Dear Robin:
Dear Frustrated:
I am sorry your parents purchased the online drawings or design or blue prints. Houses designed by drafters or designers without a licensed Engineer or Architect, are of no value inside most all cities and many counties. If your parents can get their money back, that would be the best option. When an Engineer or Architect stamps a drawing, that stamp means he was involved in the design and details of the drawing and takes the liability of the design and any mistakes. Most custom home blueprints drawn and stamped by a licensed Engineer or Architect will cost $4500-$12,000. (depending on size and uniqueness of the home). A simple list of the documents that most cities require to get permits include: A site plan or plot plan or survey. A foundation design. Structural Components (beams etc) design. A house design and layout with consideration of HVAC systems. A roof design sometimes by Truss companies. Elevation view details. These all need current IRC (International Residential Codes) details. Collaboration and a Stamp by an Engineer and Architect. In addition, some cities are requiring an EEC (Energy Efficiency) report. When the blueprints are complete you will need copies for an electrician to to get his permit with his layout. The sewer or septic plans will need to be done by a civil engineer or a master plumber. We recognize that permits can be a pain, but our experience has been that the permits protect home owners from short cuts by contractors.
