FAQ - Robinson Plans

8 paper copies and a pdf copy
Exterior Elevations
Foundation Plan (local engineers review required)
Floor Plans
Roof Plans (product supplier review required)
Electrical Plans
Building Sections
Construction Details
Generic Site Plan (to be filled out by contractor)

What does it cost per square foot to build one of your homes or cottage designs?

That is a difficult question to answer as construction costs vary widely from region to region. It also depends on how much trim detail you include and the type of finishing you choose. We suggest you speak to contractors in your area to get an estimate of the costs of construction.

Are there any cottages built in my area and can I go and see one?

Due to privacy considerations, we do not provide the contact information of our clients or specific locations of cottages or homes that have been built. On occasion, we have had past clients that are willing to discuss their building process and share their finished homes with potential clients, however, we provide the potential client information to the past client so they can determine the extent of any contact. You may look under specific products to view any photographs we have been provided of finished cottages.

Do the home plan sets include everything my contractor requires to build the home?

Yes, a complete set of architectural plans are provided that include everything you will need. However, because of varying soil and drainage conditions, a local engineer must review and approve the foundation. In addition, it is standard practice that the design of specialty items are provided by the supplier or installer. These include but are not limited to roof trusses, floor framing, HVAC design, electrical and gas servicing.

Can I get a set of home plans that are a mirror image and what is the cost?

Yes, all sets of home plans are available in mirror (reverse) image for an additional $100. All text and dimensions are mirrored for ease of reading and convenience.

What do I do if I want to make a few changes to the home plans?

We provide customization services for all of our cottage and home plans billed at our hourly rate. Please refer to “Customize Home Plan” for more information.

What is a "ship's ladder" or ladder to the loft?

A ship’s ladder is a permanently installed ladder for access to the loft. The ladder is sloped about 10 degrees and has narrow treads instead of the slats normally found on a ladder.

The square footage in some floor plans includes the loft area, in other floor plans the loft area is not included in the square footage. Why the difference?

In some building codes, a loft accessible via ship’s ladder, rather than by a stair, is not recognized as “living space”. Therefore, the loft area is not included in the square footage calculation on the floor plan. The approved use of these lofts should be verified with local building authorities. If the loft is accessible via a stair, the loft space is included in the square footage calculation on the home plan.

Can I purchase a study set rather than ordering the whole set of home plans?

We do not provide study sets of our home plans due to copyright considerations. Any related information that we offer prior to ordering the home plan is shown on the website. If you require further information please contact one of our architectural designers.

What types of foundations are available?

All home plans are designed with a concrete foundation as a basement or a crawlspace. Some home plans give you the option of a full basement and a crawlspace. As long as the home plans have a staircase to the basement, you can have a full basement. Other foundation options, including walk-out basement, slab on grade or pier are available as a custom charge.

Will these home plans satisfy my local building code?

All home plans are prepared to conform to the National Building Code of Canada. Due to local building codes and climatic conditions, home plans must be reviewed by your local building officials prior to construction. In addition, our home plans meet the requirements of the International Residential Code and the Ontario Building Code. Currently, Ontario is the only province in Canada requiring this additional certification. All other provinces adhere to the National Building Code. Any home plans that are shipped to Ontario also include the necessary paperwork for building permits.

Does Robinson Residential Design provide material lists?

We do not provide material lists for our home plan packages. This is best determined by the company analyzing the drawings and identifying all the materials required (called “material take offs”). Different methods of framing, blocking, openings and corners can make a significant difference in the material required.

Also, many items that used to be provided as individual items are now provided as packages by the manufacturing company supplying the item(s).

Do you provide CAD files?

A CAD file of the home plan you are interested in can be purchased if you would like to provide the architectural drawings to your engineer, HVAC designer or local professional for modification. Costs vary by home plan so please contact us for pricing.

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