FAQs
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about our custom residential design services, process, and pricing.
About Home Plans & Services
In general the following is required (some jurisdictions may require more)
- Floor plans, elevation, and sections of the proposed structure.
(Remodel or New). - Site plan of proposed residence or changes.
- Energy Calculations per Washington State Energy Code (WSEC).
- Washington State Lateral Analysis stamped by a licensed engineer.
- Gravity Load Analysis (beam calculations). Must be stamped.
- Manufactured Truss Engineering stamped by a licensed engineer.
Designs Unlimited provides services 1 through 3. Services 4 through 6 are provided by outside services, but we can handle for you at an additional cost.
Service 5 is hourly per project, with the norm being two to three hours total. Requirement 6 can be met by the contractor selecting a Truss Manufacturer that will provide the calculations.
Depending on the number and / or complexity of the changes, it is usually more cost and time effective to revise a stock house plan. However, the design control is much greater on a custom home. For example, revising a stock house plan may get the house close to what you want, but a custom home would be exactly what you want.
home from scratch?
Over 1000 plans. These include a wide variety of house styles including ramblers, split level homes, to story homes, duplexes, garage plans, and more. View plans now.
You can purchase a stock plan here; it takes 10 to 15 days for processing, plan check and delivery.
You can purchase a stock plan that can be revised here; it usually takes 10 to 20 days for processing, revision, plan check and delivery.
A custom home design usually takes three weeks from the preliminary design meeting. The amount of time varies depending on the size, complexity and when the final approval to proceed is given.
Yes. You can choose from dozens of plans that have IRC pre-approval from City of Kent and King County DDES. Reissues of the plans have additional costs for permission to use the Basics.
We cannot guarantee that Designs Unlimited plans will pass through your local building department without a correction letter or comments from a building plans examiner. We do warrant our plans in Washington state (within reason) but additional fees may be required to answer out-of-the ordinary questions from your local building department.
About Costs & Custom Work
A general rule of thumb is 1-3% of construction costs. If your land or situation is unique these proportions change.
Yes. We can bring your stock plans up-to-code for you or recommend an architect near you who can do it for you. Some people like the simplicity of having us do it; others prefer to work with an architect in their local area.
Yes, Vern works one-one-one with each client to discuss ideas and plans to the full extent to bring each individual’s vision to life.