation of federal copyright law.

What does a construction set include?

Please refer to our Prices & Options tab on our website. We do provide a foundation plan; however, the structural foundation plan is to be provided by the structural engineer, which is selected by your builder or yourself. This is done because our foundation plan cannot anticipate the variations in soil, footings and other conditions per your specific site. We provide the design of the roof as well; however the truss layouts need to be provided by a truss engineer or your lumber company. Your builder will have these contacts for you. Please bear in mind that these are additional expenses outside of the cost of the original plan that you purchase from us.

How many plan sets do I need?

The number of sets will depend on your individual needs. We recommend a minimum purchase of five sets. If you plan on making or even considering making modifications, you will need to purchase the reproducible vellums or the CAD file.

Can I purchase a study set and have that copied?

Weber Design Group does not provide study sets.

What does reproducible vellum mean?

Reproducible vellum is ideal if you intend to make changes to your plan. It allows your architects/designers to make changes without having to completely redraw the plan.

Are all your plans available in CAD or electronic file format (CDROM)?

Not all of our plans are available but many are. Please check the individual plan for availability.

Can I return a plan?

Because our plans are copyrighted they cannot be returned for credit and/or refunded under any circumstances. We recommend you consult with your local builder and determine what you will need to build the home and meet local building codes. You need to make sure of your order before placing it. It is VERY important that you check the dimensions of your lot or land before selecting a home plan.

Can I build a home multiple times with a single license?

No. Whether you purchase a 5 Plan Set, 8 Plan Set, reproducible vellum or a CAD file, you can only build the plan one time. If you are planning to build the home multiple times, you need to purchase a reproducible vellum or CAD file along with a multiple use license. Please contact us for details.

Can I drive by some of your houses that you have already built?

Unfortunately for privacy reasons, we cannot provide you with addresses of plans already built.

Do your plans provide all of the information necessary for the HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Systems?

HVAC system information regarding location of units, what types of units are used, and the duct layout are determined by the local building codes and your preference of heating and cooling systems. Also we don?t know which direction the water flow will enter your home. Determining the location and the type of these systems you install in your new home is something you would discuss with your local builder or local subcontractors. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information based on what your local building codes will allow. Electrical schematics (suggested fixture, outlet, switch, etc. locations) is typically included.

Can I modify the exterior walls from 2x4 to 2x6 or vice versa?

Yes. This is a common change that your builder can do in most cases during construction.

Do my plans require an architectural and/or engineering seal?

Some cities and states require that a licensed architect or engineer review and seal plans prior to construction due to concerns over energy costs, safety, and other factors. We recommend that prior to application for a building permit, or the start of construction, that you consult with your local building official who can tell you if certification is required.

Does the shown square footage include the garage?

Area square footage may be calculated in different ways, but generally it is calculated from the exterior walls, beams, and floors. Square footages shown on plans should be broken down into LIVING AREA: which includes all areas that are air conditioned and TOTAL AREA: which includes garage, covered entries, porches, lanai's, basements, and storage areas.

Will the plans I order contain all of the information needed by my local building codes department?

Sorry, but no. In addition to the home plans that you order, you will also need a site plan that shows where the home is going to be located on the lot. Your builder or contractor can usually help you with this. You may also need a septic system design unless your lot is served by a sanitary sewer system. Some counties also have energy codes that have to be followed. This normally involves filling out a form proving compliance. There are some areas of the country that have very strict engineering codes. Examples of this would be earthquake-prone areas of California or hurricane risk areas along the Gulf Coast. If you are building in the type of area, it is possible that you will need to hire a local engineer to analyze the home design and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you aren?t sure, local building code departments always have a handout they will give you listing all of the things you need to submit for a building permit.

Are mechanical details included with the plans?

Mechanical diagrams are not included. They are not needed for typical construction, and vary drastically among regions/countries depending on local codes.