plans?
- Thread starter clawman
- Start date
bczygan
Well-known member
I would never buy a "set" of pre-designed plans. They just would have no chance of fitting the particular conditions of your site and your particular aray of needed functions.
I WOULD have plans prepared by a knowledgeable designer or Architect who worked with me to satisfy my needs and functions, existing conditions and budget.
If I had the ability to generate plans acceptable to the jurisdiction having authority, sufficient for permits, I would do so. If I had that ability, but not the ability to design the project properly, I would still consult a designer, for that expertise.
Bill (Designer)
I WOULD have plans prepared by a knowledgeable designer or Architect who worked with me to satisfy my needs and functions, existing conditions and budget.
If I had the ability to generate plans acceptable to the jurisdiction having authority, sufficient for permits, I would do so. If I had that ability, but not the ability to design the project properly, I would still consult a designer, for that expertise.
Bill (Designer)
DougWil
Well-known member
Yep.
Start with a trip down to whatever authority controls such things where you live.
And ask what is required for your area.
It varies all over the country from engineered stamped plans and calcs, to nothing required beyond maybe an electrical permit.
Kaizen
Well-known member
my planned garage is bare budget so no way was I going to spend money on plans. Even some prefab ones are 500 bucks. I ordered some plans for a garage on line at menards. I wasn't expecting much but they have engineered slab details and accommodate 3 different dimensions. they have 3 different types of plans for like 30 bucks. strongly suggest even if someone was going to go get some drawn up they can see what should be included.
Marcm157
Well-known member
My contractor drew me a beautiful set of plans but my town rejected them. I went to an architect with those plans and he made absolutely no changes to them but he redrew them and put his seal on them. . Those were accepted without question. I guess it's all about liability.
matt_i
Well-known member
Bad idea to build without plans, imo. Even if you have to draw them yourself with paper and pencil there is a standard to show what is being built, and where its going on the property. Both are important, my locality has a warning: "bill of materials only is not sufficient"
The time and detail you put into them will help you down the road when there are questions, and there always are needs to verify back to the standard. The interface between wood framing and concrete work is important, as well as the foundation plan, whatever that may be. Thinking thru all the measurements and details to "build it on paper" is also cheaper than making a big mistake with the actual materials.
The time and detail you put into them will help you down the road when there are questions, and there always are needs to verify back to the standard. The interface between wood framing and concrete work is important, as well as the foundation plan, whatever that may be. Thinking thru all the measurements and details to "build it on paper" is also cheaper than making a big mistake with the actual materials.
Falcon67
Well-known member
I used Visio to do a pretty decent multi-layer design, but mostly winged it. Plans are always a good thing, especially if you've not done a few buildings.
Cyberbear
Well-known member
Once being a draftsman for a room addition company, I always drew my own plans and for something as simple as a garage it won't be difficult to do, depending what your local building dept. requires. Go to the BD and ask them what they require, and if you hire a contractor to build your structure there won't be any problems showing them what you want done. This is especially important if using several sub-contractors as I usually do.
MushCreek
Well-known member
Only your local building department can tell you what you need. Of course you need some kind of 'plans', if only so you have your dimensions. The question is whether you need 'professional' plans. You can follow prescriptive code, and have roof trusses built. In my area, no plans are required; only a basic sketch after completion (so they know how much to tax you). I built my 28 X 48 using barnplans.com. Nice sturdy building with a huge loft, and the plans are only ~ $250.
LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Your located in Spokane County correct?
If so this is a good starting point-
http://www.spokanecounty.org/bp/content.aspx?c=2322
Examples of a site plan
https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/4301
Height restrictions?
There are a few at the link below that should give you a few ideas.
http://www.behmdesign.com/
Edit to add
Take Note
Good Luck
Last edited:
Do you need plans ? Depends, do you live in an area with codes, inspectors ? You'll need to contact the AHJ.
No codes and doing it yourself. Not necessary, if you can work it all out/vision it in your head, probably not.
No codes and doing it yourself. Not necessary, if you can work it all out/vision it in your head, probably not.