CAD -- Best Package Value
(Computer Aided Design) -- A CAD set of house plans is a digital copy of your home on CD ROM. CAD files allow designers to draft in a digital format rather than with traditional pencil on paper. All CAD files come with a copyright release license that allows an architect, designer, engineer or builder, to legally and easily make design modifications without having to scan or otherwise redraw the plan. This release also allows you to make unlimited copies of your plans. Keep in mind that you will need multiple copies of the plan - for yourself, the lender, the builder, the subcontractors and your local building department. Most design professional and even some contractors will have CAD software to view your plans. Free downloadable viewers are available on the web that let you view CAD files, although only a professional with a full CAD software license can modify the files. When selecting CAD, be sure to select a version that is compatible with the software you or your builder will use to read it.

Summary: CAD files are best suited for those who want to make affordable changes to a plan and make unlimited copies.

PDF File (Portable Document Format)
A PDF file of house plans is also a digital copy of your home, but in an electronic format (meaning it can be delivered electronically via email.) PDF files also come with a copyright release license that allows a local professional, be it an architect, designer, engineer or builder, to legally and easily make design modifications without having to scan or otherwise redraw the plan. This release also allows you to make unlimited copies of your plans. Keep in mind that you will need multiple copies of the plan - for yourself, the lender, the builder, the subcontractors and your local building department. Unlike CAD, PDFs can be emailed to suppliers, sub-trades, financial institutions and others, saving you time and money. In addition, there's no need to pay for shipping, nor wait days for the delivery of your home plans since your PDF order can usually be emailed to you the same day (excluding weekends and holidays). Lastly, PDF files are viewable and printable on virtually all computer platforms via a free download of Adobe Reader: here.

Summary: PDF files are best suited for those who want their plans fast, want to save on shipping costs, want to make changes to a plan and want to make unlimited copies.

Reproducible Master:
A Reproducible Master (also called "Repros", "Vellums", "Sepias" or "Mylars") is one physical set of house plans printed on Vellum, Sepia or Mylar (designer preference). Repros also come with a copyright release license that allows a local professional, be it an architect, designer, engineer or builder, to legally make design modifications directly on the plan. The typical copyright release allows you to make 10-12 copies of your plans. Keep in mind that you will need multiple copies of the plan - for yourself, the lender, the builder, the subcontractors and your local, building department.

Summary: If neither CAD nor PDF is available, Repros are best suited for those who want to make changes to a plan and make several additional copies.

8-Set Blueprint Package:
An 8-Set Blueprint Package is a physical set of 8 house plans printed on bond paper. The 8-Set option typically provides enough sets for all parties involved in the building process, and additional sets can usually be purchased to satisfy any other requirements. Unlike CAD, PDF and Repros, 8-Set blueprints cannot be modified, nor copied by anyone. Please note that 8-Sets can be upgraded to CAD, PDF or Repros within 90 days of the original order. Please read our Upgrade Policy and Exchange Policies below for further information.

Summary: 8-Sets are best suited for those who aren't planning to modify their plans anytime during the construction process. Though you may not think so now, please note that 80% of our customers report making changes to their plans some time in the building process. Only purchase an 8-set if you are sure you won't be making changes to your plans.

5-Set Blueprint Package:
A 5-Set Blueprint Package is a physical set of 5 house plans printed on bond paper. The 5-Set option typically provides enough sets to begin the bidding and loan processes, but seldomly will be sufficient for all parties involved in the building process (yourself, the lender, the builder, the subcontractors and your local, building department, many of whom may require multiple sets). Unlike CAD, PDF and Repros, 5-Set blueprints cannot be modified, nor copied by anyone. Please note that 5-Sets can be upgraded to CAD, PDF or Repros within 90 days of the original order. Please read our Upgrade Policy and Exchange Policies below for further information.

1-Set Study Package:
A 1-Set Blueprint Package is one physical set of house plans printed on bond paper. This full set of construction blueprints may be used to get a detailed estimate from your builder or to work with a lending institution to determine if this is the right home for you. This "study set" does not include a license to build the home and is marked "not for construction." Unlike CAD, PDF and Repros, 1-Set blueprints cannot be modified, nor copied by anyone. Please note that 1-Sets cannot be upgraded to 5-Sets, 8-Sets, however they can be upgraded to CAD, PDF or Repros within 90 days of the original order. Please read our Upgrade Policy and Exchange Policies below for further information.

Upgrade Policy
We offer a 90-day upgrade policy. We will be happy to upgrade 1-Set, 5-Set and 8-Set blueprint orders to CAD, PDF and Reproducible Plan Packages. Orders originating as CAD, PDF and Reproducible Plan Packages cannot be upgraded. We realize this upgrade policy may seem confusing but it is intended to help ensure your complete satisfaction, so please feel free to call our customer service department at 1-888-690-1116 for assistance. Please note that the entire content of your original order must be returned before the upgrade will be processed. Please call our customer service department at 1-888-690-1116 for your return authorization number and shipping instructions.

Exchange Policy
We offer a 90-day exchange policy. With the exception of CAD, PDF and Reproducible Plan Package orders, we will be happy to exchange your entire first order for a different set of plans from our design collection, providing it is of equal or greater value. You will incur a nominal 20% restocking fee for exchanging your blueprints, plus the difference in cost if exchanging for a design of higher value.Please note that the entire contents of your original order must be returned before an exchange will be processed. Please call our customer service department at 1-888-690-1116 for your return authorization number and shipping instructions. If the returned blueprints appear used, redlined, staples removed or copied, we cannot honor your exchange.