Faq's

MODIFICATION SERVICES – DRUMMOND DESIGNS.COM

3. Questions about Additional Services

- Would it be possible to get a material list for a modified design, and if so, what does your material list include?
- Will my home plans be stamped?

4. General Questions

- What is the difference between a full reverse and a mirror set of plans?
- Can I use your modification service to modify my plans to meet local building code requirements?
- Can we visit homes built by your designs?

• Q. What modifications can I make through your modification service?
  
  A. With the expertise of Drummond Designs, you get a full spectrum of design-change options. They range from enlarging or reducing the total square footage of a plan to changing a roofline or foundation type. Your choices also include adding, removing and relocating rooms, windows, and doors, as well as many other refinements and amenities.
  
  
• Q. How much does it cost to modify?
  
  A. Review our Modification Pricing Guide to see a price range for particular changes. Once you have filled out the online payment form, fill out the modification checklist, our experts will determine the complexity of the work and send you an accurate cost estimate for your review.
  
  
• Q. How do I get started?
  
  A. It’s never been easier! Here’s our step-by-step process:
  

• Select the house plan that most closely meets your needs.
  
  
• To get your cost estimate for FREE online, click on the "order your estimate" icon on the modification page. Once you have ordered an estimate cost, you will be given access to our online modification checklist right away (To order by phone call our customer service department at 1-866-444-4916 and tell them you wish to modify your chosen plan).
  
  
• Once you have downloaded our online modification checklist (or received it by mail or e-mail if you ordered by phone) you must complete it, including all modifications and changes you want to be done on the original plan, print it and return it by fax at 1-866-444-2571.
  
  
• Within 48 hours** (2 business days) of receipt of your completed modification checklist and description of changes, a cost estimate will be provided to you.
  
  
• Once you approve the estimate, our design team will complete your modification project starting with a preliminary design, if applicable. Normally within 2 to 4 weeks** after approval of the preliminary design you will receive EITHER 5 sets of blueprints or a reproducible set, as well as an accurate materials list, if requested.
  
  

• Q. How do I proceed once I’ve received the modification cost estimate?
  
  A. Approve the estimate. Fill out the payment form with your address information and credit card number. At this time, 75 percent of the total estimate is due. Return your estimate and payment forms via FAX to 1-866-444-2571. When Drummond Designs receives your approved estimate and payment, a preliminary design followed by the full construction drawings will be provided. You will be notified on completion of all changes, at which time the final 25 percent payment will be due. Remit the payment in full and Drummond Designs will send your full construction drawings.
  
  
• Q. Why do I need to purchase a reproducible master in order to create modifications?
  
  A. When you purchase a reproducible master or vellum, you get a copyright release. This gives you the legal right to modify and copy the original design. This procedure adheres to stringent standards set by the industry.
  
  
• Q. What is the turn-around time for your mofification services?
  
  A. The average turn-around time is 10-15 business days*, following the receipt of the customer’s approval of any preliminary design modifications, if applicable.
  *Excluding holidays.
  
  
• Q. How will I know which home plans are modifiable?
  
  A. Any home plan is modifiable.
  
  
  

• Q. Is it possible to get different types of foundations like slab, crawlspace, and pillar?
  
  A. Yes! We offer a variety of foundations to accommodate diverse soil types and basement requirements.
  
  
• Q. How difficult would it be to change the ridge height according to my local code restrictions?
  
  A. In most cases, it is fairly easy to do as we can lower the roof pitch or simply adjust the ground level with the site condition.
  
  
• Q. Can one of your stock plans be changed to metal framing?
  
  A. Yes! We can modify any design and integrate it with any type of building system on the market.
  
  
• Q. Can your home plans experts adapt a stock plan to any prefabricated system or ICF (insulated concrete form)?
  
  A. Yes! Our highly trained architectural professionals can modify any design to comply with the different types of building systems that are available and adapt the foundations and structure to accommodate the differences.
  
  
• Q. If I don’t like the type of windows on a design, can I replace them?
  
  A. Yes, our team of specialists will suggest alternate windows to complement the house and respond to your sense of style.
  
  
• Q. Can I change the type of exterior finish, for example, from brick to vinyl?
  
  A. Yes! You can change the type of any proposed exterior finish. Those that are featured on the homes in our magazine and on our website are suggestions only. Many of our customers choose to do so, whether for economical reasons or simply for personal preference. Note: there are some structural changes involved when converting from brick to vinyl and vice-versa. It is very important that you have your plan modified if you decide to change the type of exterior finish.
  
  
• Q. Can I extend the original garage or add a garage to a design?
  
  A. As long as the addition or extension does not become unwieldy or disproportionate to the house, our architectural design experts will work diligently to accommodate your requests.
  
  
• Q. Can any of these plans be adapted for handicap accessibility?
  
  A. Yes! All of our plans can be easily adapted to accommodate our handicapped customers. Our architectural specialists are highly trained and committed to providing for special needs situations.
  
  
• Q. Do you have any home plans that can be adapted for a sloping lot?
  
  A. Yes! Our home plans can be modified to overcome many lot-related challenges, from sloping to narrow. We also specialize in maximizing scenic views.
  
  
  

• Q. Would it be possible to get a material list for a modified design, and if so, what does your material list include?
  
  A. Yes, it is our policy to offer a material list for any modified design, for an additional fee. Our material lists provide a complete and detailed list of the items required to build your home, excluding finishing accessories, decorations, appliances and mechanical items.
  
  
• Q. Will my home plans be stamped?
  
  A. Our stock home plans are not sold with a stamp (architectural or engineering seal), but Drummond Designs can refer you to a local Engineer or Architect if you require a stamp, for legal or safety reasons. In order for us to know if you need this service, you must complete the appropriate section on the modification checklist (Item #17.). Please call for more information: 1-800-567-5267..
  
  
  

• Q. What is the difference between a full reverse and a mirror set of plans?
  
  A. A full reverse or right reading reverse will help you read and understand the plans better, as opposed to a mirror reverse where all the writing will be backwards.
  
  
• Q. Can I use your modification service to modify my plans to meet local building code requirements?
  
  A. In this case, we recommend that you use our services to upgrade your plans and have them meet your local regulations. Ask your building inspector for a list of items that must be completed, added or modified. You may also employ the services of a local architect.
  
  

• Q. Can we visit homes built by your designs?
  
  A. Unfortunately, because of complex tracking of all clients and designs and also in order to respect our customer’s privacy we cannot provide this information.