House plan websites.

[MEMCruiser]

I am looking at building a house and would like to buy a house plan. Any ideas on where to look online. Would like to build a 3000-3500 sq ft with modern to contemporary look and very energy efficient.

Thanks.

 

[PAToyota]

For something of that size and for energy efficiency issues, I'd recommend contacting a local architect. What is energy efficient in Florida is different from what is energy efficient in Wisconsin, so you're not going to do so well with a "one size fits all" plan. Plus, the architect will stay on top of the contractors to make sure that things are done properly. I've seen too many times of air and vapor barriers not sealed properly, materials substituted, and such because the contractor "always does it that way."

http://architectfinder.aia.org/

 

[DanS HJ-45]

I am looking at building a house and would like to buy a house plan. Any ideas on where to look online. Would like to build a 3000-3500 sq ft with modern to contemporary look and very energy efficient.

Thanks.

www.coolhouseplans.com

That said, 3000-3500 square feet just won't be "very" energy efficient. Small is efficient, brother. It may be efficient on a square footage basis, but in the grand scheme of things, it takes a lot more energy to heat and cool that big of a building than it does a small one.

Plus, the architect will stay on top of the contractors to make sure that things are done properly. I've seen too many times of air and vapor barriers not sealed properly, materials substituted, and such because the contractor "always does it that way."

x2.

Efficiency is via design, AND construction. Generally it's the corner or bird block that is installed at 4:45PM on Friday that you need to worry about, especially since it will be hidden behind who knows what an you'll never find it.

Dan

 

[Cruiser Jimmy]

also check out ubuildit.com. They have house plans of all types, garages also.

 

[Azca]

Excellent designs can be found from Michael Daily at: http://www.michaeldaily.com/

He designed my last home for me and I have done the electrical design on at least 40 for him. He has designed houses for proffesional athletes to ordinary Joe's .

Spend time looking though his website for stock plans, you will not find a better price. He can also design a truly custom home for you if you would like.

 

[batcon]

Besides insulating your house, a properly zoned home for your heating and cooling needs is essential for lowering energy bills.

 

[AJP]

Agree 100% with what was said above...

Not sure if your biggest energy costs are heating or cooling ... I "think" some energy efficient house designs have a bias towards one or the other eg window placement. Lot location and building siting will have an impact and if you are restricted to a particular site ... this will effect the design often if only for aesthetics. I like hydronic heating and think geothermal (for heating and cooling) has a lot of promise in some areas - if you havent got the lot yet ... I would use geothermal as one search criteria.
I like basements as well for several reasons.

Couple of years ago I started with a design software package and played around with that until I had a pretty good idea of the issues I needed to deal with. Then acted as my own prime...using a very experienced framer who knew the more reliable subs...My build was VERY simple design ... but the details are numerous.

Personally I would do that again - use the software to play around with designs options because it forces you to think about lots of issues (where the stairs should be, closets, plumbing, heating floor covering (f tile .. floor load etc etc) ... then hire an architect. The preliminary work will enable you to ask relevant questions and understand the answers. Dont assume that because these guys are "professionals" that they know what they are doing!!!! There are a lot of crap houses designed by architects and build by "pros" .

Remodeling an older home built by "professionals" can be very enlightening!