Making it fit
So, you found a plan that you mostly like, but…
There are a lot of home plans available on the internet today. Many have a lot of curb appeal and good design sense baked in. The problem is that the designers have never met you or been on your property. They would likely do things differently if they had. Greyhaven can take a plan you purchase and change it to fit you and your property.
How it works
Pre-design
We start with what we do for new design, which is get to know you and your land. This is personal design service. You answer our questions and you tell us things we don’t even know to ask about you. Because it matters. Because this will be your home. We will look over your land, catalog the beauties and flaws, observing the solar orientation of the land, and choose the best site to help you enjoy God’s good gifts to this land.
Design
We go over your plan and identify things with you that need to change. Maybe the house needs to be reversed because the living space is all facing north – no problem, that’s easy. Maybe we move square footage from one room to another, taking what would be wasted space and putting it where it will do the most good. Essentially, we will keep what’s best and fix what is lacking, treating the plan you bought as an inspiring first draft, but bringing it to truly work as your home.
Is this the best plan?
Maybe, maybe not. Sometimes you can save money this way, sometimes not, depending on how well it fits your goals. We would be happy to meet with you to look at a plan before you buy it to determine whether it would be a good fit. We take care of all our customers, whether they start from scratch or from a good existing plan.
FAQ
Q: Do I have to buy the plan I like?
A: Probably, unless you’re just taking the broad ideas and making a new design. The line between taking inspiration and using design can be a fuzzy one, but, basically, the original designer needs to be paid if you use their work. Read this article from Undercover Architect to learn more: link. We treat other designers as we want to be treated and will never knowingly infringe.
Q: Is plan modification legal?
A: In most cases, yes, if you’ve paid for the plan. The terms of use should be spelled out in the contract you’ll receive with the plan and they usually entitle you to a one time build with the right to make modifications. Ask before you buy. They may try to sell you their modification services, but you can just tell them you have a local designer who will help you mold it to your site and they should understand. They’ve gotten paid for their work, so they usually don’t mind what you do after that, as long as you respect their ownership of their intellectual property.