Then take into consideration the local building and zoning code requirements, and you realize that some house plan changes are inevitable. Having the CAD file for your new house plans will save you both time and money, and we will detail the reasons why below.

What Are CAD Files? 

CAD is an acronym for computer-aided design. So basically, the CAD file is just an electronic detailed file for your house blueprints that can be altered within compatible CAD drafting software.  Back in the day, designers and architects used T-squares, drawing tables, and pencils to design homes.  Now, like everything else, it’s all done on computers.

CAD files are commonly used in various industries, including architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and product design. They allow engineers to create, modify, and visualize complex designs with precision and accuracy. Often times architects or builders prefer CAD files as they’re easy to modify, making them ideal for collaborative work. CAD files really are one of those things that makes the entire experience easier for everybody, and who doesn’t love that?

What is the difference between CAD and PDF house plans?

CAD and PDF are the two common file formats used in the architectural industry for house plans. While both serve similar purposes, they differ in their functionality and usage.

CAD house plans use special software that allows architects or designers to create detailed 2D or 3D models of their buildings. This type of file usually contains detailed information about the dimensions, materials, and other specifics of the house design. CAD files also allow for accurate measurements, calculations, and precise construction drawings, making them essential for professionals involved in the construction process.

As for PDFs, these files are in a read-only format widely used for sharing and viewing architectural drawings. The acronym PDF stands for Portable Document Format. PDFs are created to convert the CAD files into viewing documents, so documents you can view but can’t edit or manipulate. While the files are viewed differently, PDFs still preserve the layout, fonts, and graphics of the original file, ensuring that the plans appear consistent across different devices and operating systems. PDF files provide a simple way to review plans electronically with your builder, contractors, or other stakeholders who may not have access to open the plans with CAD software.

Changes

From changes required by local building codes to personal choices, changes will likely need to be made to your house plans. So, why can’t you just get a red pen and make the adjustments to the actual plan? That will not suffice to communicate to the building department and trade contractors.

First, the building department will want a correct set of final plans without handwritten changes made to them.  It can be confusing to them as to what you are trying to communicate, and they want to know exactly what you are doing to protect both you and the general public.

Second, when it comes to trade contractors and suppliers, you want to avoid handwritten notes on your house plans whenever possible. In the industry, these handwritten changes are called “redlines,” and they can lead to major mistakes when building. What if the trade contractor reads the dimension you wrote into the plan wrong because he can’t read your writing? Or what if the workers on the job site think the notes were made by other trades and assume they are not to be followed? Having the final plans correct without redlines will help you to avoid major cost overruns.

Space Planning

Sometimes it’s difficult to look at a floor plan and visualize how the room will work. By adding furniture to the space, it can really come to life. So, by having the CAD files, it is possible to add furniture to the space to get an idea of how you might want to arrange things. By utilizing CAD files, professionals can optimize the functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics of a space, ensuring that it meets the specific requirements and objectives of the project. With the ability to navigate through virtual spaces, stakeholders can gain a comprehensive understanding of the spatial layout, proportions, and flow. This allows for better evaluation of different design options, identifying potential conflicts or areas that require improvement. Thanks to CAD files, we now have access to view what our homes could realistically look like before they’re built!

Future Changes

Do you want to finish your basement or attic sometime in the future?  Wouldn’t it be nice to have your house plans already in a format that would allow you to design the new space without starting from scratch?  Having the electronic CAD file for your plans will give you a big head start in the design. Using CAD files provides a virtual blueprint that’s easy to change, so it’s simple to view plan alterations. Being capable of these changes eliminates the guesswork and potential errors. CAD files also allow you the flexibility to experiment with various options before deciding to implement them. This flexibility empowers homeowners to make informed decisions, ensuring that the final outcome matches their vision and preferences.

Costs

As with any investment, it’s always to research any product or service before making final decisions. The CAD files for your new house plans typically cost more upfront. It’s important to understand that cost will vary for each CAD file depending on the size and complexity. It takes more time and computational effort to produce a more intricate design, resulting in a higher price. But, having been in this industry for decades, I can tell you that having the CAD files for the plan will save you hundreds, possibly thousands, of Rands over the course of your project.

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Different Types of house plans

PDF and PDFs NOW! Sets – A PDF set is an electronic file that contains all the same blueprint components as any printed set. Most customers choose PDF house plans because they’re sent immediately via email and have a license to print as many copies as necessary. They’re also easy to send by email to potential builders, contractors, financial institutions, home product stores for estimating and more. You can also start with a PDF Bid Set to get construction estimates. For a buildable plan, you’ll be required to buy the full construction package and the cost of the PDF Bid Set purchase will be deducted from the price. Please note that PDF/electronic plans are non-refundable.

Printed Sets – These are basic paper blueprints, including all the necessary floor plans, cross sections, elevations and structural information your builder needs to build your new home. You should purchase enough sets to get you through your build because printed blueprints cannot be copied. We recommend purchasing a minimum of five sets because typically you’ll need to supply copies of your home plans to your building department, lender, builder and subcontractors.

CAD Sets – A CAD file supplies an editable electronic house plan file to allow professionals to make modifications digitally. With this option, you’re also granted a license to print as many of your own copies of the modified design as needed. If you plan to make extensive modifications or need engineering, a CAD set is a good investment to simplify the process and will ultimately save money as the professional you hire will need less time to complete changes or revisions. Please note that CAD files require the expertise of a draftsman, designer, architect or engineer to edit, and they are also non-refundable.

PDF Bid/Study Sets – For bidding and estimate purposes, we offer a single printed PDF set stamped “Not For Construction”. Consider this option to get estimates and bids, and then upgrade to a full construction package and receive full credit from your bid/study set toward the same house plan. Full credit will only be applied when upgrading to the exact plan that was originally purchased. If the bid plan purchased doesn’t meet your needs, a 15% discount towards the purchase of another plan will be applied.

We design our house plans to meet or exceed the minimum plan standards set forth by the International Residential Code (IRC). Modifications may still be necessary to meet local building codes and we advise checking with a local architect, builder or other construction professional to address local requirements and jurisdictions, and to ensure your house plans contain everything needed to obtain building permits.