It’s worth checking with local contractors to see what they offer. Some will only use their own plans, some have no capability to make or modify any type of plan, and most are somewhere in between. Some even have plans online, but those are usually tract builders and may not build outside their developments. The biggest issue I run into on floor plans from outside sources is sticker shock. Potential customers pay for a plan, only to find out that plan with everything they want costs substantially more than they can/want to afford. This is doubly frustrating for them when they’ve also invested a fair bit of time on the print.

I offer my own stock plans, and one modification at no cost. I don’t charge for this, this is all done in good faith that you’re considering me to build the home. I’ll also look at the property to make sure the design is compatible with the natural elevation, and won’t require substantial excavation or changes to the print. It’s fine if it does, we just have to allow for this ahead of time.

If you want to use a plan from outside sources, before you consult an architect/designer I’ll at least give you an estimate based off the overall sq ft & features. This should help to make sure you don’t design a home that’s way out of budget.

While I don’t get every home I bid, I don’t believe I’ve ever been outright taken advantage of for a free floor plan.