FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Many of the answers to our most frequently asked questions can be found in the License Agreement, which can be downloaded below.

How much should I expect the construction to cost?

The cost of construction for the same set of plans can vary considerably depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, site conditions, material selected and cost of materials in a specific region, construction demand in a specific region, etc.. The best way to get a cost estimate is to reach out to a few local builders and see what comparable homes in the area have cost.  We provide a Pricing Set for just this purpose. Your builder can use this abbreviated set of drawings to help you understand costs for construction before you move forward with the full set of Construction drawings. The cost of the Pricing Set can be applied towards the price of the Construction Set once you are ready to build.

What do I receive with my plan purchase?

We currently offer our designs at two different levels of detail:

Our Pricing Set is intended to help you decide if this design is best suited to work for your site and within your budget.  This set is not a full set of construction documents, but will help give you and your builder a good sense of the size and overall layout of the home.   Once you have determined that this plan is a good fit for your needs, you can apply the full price of the Pricing Set to the purchase of the Construction Set.

The Pricing Set package includes digital files for the following drawings on 24”x36” sheets:

·         Cover Sheet

·         1st and 2nd level Floor Plans (Overall Dimensions only)

·         Exterior Elevations – Noting Windows, Doors, and Materials

Our Construction Set can be used as part of the permitting set, and for bidding, and construction of the home.  This set includes plans, elevations, building sections, details, and a specifications document, similar to what you would receive from a fully custom-designed home.

The Construction Set package includes digital files of the following drawings on 24”x36” sheets:

·         Cover Sheet

·         1st and 2nd level Floor Plans (fully dimensioned)

·         Roof Plan

·         Exterior Elevations – Noting Windows, Doors, and Materials

·         Building Sections – Includes plate heights for standard, pre-cut studs

·         Detail Drawings

·         Interior Elevations for each major room in the home

·         Building Specifications – General Conditions and Specifications to assist with quality construction.

What is Gross Floor Area (GFA)?

The sum of all areas on all floors of a building included within the outside faces of its exterior walls, including all vertical penetration areas, for circulation and shaft areas that connect one floor to another.

Can I get CAD drawings of the plans?

We currently offer our designs only as a digital PDF.

Will I need to hire a structural engineer?

Yes.  Our plans are complete designs, however the drawings must be coordinated with a structural engineer who is familiar with the local codes and conditions in your area.

What other professionals will I need to take the construction of my home to completion?

Depending on where you live this may vary.  At the very least you will most likely need a builder, a surveyor, and a structural engineer.  Depending on your site and local laws and codes you may also need a MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineer, a civil engineer, and a geotechnical engineer.  Other professionals you may want to consider talking to are a landscape architect, interior designer, lighting consultant, energy consultant, and a permit expeditor.

I love the design, but there are a few changes I’d like to make.  Can I modify the designs to customize based on my own needs?

We feel you – at MFxPlans we believe there is no “right” way to live in a home and that every site is unique.  Our homes have each been designed with careful consideration to circulation through the home, comfortable spatial proportions within each room, efficient use of space, and best practices for green building.  If you are interested in making adjustments to the plans we would be happy to discuss what options we can help with. Please send all modification inquiries to info@mfxplans.com .

I live up north…where’s the basement?

Here in Austin, we typically build on a slab-on-grade foundation rather than using a basement, but depending on where you live that might not be possible.  Our homes are designed to adapt to multiple foundation types, including a basement.  Consult your builder and structural engineer to determine the best foundation type for your site and local conditions.

Can I reproduce the drawings?

You may print and copy the drawings as many times as you need in order to complete the construction.  Distribution of printed or digital copies is limited to a single project and should be limited to the builder and other building officials for that single instance.

Green Building Practices are important to me.  What green building strategies are used in your design?

Our homes have each been designed with careful consideration to circulation through the home, comfortable spatial proportions within each room, efficient use of space, and best practices for green building.  A sustainable home can be realized through site placement and orientation, material selection, and technologies including solar power, rainwater collection, and home automation. We recommend that you consult with local green building professionals for applications based on your site’s specific conditions. If you are interested in consulting with us, please send all inquiries to info@mfxplans.com.

I think the plan is so nice I’d like to build it twice!  Can I build this design more than once?

We’re glad you like it! Unfortunately only one home may be built from each license purchased.   Further details regarding what the license entitles the purchaser can be found in our License Agreement.

I’m a developer.  Can I purchase multiple plans at a discount?

We’re always looking for new developers to partner with.  MFxPlans are currently set up to best suit individuals who are looking for a semi-custom home on a single site. To discuss purchasing plans with multiple licenses, please reach out to us at info@mfxplans.com, we would love to discuss how we could best suit your needs.

Can I get a refund if I choose not to build this design?

At the time we are unable to refund any purchases. All sales of MFxPlans are final and will not be refunded.

What is the best way to contact MFxPlans if I have any other questions?

We are always happy to hear from you – send any further questions or comments to info@mfxplans.com .