5 When homeowners order house plans, one of the most common questions is: “What exactly am I getting?” A complete residential drawing set is more than just a floor plan. It’s a coordinated group of drawings that builders, inspectors, and engineers rely on to understand how the house is laid out, how it’s built, and… Read More: What’s Included in a Complete Residential Drawing Set? »
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Permitting Process By Tim Davis | Residential Drafter Since the 1970s A Step-by-Step Guide to the Permitting Process from a Working Draftsman After drafting residential plans for decades — from hand-drawn board sets to full CAD submissions — I’ve submitted house plans through permit offices in multiple jurisdictions. While every… Read More: How to Legally Submit House Plans in Your State »
A Beginner’s Guide for First-Time Homebuilders Building codes aren’t meant to complicate your home project — they’re there to ensure safety, structural integrity, and long-term durability. Still, many first-time homebuilders are surprised by how much the codes influence a home’s design. Learning the basics ahead of time can save you time, money, and frustration. The… Read More: Understanding Building Codes Before You Design a New House »
Everything You Need to Know Before You Get Started A home addition is one of the best ways to gain extra living space without moving, but everything begins with a clear, accurate set of drawings. If you’ve never hired a drafter before, the process can seem confusing — but it’s much simpler than most folks… Read More: How to Hire a Drafter for a Home Addition »
Choosing the Right Professional for Your Home Plans Many homeowners assume they must hire a licensed architect to design a new house. The truth is far more flexible, and often far more affordable. In most states, a qualified residential designer or drafter can create complete house plans for one- and two-family dwellings without needing an… Read More: When a Designer Can Replace an Architect »
A Practical Guide for Homeowners Starting a Build When you’re preparing to build a new home or addition, it’s natural to wonder whether your plans need the approval of a licensed engineer. The truth is, the answer isn’t the same for everybody — it depends on where you live, what you’re building, and how complex… Read More: Do You Need an Engineer to Approve House Plans? »
If you’re building your first home, you already know the dream is exciting—but the process can feel overwhelming. Between selecting the perfect layout, meeting building codes, and keeping the budget in check, there’s a lot to manage. That’s where residential drafting services come in—a crucial step in turning your ideas into construction-ready plans. At Residential… Read More: Step-by-Step Guide to Working with Residential Drafting Services for First-Time… »
When you’re planning to build a custom home or renovate an existing one, it’s easy to underestimate how critical the design and drafting phase is. Many homeowners assume a builder’s rough sketch or a basic online template is enough to get started. But the truth is, without accurate, professional drafting work, your project can hit… Read More: Why Hiring a Drafting Consultant Saves You Time and Money… »
Introduction: Why Custom House Plans Are Worth It (No Matter Where You Live) If you’ve ever driven through a neighborhood and thought, “Well, that house looks just like the one two doors down,” you’re not alone. In today’s world of mass-produced homes and cookie-cutter subdivisions, finding a house that truly fits your lifestyle and personal… Read More: The Complete Guide to Custom House Plans: What You Need… »
By Tim Davis, Residential Drafting Specialist Published on August 4, 2025 When planning a new home, addition, or remodel, many homeowners wonder: “Do I need a licensed architect, or can I hire a residential drafter?” The answer depends on where you live and the scope of your project. But here’s the good news—in most states,… Read More: Do You Need a Licensed Architect for Home Plans in… »