Tag: Plot Plans

Plot plans are required when a building permit is needed

Plot plans are scaled drawings of a section of property that shows the boundaries of the lot, and the exact location of proposed structures

These plans show the exact dimensions of the overall lot, or property boundaries, the building lines, and exactly where the home is located on the lot. Garages, decks, pools or even a garden shed should be shown on this plan prior to construction. Driveways, walkways, utilities, and even fences are shown on this plan page as well

Check with your local permit office to find out if a plot plan will be required to receive a building permit

Once the city or county approves of the planning, the building inspector will check to see if the builder complies. A plot plan is not a legal survey, nor does it have to be created by a licensed surveyor. A surveyed plat establishes boundary lines on the ground, and is filed with the county

A north arrow is always shown on both a plot plan, and or a plat. The north arrow always points up on the page

Posted on October 27, 2026October 28, 2026 by BG Rand

House plan design criteria

House plan design criteria

Provided by Unique House Plans

Copy and paste the info below into a word program or email form, and then describe or answer as best you can

Where are you building?

Heated and cooled square feet?

Unheated square feet?

Garage? How many stalls? Special requirements? Storage or work space?

Do you prefer the garage doors to be hidden from front view?

Portico (carport)?

Basement or walkout lower level?

Work out room or area?

Swimming pool? indoors or out?

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors dining or lounging?

Bedrooms?

Bathrooms?

Should the master suite have a separate shower and bath?

Should each bedroom have it’s own bath or shared or accessed from hall?

Types of closets in bedrooms?

How many levels not including basement or lower level?

Fireplace(s) wood burning, gas, or gas starter?

Exterior and interior style?

Do you prefer hardwood, tile or marble, stained concrete or carpet flooring?

Would you like round, curved or angled walls incorporated into the design?

What type of front entry do you prefer?

Where do you prefer doing laundry? Closet set up, laundry room fully equipped?

Is the kitchen important? Do you cook or bake frequently?

Do you have a large family?

Covered porch or decks?

Screened porch? Sun room or green room attached?

Do you have inside or outside gardens and plants?

Exterior materials?

Do you prefer a steep pitched roof or low?

Covered patio or deck?

Describe your lifestyle and family

Do you have pets or livestock?

What are your hobbies?

Do you entertain often? Formally or informally?

Do you collect anything?

Do you have live in servants?

Does mom or dad live with you?

Do you have children?

Are they living at home or grown?

Do you watch tv?

Listen to music?

Play piano or other instruments?

Do you work at home?

Do you need a study, library, office or game room?

Do you prefer high or low ceilings or combined?

Vaulted or cathedral ceilings?

Do you like arched, squared, or round headers?

Do you like seeing exposed beams? Columns?

Have you established a building budget? (do not include property cost)

Have you decided on a builder or will you be your own builder?

Posted on October 2, 2026November 3, 2026 by BG Rand

Are you in a Flood Zone

Are you in a flood zone? If so, here’s what you can do

Few people know if their property is at risk for flooding, however, every section of land is rated for flooding by years; 0 to 100. For example, if your lot floods every fifty years, referred to as a 50 year flood plain, it’s a safe bet it won’t flood in your lifetime. The higher the number of years, the greater, or higher, the grade elevation

Before you purchase land, request the flood plain; also known as a flood zone

If you’re land has a substantial number of acres, obtain a topographical map. This is a plat, showing the grade elevations. Grade elevations indicate how low the grade falls, or high it rises. The grade elevations are shown on the plat as lines. If you study the topo, you’ll be able to determine the lowest portions of the property. It’s best to build on higher ground, however, some lots, such as lake front, or ocean front properties, are in a flood zone naturally. Typically, homes on these kinds of lots are built up on poles, or stilts as shown in the image top of page. It’s not uncommon. The ocean’s surface, referred to as sea level, is the lowest point on earth, zero. It is the starting point

High water houses are not uncommon in regions that are water front, or in high risk areas. The grade elevations in the plot plan shown below has a very low grade elevation, because it’s located in a sea coast city. Grade elevations start at zero, which is referred to as sea level. Natural bodies of water always sit at the lowest levels, so this is our starting point. In mountainous regions, grade elevations can reach thousands of feet. The highest grade elevation in the world is on the border of Nepal and China, reaching an amazing altitude of 29,031.7 feet

The image below shows a plot plan, a plan required by the city that shows how the new home will sit on the lot. This assures the city the home will not encroach the property (dotted) lines. Property, or building lines are put in place to keep homes from being built too close to each other in case of fire, however, these same codes assure everyone a little privacy. The existing grade elevations are noted, and typically boxed. They refer to the free form horizontal lines that represent the fall or rise of the grade. The home also has an elevation. It’s referred to as finish floor level, whereas the natural grade is referred to as existing grade. Grade that’s manipulated or disturbed is referred to as finish grade

Depending on your location, you may want to get flood insurance. Regular home owner’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so check with your agent. If you’re in a 50 year flood zone or lower, you should get the insurance. In fact, most of us should have it, because Mother Nature is full of surprises

Need a plot plan to complete your set of drawings to submit for permit? Plot Plan

Consider a Custom home design