1. How do I view the rear elevation of a home?
2. How do I make changes to a plan?
3. What is reproducible vellum and how are changes made?
4. What if the foundation I need is not available for the plan I selected?
5. What is included in a set of your house plans?
6. Will this plan meet my local building codes?
7. Can I get the plans with an architectural or engineering seal for my local
area?
8. Do your plans provide all of the information necessary for the HVAC, plumbing,
and electrical systems?
9. How is the living square footage calculated?
10. Can I build a Sunterra home design with insulated concrete forms (ICF)?
11. Can structural insulated panels (SIP) construction be used or adapted to
a Sunterra plan?
12. Is it possible to purchase the plans in CADD form?
13. What does your Energy Conservation Guide cost?
14. How do I know if I can afford to build this home?
15. Can I get an address where this plan has been built, so I can see the finished
home?
16. Can I order plans in reverse?
17. How many sets of house plans will I need?
18. Do you sell “Study Plans” or “Study Sets”?
19. How do I place an order?
20. How can I pay for my purchase?
21. When and how will my plans be shipped?
22. Is rush service available?
23. What is your return policy?
24. How do I contact you?
1. How do I view the rear elevation of a home?
For plans that do not have the rear elevation on our website, please contact
us and we will email, fax, or mail a rendering or image of the rear elevation
to you if one is available.
2. How do I make changes to a plan?
If you want to change the plan you have 2 options:
a. You can purchase the “reproducible media package” for you plan
and have someone in your local area make the changes for you. What the local
market charges for this service will vary, so you will want to shop around.
In many cases you builder can make the changes you want without having to go
to the expense of having the original drawings redrawn.
b. If the changes are extensive, we offer a designer co-op program. You can
find information about this HERE.
3. What is reproducible vellum and how are changes
made?
Reproducible vellums are ideal if you intend to make minor changes to the plan.
They allow qualified architects and engineers to modify the design without
having to completely redraw the plan.
You may use one of the following items to remove
the image from the vellum paper (these can be purchased at a blueprint/drafting
supply store):
a. Xerographic eradicator fluid such as Michlin
film eradicating fluid applied per manufacturer directions.
b. A dark grey ink eraser in an electric eraser.
4. What if the foundation I need is not available
for the plan I selected?
First check with your builder, most builders can make this type of change on
the building site. If you need a particular foundation specified in your area,
you may need an engineer, architect, or designer to draw a foundation plan
to replace the one that is supplied with our plans.
5. What is included in a set of your house plans?
Each set of plans that we offer will provide you with the necessary information
to build the home. There may be some adjustments necessary to the plans in
order to comply with your state or county building codes. The following list
shows what is included within each set of plans that we sell. Depending on
the plan chosen there might be more building information provided. All site
plans must be generated by you or your builder being specific for your property.
Our
blueprints include:
a. Exterior Elevations: Shows the front, rear, and side of the house including
exterior materials, details, and measurements.
b. Foundation Plan: Shows a basement, crawlspace, or slab depending on what
is available for the plan. The foundation plan details the layout and construction
of the foundation. Designed for 1,500 lbs per square feet soil loading.
c. Detailed Floor Plans: Shows the placement of walls and the dimensions for
rooms, doors, windows, stairways, etc. for each level of the house.
d. Roof Layout: Shows the pitch and layout of the roof assembly.
e. Cross Sections: Shows details of the house as if it were sliced from the
roof to the foundation. The cross sections detail the construction of the home.
f. Electrical Schematic: Shows the location of fixtures and switches. It may
be shown as a separate sheet or be included on the floor plan. Electrical plan
is typically not required to obtain a building permit and can be created by
your electrical contractor, so a few designs may not include the electrical
layout.
g. Additional: Most of our plans include an energy recovery ventilation design
and many include a radiant floor heating layout.
h. Conservation Guide: Provides instructions and information about any combinations
of the following: structural specifications, excavating, and thermal and moisture
protection.
Conservation Guide Table of Contents
Due to regional variations it is impossible to
include much detail about heating, plumbing, and electrical work.
Duct work, venting, and other details vary depending on the type
of HVAC system and the type of energy used. These details and specifications
are easily obtained from your builder, contractor, or local supplier.
Also not included is a material list. This varies depending on
the type of wall construction you choose as illustrated in your
Conservation Guide CD included.
6. Will this plan meet my local building codes?
Many states, counties, cities, and subdivisions have their own set of codes
and regulations that they have determined work best for their area. Since
stock plans are sold throughout the country, they meet national codes at
the time they are designed. You may need to take the plans to a local architect
or designer to bring the plan up to your local codes. It is also possible
that you will need to hire a local engineer to analyze the design and provide
additional drawings and calculations required by your building department.
If you aren’t sure what is needed it is best to contact your building
department to see what provisions they have imposed in order to obtain a
building permit. Most of our plans are designed for Central Oregon conditions
such as: 80 mph wind and 25 lb per square feet snow load.
7. Can I get the plans with an architectural
or engineering seal for my local area?
Some cities and states now require a licensed architect or engineer to review
and “seal” a blueprint, or officially approve it prior to construction
due to concerns over energy costs, safety, and other factors. Prior to application
for a building permit or the start of actual construction, we strongly advise
that you consult your local building official who can tell you if such a review
is required. If a seal is required, you will have to find a local architect
or engineer to perform this function for you.
8. Do your plans provide all of the information
necessary for the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems?
Specific HVAC, plumbing, and electrical information is not shown on the blueprints.
HVAC system information regarding location units, what types of units are used,
and the mechanical and final electrical layout are determined by local building
codes and your preference of heating and cooling system. Also, we don’t
know which direction the water flow will enter your house or where the electrical
feed will enter. Determining the location and the type of these systems you
install in your new home is something you would discuss with your local builder
or local subcontractors. They should be able to provide you with the necessary
information based on what your local building codes will allow.
9. How is the living square footage calculated?
Generally,
square footage calculations are made from outside the exterior
frame wall and do not include decks, porches, garages, basements,
attics, and bonus
rooms. We include two story and vaulted areas only once in the calculations
of the first floor. Stairs are counted once. Balconies and open walkways
in two story and vaulted areas are included in square footage. This is generally
true for all plans.
10. Can I build a Sunterra home design with insulated
concrete forms (ICF)?
Insulated concrete form construction is a Sunterra approved method of building
a home shell. Each time we have produced a cost estimate of our projects with
insulated concrete form construction compared with advanced 2 x 6 framing and
foam insulation, our clients have all chosen the 2 x 6 advanced framing method
and foam insulation for the following reasons:
a. Insulated concrete form construction
cost $6.00 to $8.00 more per square foot of home floor area versus our
preferred method.
b. ICF reduced the interior volume of the home because of the wall thickness
required, which also increases cost per square foot of usable space.
c. The insulation value is less than we recommend when needed in the cooler
regions during the coldest time of the year.
11. Can structural insulated panels (SIP) construction
be used or adapted to a Sunterra plan?
Several of our home designs have been built with SIP construction. We design
in 24” modules which help reduce the cost of SIP construction.
We also illustrate in our “Energy Conservation
Guide” the advanced framing method with structural urethane
spray foam. This allows you to not change standard construction
methods and to acquire the added structural strength and insulation
value.
Both of these construction methods are highly
recommended by Sunterra Homes, Inc.
12. Is it possible to purchase the plans in CADD
form?
We do not offer our designs in CADD format. There are too many different programs
resulting in incompatibility problems.
13. What does your “Energy Conservation Guide” cost?
Our energy conservation guide can be purchased for $99.00. This guide was composed,
so you have the same information to build you new home as we offer our local
customers and the design and construction methods that achieved us our national
and local awards.
14. How do I know if I can afford to build this
home?
The cost of building a home varies, depending on where you
build, the cost of materials in your area, how you finish the home,
and who you hire to build
the home. Because of all the variances involved, we cannot tell you how much
it will cost to build a specific house plan. We recommend you research the
cost of construction in your area and feel comfortable in proceeding before
you purchase a plan. We believe a Sunterra home is your best value.
15. Can I get an address where this plan has
been built, so I can see the finished home?
There are several reasons why we cannot give out this information. First and
foremost, is to protect the privacy of our customers. All of our customers’ personal
information (including yours) is held in strictest confidence. Secondly, when
you place an order with us; we collect your billing and shipping addresses – not
the address where the home may be built. For the homes we still have access
to, we have provided virtual tours of these existing homes on our website.
16. Can I order plans in reverse?
Yes, when a plan is printed in reverse, the text also is printed in reverse;
this is called a Mirror Reverse. When ordering a mirrored reverse plan, you
need to order at least one set of the blueprints in non-reverse (so that
the text is easy to read). To reduce the chances of confusion, the non-reversed
blueprints should have the words “Build in Reverse” clearly written
on every page of the blueprints.
Reproducible media cannot be ordered in mirror
reverse format. If you order a reproducible media for a plan and
want to print the plan in mirror reverse, you simply turn the master
plan upside down while running it through a blueprinting machine.
This will cause the blueprints to be printed in mirror reverse.
17. How many sets of house plans will I need?
Besides a set for yourself, you may need to turn a set in to your builder,
subcontractors, mortgage lender, and local building departments. We provide
a deluxe package with 8 sets of plans. This package is good for those that
are going to build the home as is with little modification. If modification
to our design is required, refer to our Designer Co-op Program.
18. Do you sell “Study Plans” or
Study Sets”?
We don’t offer “study plans”. We are more than happy to answer
any specific questions that you may have in hopes to help you with the selection
process before ordering a full set of plans.
19. How do I place my order?
There are three easy
ways to order:
a. Us our secure online shopping cart, Pay Pal.
b. Phone us at (541) 389-4733, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. – 3
p.m. Pacific time.
c. Mail us your order at Sunterra Homes, Inc., PO Box 5278, Bend OR 97708.
20. How can I pay for my purchase?
We accept MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and checks for orders placed
via our shopping cart or checks only by telephone or mail orders. For telephone
and mail orders please pay via cashier’s check or money order (payable
to Sunterra Homes, Inc.).
21. When and how will my plans be shipped?
We require 3 business days to process orders. For US orders, we have UPS shipping
to a customer’s physical address or the United States Post Office for
PO boxes. Both delivery services take approximately 5 – 7 business
days for $18.00, which is already factored into the plan package cost. All
Energy Conservation Guide CDs will be mailed through the United States Post
Office.
22. Is RUSH service available?
Yes. Telephone orders for in-stock items can be shipped the next day. Delivery
is via UPS 2-Day service (US deliveries only). The cost is $25.00 plus our
normal $18.00 shipping cost.
23. What is your return policy?
All construction plans ordered are provided as is. Sunterra Homes, Inc. disclaims
all other warranties, express or implied, including merchantability or fitness
of purpose. Construction plans may not be returned for credit and/or refund
under any circumstances. Sunterra Homes, Inc. is not liable for incidental,
special, consequential, or indirect damages of any kind, including, but not
limited to, loss of anticipated profits, business opportunity or other economic
loss arising out of the use of services or any construction plans received
from Sunterra Homes, Inc., even if Sunterra Homes, Inc. has been advised
of the possibility of such damage.
It is the customer’s responsibility to
ensure the accuracy, compliance with applicable statue(s) or regulation(s),
and fitness of purpose of any plans or construction information
received from Sunterra Homes, Inc. prior to the use thereof. In
the event that any liability is imposed on Sunterra Homes, Inc.’s
liability to you or any third party shall not exceed the price
paid for the Sunterra Homes, Inc. house plan product.
24. How do I contact you?
Sunterra Homes, Inc. is committed to providing the highest level of customer
service. Please feel free to contact us with any
questions or comments. Check HERE for our latest contact info.
ENERGY CONSERVATION GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction Page 1
2.1 Design Concepts Page 2
2.2 Building Shape Page 2
2.3 Building Orientation Page 2
2.4 Room Location Page 3
2.5 Use of Space Page 3
2.6 Window Placement Page 4
2.7 Earth Sheltering Page 4
3.1 Home Placement page 5
4.1 Heat Cost Ratings Pages 6-7
5.1 Recommended Conservation Package Page 8
6.1 Financing Efficient Homes Page 9
7.1 Excavation Page 10
8.1 Concrete Footings Page 11
9.1 Foundation Walls Page 12
9.2 Concrete Slab Floors Pages 12-13
9.3 Crawl Space Page 13
10.1 Basement Walls Page 14
10.2 Concrete Foundation Walls Page 14
10.3 Insulated Concrete Forms Page 15
10.4 Permanent Wood Foundations Page 16
11.1 Concrete Floors – General Page 17
11.2 Slab Above Grade Page 17
11.3 Slab Below Grade Page 17
12.1 Framing General Pages 18-19
12.2 Wall Construction Pages 20-24
12.3 Strapped Wall Construction Pages 25-26
12.4 Structural Insulated Panels Page 26
12.5 Insulated Concrete Forms Page 26
13.1 Air Sealing – General Pages 27-30
13.2 Air Sealing – Single Wall Construction Pages 30-32
13.3 Air Sealing – Strapped Wall Construction Pages 32-33
13.4 Air Sealing – Structural Insulated Panels Page 33
13.5 Air Sealing – Insulated Concrete Forms Page 33
14.1 Insulation – General Pages 34-35
14.2 Insulation – Floors Pages 35-37
14.3 Insulation – Walls Pages 38-41
14.4 Insulation – Ceiling Pages 41-44
15.1 Window and Door Selection Pages 45-48
16.1 Window and Door Installation Page 49
17.1 Skylights Page 49
18.1 Roofing and Siding Page 50
19.1 Ventilation Page 51
19.2 Heat Recovery Ventilators Pages 52-53
19.3 Energy Recovery Ventilators Pages 53-54
20.1 Heating and Air Conditioning Page 55
20.2 Electrical Zonal Page 55
20.3 Central Forced Air Page 56
20.4 Conventional Hydronic Page 57
20.5 Floor Radiant Heating Pages57-58
20.6 Wood or Gas Stove and Fireplace Considerations Page 59
21.1 Plumbing Checks Page 60
22.1 Electrical Checks Page 61
23.1 Alternative Energy Systems Page 61
23.2 Passive Solar Heating and Cooling Pages 62-65
23.3 Air-To-Air Heat Pumps Pages 65-66
23.4 Air-To-Water Heat Pump Page 66
23.5 Water and Ground Source Heat Pumps Pages 67-68
23.6 Active Solar Pages 69-71
24.1 Electric Off-Peak Utility Option Page 71
25.1 Landscaping Page 72-73
CONCLUSION Page 73 |
