How It Works
Here’s Exactly How Buying a House Plan Works
New to buying house plans? You're in the right place. Here's exactly what a plan is, how buying one works, and what to expect every step of the way.
Click to jump to a section:
What Is a House Plan?
A house plan, also called a floor plan, blueprint, or set of construction documents, is the design package your builder uses to construct your home. Think of it as the instruction set: every measurement, every room, every elevation drawn out so your builder, engineer, and building department are all working from the same page.
When you buy a plan from Rocky Mountain Plan Company, you're purchasing a license to build that design once, on one lot. It's a fraction of the cost of hiring an architect to draw something from scratch, and because our plans come from 40+ years of professional design experience, you're not starting from a template. You're starting from something that's already been thoughtfully designed to work.
Curious what's included in every plan set? → Jump to What's Included or read our full FAQ.
The Steps:
STEP 1: Browse and Find Your Plan
Every plan in our catalog shows you the floor plan layout and all four exterior elevations before you buy, so you can really evaluate whether a plan fits your lot, your lifestyle, and your vision. Use our filters to narrow by style, square footage, bedrooms, and plan type.
Not sure where to begin? Our ADU plans, hillside and walkout designs, and mountain-inspired homes are our most popular starting points. And if you have questions while you're browsing, we're easy to reach, just get in touch.
STEP 2: Want Real Cost Estimates First? Start with a Bid Set.
If you've found a plan you like but want real cost estimates from builders before you commit, a bid set is the right move. You'll receive the floor plan and elevation sheets (marked “not for construction”) which will give your builders what they need to price the job accurately.
Bid sets are $500, and that full $500 comes back as credit toward any plan in our catalog when you're ready to purchase. It's not a required step, but it's a smart one. Contact us to request a bid set.
STEP 3: Choose Add-Ons and Purchase Your Plan
Plans are purchased directly through our store.
Before checking out, you can add:
CAD files (+$500) — These are editable .dwg files for your engineer or designer. Recommended for complex plans or significant modifications. Not sure if you need them? Start with PDF, and you can come back and add CAD anytime.
Foundation options — Where multiple foundation types are available for a plan (slab, crawl space, daylight, or walkout basement), you'll choose the right option for you at checkout.
Right-Reading Reverse (+$250) — Mirrors the entire plan so the layout is flipped and all text stays readable. Adds 3-4 business days. What is a right-reading reverse?
Unlimited Build License (+$500) — Build the same plan as many times as you'd like. Available at checkout or any time after purchase.
STEP 4: Sign Your License Agreement
After your purchase, we'll send you a Single-Structure or Unlimited Build License Agreement (depending on what option you choose before checkout) via Google Docs for a quick digital signature. Both you and Rocky Mountain Plan Company sign, and each of you receives a copy for your records.
The license allows you to build the plan once on one lot and print as many copies as you need for your build team. If you ever need to build it again on a different lot, that's easy to add. Learn more about house plan license agreements.
STEP 5: Receive Your Files Within 1-2 Business Days
Once your license is signed, your complete plan set is delivered via email within 1-2 business days (Monday-Friday). Weekend orders begin processing the following Monday.
Didn't receive your files?
✔ Check your Spam and Promotions folders first.
Still nothing?
✔ Email us at elevate@rockymountainplan.com and we'll sort it out right away.
| Delivery Option | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard PDF (or PDF + CAD) | 1-2 business days |
| Right-Reading Reverse add-on | Add 3-4 business days |
| Alternate foundation option | Add 3-4 business days |
| Weekend orders | Begin processing Monday |
STEP 6: Work with Your Local Team
Your plan set is a complete set of architectural construction documents, but before you can pull a permit, you'll typically need a few things from local professionals. This is normal and expected for any stock plan purchase, anywhere.
A licensed structural engineer: Before permitting, you’ll work with a few local professionals. This is a normal part of any stock plan purchase and your builder will have done it many times before. Most jurisdictions require a local engineer to review the plans, adapt them for your site conditions (snow load, wind zone, seismic, soil), and stamp them for your building permit. Mountain and hillside lots especially tend to trigger this requirement. We can connect you with a trusted engineering firm who is licensed in all 50 states if you’d like – just let us know.
Your builder: Your general contractor interprets the plans on-site and manages the build. HVAC and plumbing aren't included in the plan set, as those systems are site-specific and handled by local subs as part of every residential build. Your builder coordinates all of this routinely.
A site plan: Your building department will typically require a site plan showing where the home will sit on your specific lot. A local surveyor or engineer produces this.
Need to modify something? Almost everyone changes something. Our plans are designed to be modified, whether it's a window adjustment, a layout tweak, or something more significant. Learn more about how modifications work.
STEP 7: Build
That's it! You have what you need to move forward: a professionally designed plan, a signed license, and a local team ready to take it from here.
We're a small company and we genuinely care about how your project goes. If questions come up, don't hesitate to reach out. We're easy to find and happy to help.
What's Included in Every Plan Set
Every Rocky Mountain Plan Company plan set includes the following sheets:
Cover Sheet
Home elevation and general notes index.
Specifications
Material and installation notes based on national industry standards.
Foundation Layout
Overall dimensions and footing references. Structural engineering is site-specific and will be handled by your local engineer – see Step 6 above.
Floor Plans
Layout of every floor, with all doors, windows, walls, stairways, and built-ins dimensioned and noted.
Sections
A slice through the structure showing how it's built: stories, foundation, wall construction, roofing, floor framing, and insulation.
Exterior Elevations
All four sides of the home with dimensions, heights, and exterior materials noted.
Roof Ridge Plan
Roof pitches, slopes, layout, and overhang dimensions.
Electrical Plan
Location of outlets, fixtures, and switches.
Details
Interior and exterior details explaining design intent.
Want a more detailed breakdown of what's in every plan set and what's not included (and why)?
Helpful Resources
Our Full FAQ
Got questions about codes, modifications, licensing, or what to expect? Our FAQ page covers it all in plain English.
Request a Bid Set
Want to get pricing estimates first? Get the floor plan and elevations to share with builders for real estimates — $500, fully credited toward your plan.
Modification Guide
Most customers change something. Here's how modifications work, what they typically cost, and how to get started.
Builder Program
Building multiple homes? Our Elevated Builder Advantage Program is designed for contractors and developers who want ongoing access to our catalog.
Quick Answers
Do your plans include structural engineering or stamps?
No, and that's standard across the stock plan industry. Our plans are designed to meet the 2018 International Residential Code (the national baseline). A local licensed engineer adds the site-specific layer – snow loads, wind zone, soil conditions, etc. – and stamps the plans for permitting. We can connect you with a trusted engineering firm if needed. Full answer in our FAQs.
Do I need CAD files, or will PDF work?
PDF works for most builds. If you're planning significant modifications, or your engineer or contractor prefers to work in native files, the CAD add-on (+$500) is worth it. Not sure? Start with PDF, and you can always contact us to add CAD later. More on PDF vs CAD.
What if I want to change something about the plan?
Modifying a stock plan is completely normal and expected. Most buyers change at least something. Minor adjustments are often handled on-site by your builder. For plan-level changes, we'd encourage you to start by reaching out to a local drafter or design professional who knows your area's codes and site conditions, as they're often the fastest and most cost-effective path. If you'd prefer, our drafters are also available to help. See our modifications FAQs for more on how to get started.
What if I want to see the plans before I fully commit?
Every listing shows floor plan layouts and all four exterior elevations. For a deeper look – especially if you want to share sheets with builders for estimates – a bid set ($500, fully credited toward your plan) is the smart path. Contact us to get started.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery is 1-2 business days after your license is signed (Monday–Friday). Right-reading reverse or alternate foundation options add 3-4 business days. Weekend orders begin processing Monday.
