PROCESS

At Harbor Design, we make it easy to find and customize the perfect home plan for your needs. Here’s what to expect when working with us:

Step 1: Research & Explore

Before we meet, take some time to browse our available home plans. Make notes on what you like, what doesn’t work for you, and any ideas you’d like to incorporate. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, feel free to bring inspiration photos, sketches, etc. We can help modify a plan to match your vision. As design wizards, we specialize in turning visions into reality.

Step 2: Consultation & First Payment

Once you’re ready, we’ll schedule a consultation ($250 fee required to book) to dive into your selected plan and any customizations you have in mind. This fee will be credited toward your plan purchase if you move forward.

We’ll sit down together to discuss your selected plan(s) and any changes you’d like to make. We also will cover any inspiration material you bring with you. Whether it’s adjusting layouts, modifying elevations, or blending elements from your inspiration photos, we’ll tailor the design to fit your needs.

Before we begin any updates, the full plan price is due. If you choose an Elevation Refresh Package to refine the exterior, payment for that package will also be due at this stage.

Once payment is received, we’ll schedule the work to begin and add your project to our queue.

Step 3: Plan Updates & Client Approval

Once we’ve worked our magic, we’ll send you the updated plans for approval. There might be some minor back and forth as we refine the plans. This stage can usually take 2-6 weeks depending on schedules and amount of revisions.

After your sign-off, the plans will be sent for structural engineering review, ensuring they meet local codes and are built to last.

Step 4: Structural & Final Review

While the plans are at structural review, we will be reviewing and refining the plans to meet building codes. During this time we will inform you about any additional documentation you’ll need in preparation for permitting.

Step 5: Final Payment & Permit-Ready Plans

With engineering complete, your plans are ready to submit for permitting.

Any additional charges (e.g., design changes beyond the included time, elevation modifications) will be invoiced before the final plans are released.

Once the final payment is received, we’ll deliver your permit-ready plans in PDF format and also send your plans to be printed so you can begin working with your builder to bring your home to life.

We take pride in making this process smooth, exciting, and tailored to your vision. Let’s build something incredible together! Ready to Get Started?

Explore our plans and schedule a consultation today!

FAQ

1. What is a stock house plan?

A stock house plan is a pre-designed set of construction drawings that can be purchased and built without the need for a full custom design. These plans are ready to go and have been designed with functionality, aesthetics, and cost-efficiency in mind.

2. Can I make changes to a stock plan?

Yes, we offer four levels of changes: minor adjustments (like moving windows or changing finishes) and major modifications (like changing the footprint or roofline). We include 1–2 redline sessions as part of our process to make sure the plan fits your needs.

3. How much do your stock plans cost?

We offer two plan tiers:

Standard Plans – $5,000
These are streamlined designs with typical square footage and straightforward engineering.
Signature Plans – $7,500
These feature larger square footage and added structural elements like suspended slabs or complex roof systems, which require more detailed engineering.

Each purchase includes our Basic Refresh Package and structural review to ensure your plans are permit-ready.

4. What’s included with the purchase of a house plan?

Every plan purchase includes a complete Builder’s Set of construction drawings, which are ready to be handed off to your builder or permitting office. This includes:

Floor plans
Exterior elevations
Roof plan
Foundation plan (based on the standard option)
Building sections and construction details
Initial structural engineering review and markups

Both our Standard ($5,000) and Signature ($7,500) plans come with the same core set of documents and services—just tailored to the complexity of the design.

View full pricing and plan comparison to learn what’s included in each package.

5. Are your plans ready for permitting and construction?

Yes, all of our plans are designed to meet professional construction standards and are permit-ready. However, each plan must go through a structural review, which is included in your purchase. This review ensures the plans meet current building codes and engineering requirements.

The structural review typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the engineer’s current workload. Once that’s complete, your plans will be finalized and ready for permit submission.

6. How do I know if the plan will work for my lot?

We recommend reviewing your site’s topography, setbacks, and zoning regulations. We’re happy to help assess compatibility based on your lot dimensions and photos. For more complex sites, a site-specific consultation is available.

7. Do you offer interior design or landscape design plans with the home?

Not by default, but we do offer these services as add-ons. If you’d like help with interior layouts, finish selections, or exterior landscaping, let us know and we’ll customize a package for you.

8. How do I choose the right plan for me?

Start by browsing our collection and using filters like square footage, number of bedrooms, and style. If you're unsure, we’re happy to jump on a call to help you narrow down your options based on your lot, budget, and lifestyle.

9. What is your return/refund policy?

Due to the nature of digital products, all stock plan sales are final and non-refundable. Please review the plan details carefully or contact us with any questions before purchasing.

10. Can I build the same house more than once with one purchase?

Our standard license is for a single build. If you're a builder or planning multiple builds, we offer a multi-use or builder licensing option contact us for pricing.

11. How long does it take to receive the plans?

For unmodified plans, the typical turnaround time is 2–3 weeks, which includes the structural review.

If you request modifications through our Refresh Packages, please allow an additional 2–3 weeks, depending on the scope and complexity of the changes. Once the refresh revisions are complete, your plan will go through structural review, and you’ll receive permit-ready drawings shortly after.

12. What if I can’t find a plan I like?

If you don’t see a plan that checks all the boxes, don’t worry—we may be able to modify an existing plan through a Custom Refresh. This allows us to tailor the design more extensively while still saving time and cost compared to a full custom home.

If the changes go beyond what a stock plan can accommodate, we’ll guide you through our custom design process at Cedar + Steel, where we create fully bespoke homes from the ground up. Either way, we’ll help you find the best fit for your project and budget.

13. Can you help me find a builder?

Yes! While we don’t build homes ourselves, we often work closely with builders across the region and can provide recommendations based on your location and project type.

We’re happy to connect you with trusted professionals who are familiar with working from our plans. If you already have a builder in mind, we’re also available to answer any questions they may have about the drawings during construction.