Modification FAQ's

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Our Professional Customization Program

Q. What modifications can I make through your customization service?
A. With our expertise, you get a full spectrum of design-change options, ranging from enlarging or reducing the total square footage of a plan to changing a roofline or foundation type. Your choices also include adding, removing and relocating rooms, windows, and doors, as well as many other refinements and amenities.

Q. How much does it cost to customize?
A. Once you’ve purchased your home plan and returned the modification checklist, our experts will determine the complexity of the work and send you an accurate cost estimate for your review.

Q. After I have the modification cost estimate, what’s next?
A. Next you approve the estimate. Fill out the payment form with your address information and credit card number. At this time, 75% of the total estimate is due. Once you fax your estimate and payment forms, a preliminary design followed by the full construction drawings will be provided. You will be notified on completion of all changes, at which time the final 25% payment is due.

Q. Why do I need to purchase a reproducible master in order to create modifications?
A. When you purchase a reproducible master, or vellum, you get a copyright release. This gives you the legal right to modify and copy the original design. This procedure adheres to stringent standards set by the industry.

Q. Is the customization consultation fee refundable? (if applicable)
A. We will deduct the customization consultation fee from the total cost of your modification plan. If you do not proceed with the modifications, the consultation fee is non-refundable.

Q. What is the turn-around time for your customization services?
A. The average turn-around time is 10-15 business days, excluding holidays, following the receipt of your approval of any preliminary design modifications.

Q. How will I know which home plans are customizable?
A. All our home plans are customizable.

Q. Is it possible to get different types of foundations like slab, crawlspace, and pillar?
A. Yes. We offer a variety of foundations to accommodate diverse soil types and basement requirements.

Q. How difficult is it to change the ridge height according to my local code restrictions?
A. In most cases, this is fairly straightforward. We can lower the roof pitch or simply adjust the ground level according to site conditions.

Q. Can one of your stock plans be changed to metal framing?
A. Yes. We can modify any design and integrate it with any type of building system on the market.

Q. Can your design experts adapt a stock plan to any prefabricated system or ICF (insulated concrete form)?
A. Yes. Our highly trained architectural professionals can modify any design to comply with the different types of building systems that are available and adapt the foundations and structure to accommodate the differences.

Q. If I don’t like the type of windows on a design, can I replace them?
A. Yes, our team of design specialists will suggest alternate windows to complement the house and respond to your sense of style.

Q. Can I change the type of exterior finish, for example, from brick to vinyl?
A. Yes. You can change the type of any exterior finish. Those that are featured on the homes in our magazine and on our website are suggestions only. Many of our customers choose to do so, whether for economical reasons or simply for personal preference. Note: some structural changes are involved when converting from brick to vinyl and vice-versa. It is important that you have your plan modified if you decide to change the type of exterior finish.

Q. Can I extend the original garage or add a garage to a design?
A. As long as the addition or extension does not become unwieldy or disproportionate to the house, our architectural design experts will work diligently to accommodate your requests.

Q. Can any of these plans be adapted for handicap accessibility?
A. Yes. All of our plans can be easily adapted to accommodate our handicapped customers. Our architectural design specialists are highly trained and committed to providing for special needs situations.

Q. Do you have any home plans that can be adapted for a sloping lot?
A. Yes. Our home plans can be modified to overcome many lot-related challenges, from sloping to narrow. We also specialize in maximizing scenic views.

Q. Can I get a materials list for a modified design, and what does such a list include?
A. Yes, it isitional fee. Our materials lists provide a complete and detailed list of the items required to build your h our policy to offer a materials list for any modified design, for an addome, excluding finishing accessories, decorations, appliances, and mechanical items.

Q. Will my home plans be stamped?
A. Our stock home plans are not sold with a stamp (architectural or engineering seal), but we do offer this service, through a subcontractor, for an additional fee. Customers requiring a stamp, for legal or safety reasons, must complete the appropriate section on the modification checklist (Item 12). Please call for more information.

Q. Can I use your customization service to modify my plans to meet local building code requirements?
A. Yes. We recommend that you use our services to upgrade your plans so that they meet your local regulations. Ask your building inspector for a list of items that must be completed, added, or modified.

Q. What if I want to have my plans customized locally?
A. If you decide not to use Garlinghouse for your modifications, we recommend that you follow the same procedure of purchasing a vellum, or reproducible master, which gives you the option of using the services of the original plan designer, a local professional designer, or a local architect to make the modifications you require.

With a reproducible master, a design professional can alter the drawings just the way you want. You can then print as many copies of the modified plans as you need to build your house. And, because you have already started with our complete detailed plans, the cost of those expensive professional services will be significantly less than starting from scratch. (Please refer to the price schedule for vellums, or reproducible masters, customization costs.)