Idea House Resource Guide 2004
New houses full of our best ideas.

SL-074 - Brookfield
SL-075 - Salado View
SL-076 - West Bay Landing
Creating the New Southern Home
Written by noted architect John Tee, AIA, this guide takes the mystery out of home design and construction. Organized as a visual checklist of the key design decisions, it will help you narrow the endless choices, organize your favorites, and get you off to a good start with the design-build team.

Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one, informed communication is the key to a successful project. By understanding the key design options and the basics of homebuilding you'll be more effective with your architect, contractor, designers and suppliers.

Approx. 150 pages. Available as a downloadable PDF.

Printing/shipping fees apply if a printed copy is requested; call for details.
House Plan Buyer's Guide
Designer Larry Garnett has been designing homes for clients for more than 25 years. During that time, he's learned that successful design has very little to do with square footage.

In this book, Garnett walks you through the design process to present realistic approaches to the challenges you face when choosing a home plan. He takes a look at exterior elements and provides solutions for designing kitchens, dining areas, foyers, master suites, resource centers and family entries by analyzing traffic patterns and privacy needs.

64 pages. Includes guide on modifying stock home plans. Available as a downloadable PDF.

Printing/shipping fees apply if a printed copy is requested; call for details.
Homebuilding Basics
Whether you're planning to build your first family home or a small weekend cottage, the venture may seem a bit overwhelming. But by understanding the homebuilding process, step-by-step, the experience can actually be pleasant and very interesting.

Building a home is a relatively simple process that has changed little over the years. However, the diversity of technologies used, variety of choices available, and complexity and cost of materials have changed dramatically.

Although we can't advise you on all the decisions you'll have to make, this manual, written by noted architect John Tee, AIA, can help guide you through the process. Consider it an overview of each phrase of construction, explained in straightforward, simple, non-technical terms, with just enough details to help you visualize each phase.

Each chapter contains information that will help you understand each phase of construction, the terms used, and the people involved. A Checklist at the end of each chapter will remind you of some of the important aspects of each phase. Familiarizing yourself with the Glossary of Building Terms will help you communicate with your builder. Samples of Specification Outline and Change Order form will clarify important details between you and your builder.

Now, take a deep breath and relax. You're off to a great start! With this manual and a little homework, you'll have a good understanding of how a house is built-from the ground up. Available in downloadable format. Approx. 150 pages.

Available as a downloadable PDF.

Printing/shipping fees apply if a printed copy is requested; call for details.
First Steps: What to Do Before You Break Ground
Building your dream home has its rewards, but keeping track of all the details can be daunting. Just as you wouldn’t try to build a house without blueprints, you shouldn’t rush into a building project without first laying the groundwork. A good set of blueprints describes what you want and how you will get there. Taking the time to plan what you want in your new home and how you will achieve it can save you a case of builder’s remorse a few years down the road.

This ebook is a blueprint you can follow as you set your project in motion. Inside are tips and worksheets designed to help you find the right home for your needs (and your budget), deal with contractors and lenders, select a lot for your home and learn about the other details you will need to navigate through the building process without losing track of your goal.

Download it today for FREE!
The Construction Process: Building Your Dream Home
You've planned, pondered and procrastinated long enough. It's time to break ground and build your dream home. All the homework and hard decisions are about to pay off. But what's your next step - and the one after that?

This booklet will guide you through the construction process, from ground-breaking to move-in. You'll learn how to navigate the often rocky road that is home construction - how to avoid pitfalls, save money, make smart decisions… and maybe even enjoy yourself along the way.

Download it today for FREE!
Seaside Plan Portfolio
A collection of house plans for coastal or lakeside living, ranging in size from 375 to 2,000 square feet.

Available as a Downloadable PDF, formatted for printing on standard letter-size paper.

A printed copy is available for an additional fee. Please call for additional details.
Oceanside Plan Portfolio
A collection of house plans for coastal or lakeside living, ranging in size from 2,000 to 2,500 square feet.

Available as a Downloadable PDF, formatted for printing on standard letter-size paper.

A printed copy is available for an additional fee. Please call for additional details.
Watersedge Plan Portfolio
A collection of house plans for coastal or lakeside living, ranging in size from 2,500 to 5,200 square feet.

Available as a Downloadable PDF, formatted for printing on standard letter-size paper.

A printed copy is available for an additional fee. Please call for additional details.
Small Homes Plan Portfolio - Volume 1
A collection of small house plans ranging in size from 400 to 1,500 square feet.

Available as a Downloadable PDF, formatted for printing on standard letter-size paper.

A printed copy is available for an additional fee. Please call for additional details.