Can you send us a brochure on the plans that you offer?
We do not have printed materials, but rather rely on our website to do our marketing and explain our cottage communities and stock house plans.  We feel it is a better way to communicate our product and will save a few trees in the process. Periodically, we will be adding new plans, so please keep an eye on our website.

How much does it cost to build your homes?
Costs vary regionally and are difficult to determine without knowing the site and finish materials. Competition and contractor availability are also factors. That translates into very different costs per square foot, depending on where you live. To get the most up-to-date assessment of local costs, it is best to ask local contractors and salespeople at building supply stores about rates.

Do you have model homes that we may visit or is it possible to contact the owners of the houses shown on your web site?
No. We do not have model homes. As far as contacting any owners of our homes, it is our policy to protect the privacy of our customers, so we do not give out their addresses even for drive bys.  Likewise, should you purchase a set of our plans, we will not give out your address. We do our best to give you enough information to make an educated decision about purchasing our plans, sharing the floor plans and photographs of the homes.

Can the plans be modified?
You are welcome to take the set of plans (or a print of the floor plan from our website) to a designer, architect, or engineer in your area to discuss modifications. At this time, we are not able to to take on modification work other than mirroring, which is an additional fee. Modifications allow you to customize your home design. Limitations may include structural feasibility, construction cost, and design integrity. You will need to have a local architect or engineer review the plans to assure they adhere to all local codes and structural requirements (such as seismic or hurricane resistance), so that is a good time to discuss modifications.

How do we find a qualified designer or architect in our area to help us modify the plans?
The American Institute of Building Designers http://aibd.org will assist you with finding designers in your locale. Your local trade organization of builders or your building supply center may have suggestions as well. In addition, the web site www.notsobighouse.com has a list of architects who subscribe to the values of thoughtfully-designed, right-sized houses.

What is included when purchasing the stock house plans?
You are purchasing a license to build one structure. Our stock home plans are very complete and include all the information needed by a qualified contractor to build the home. They include the following: Foundation Plan, Floor Plans, Framing Plans, Sections, Building Systems, Elevations, Electrical Plans, Details, Specifications, and Window and Door Schedules.

Do the plans have an architect stamp?
No. Our plans are not stamped and approved for your locale.  When you purchase a set of our house plans, you will find them complete but not site specific.  Our license agreement requires that purchasers have a structural engineer review the drawings to make sure they comply with local building codes and conditions relevant to your site – as is the case with all stock plans. Our plans go out as GoodFit house plans, GoodFit being a division of Ross Chapin Architects.

What type of heating and air conditioning do the plans call for?
Part of the not-so-big idea is to devote minimal space to utilities. When it comes to an HVAC system, here in the Pacific NW where the climate is moderate, we typically install a fireplace in the living room as the main heat source with electric wall heaters to supplement the fireplace. There is no need for air conditioning in this part of the country. If you and your builder are considering something more substantial, such as radiant floor or central heating, you should discuss these possibilities with the engineer who is reviewing your plans, who will ensure that the floors have structural strength to support the system and/or that mechanical ducts are placed appropriately so as not to compromise the structural integrity.

Any pointers to help me begin a building project, or a book that might help with the process?
We usually suggest starting with a visit to the Taunton Press www.taunton.com website. They have the widest selection of books and magazines to help with every aspect of creating your home, including Creating the Not So Big House, Home By Design, and Patterns of Home. In addition, Christopher Alexander's seminal book, A Pattern Language, provides inspiring guidance.

Do you offer developer consultation services?
Yes. We offer a range of services to assist developers with neighborhood residential projects. Contact us to discuss the extent of services appropriate to or required for your project.

What are my payment options for purchasing a set of house plans?
1) You may pay online by credit card. We use the secure website of PayPal to collect our online payments. Our customers occasionally have problems using this site. If this happens, feel free to use one of our other payment options.
2) Pay by credit card through our office. Give us a call at 360.221.2373, M - F, 8:30 - 5:00 PDT.
3) Pay by check accompanied by your completed downloadable order form.

What is your refund policy?
We do not offer refunds or exchanges. You need to make sure of your order before placing it. We also suggest you discuss with your builder, engineer, or local building inspector any site specific requirements that should be taken into consideration, for example height restrictions and set backs.