What is included in a typical plan set?

What is included in a study set?

Cost of a study set is $150 for any plan which includes shipping and handling for customary 3 day turnaround. (Special turnaround by request). A study set includes schematics of all elevations and floor plans.

Are these plans engineered?

Slabs, foundations, framing and other such items are included as reference only. Actual specifications should be designed and certified or actual site conditions by a licensed structural engineer.

How many sets should I order?

In order to both keep records of home plans and also keep sets for building use, we include 5 full sets of construction documents to provide to builders, subcontractors, building departments and lending institutions. Additional sets may be ordered after your initial purchase if more are needed. Should you need merely “study” plans please refer to the price list for pricing.

We also suggest that when you have selected the plan that complies with your family's requirements just contact us directly by email and we can discuss your thoughts about the desired alterations. Also a tool that we have found to be very valuable in this process is for our clients to purchase a study set in order for them to make more intelligent decisions from these scaled documents.

How many homes can I build with the plans I’ve purchased?

After purchasing the plans you are licensed to build only one structure from the plans, regardless of the number of plan set you purchased. Please note that you must repurchase sets of plans each time you build each home again, in accordance with copyright laws.

May I return or exchange the plans I’ve purchased?

In order to protect ourselves against illegal reproduction of plan documents, Ken Pieper & Associates, LLC cannot accept the return of any plans. To ensure that your purchase fits your needs, please research all square footage, topographical and lot dimension requirements before making a purchase

Are Prairie Craftsman plans copyrighted?

Copyright 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Ken Pieper & Associates, LLC
United States Copyright law protects Prairie Craftsman plans. All plans and images on this website are also the property exclusively of Ken Pieper and Associates, LLC It is therefore unlawful to modify, duplicate, rent, lease, loan, distribute or create additional works based on the information provided in these plans and images, in whole or in part. In addition, any reproductions or alterations made without the express written consent of Ken Pieper and Associates, LLC is prohibited and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If it is your intent to make any changes to these plans, extensively or otherwise, you are required by law to purchase a set of these plans. Purchase of a full set of home plans grants the original purchaser the right to build that particular home one time only.

What space is included in the square footages?

All descriptions on this website of Prairie Craftsman plans list square footage numbers for “living area.” This is described as finished, heated and ventilated areas. The dimensions are calculated from outside framed wall to outside framed wall, including any areas where floor joists would project (ex: overhanging bay window). Outside siding, brick, etc. is not included in this measurement as these elements may vary significantly. Areas which are not finished such as garages, porches, patios, etc. are not included in the square footage measurements. Basements are also not included unless they are finished living space in the plan you select.

How do I purchase a reversed or “mirror reversed” set of plans?

If you find a plan that matches your specifications, but need a “mirror” image of it in order to fit your lot, please look for the “Reverse Plan” option for your selection. By requesting this option you’ll receive a version of the plan that is in essence “flipped” in the opposite direction, but otherwise the same.

Can I make copies of a plan after I’ve purchased it?

Unfortunately, no. All of the plans offered on the Ken Pieper and Associates, LLC and Prairie Craftsman websites are protected under copyright laws and cannot be copied. If additional copies are needed, please order them through our website.

Can I customize one of the Prairie Craftsman plans?

Prairie Craftsman's plans have been designed with the consideration that minor modifications will take place. Small changes such as the addition, removal or relocation of a window or door, change in building materials, or finishing a loft can easily be made by you or your builder. Ken Pieper and Associates, LLC does provide design services that enable you to customize a purchased plan to your specific requirements. Please contact us via email so that we can provide you with pricing and details that match your request.

What are building codes and do these plans fit my local building codes?

Prairie Craftsman home plans were each designed in accordance with the home building codes in effect in the designer’s area at the time the plan was created and all national building standards. To ensure that each home is in compliance with the local building codes applicable to the area where the home is to be built, it is the customer’s responsibility to enlist qualified professionals to make the necessary changes. Some jurisdictions may require that Lateral Analysis or other engineering services be performed in addition to other codes adjustments. 

Building codes vary significantly from area to area and state to state. They ensure that necessary safety precautions are taken with regards to issues such as energy requirements, wind loads, snow loads, soil and seismic conditions, height limitations, etc. Local building authorities can provide you and your builder with more details on what is required for your area and for your specific plan. Ken Pieper and Associates, LLC does not warrant compliance to your specific area’s codes because of the wide amount of variance across the country.

Please note that only certified and qualified professionals should make the necessary adjustments to these plans. Builders should also verify all dimensions and compliance with local building codes prior to commencing the construction process. Ken Pieper and Associates, LLC assumes no liability for the modifications made to their plans by others. In addition, Ken Pieper and Associates, LLC assumes no liability for any home constructed from these plans.

Do the plans include a materials specification list?

As material suggestions and availability varies significantly across the United States, Prairie Craftsman plans do not come with materials specifications.

How do I find a contractor to build my home?

To begin the process of building your home with a Prairie Craftsman plan, we suggest finding a contractor that matches your quality, style and budgetary requirements. You may check your local phone book to find contractors that serve your area. Other resources such as referrals from friends or relatives, local Home Builders Associations, Chambers of Commerce and Better Business Bureaus are also excellent sources for more information.