Regional Engineering/Code Requirements

Regional Engineering/Code Requirement Topics

Each region, state and, even cities within, may have different governing codes, regulations and ordinances specific to that area. The International Code Council (ICC) is responsible for providing a series of International Codes (I-Codes). The ICC model codes are then adopted by state either in whole or in part and may, in addition, vary by counties within each state. Our plans are designed to meet current IRC (International Residential Code) standards developed by the ICC and used for building in the US, limited to conventional construction of light-frame buildings. Because of the vast difference in code and zoning regulations throughout the United States, your plan may need additional specifications regarding snow loads, wind velocity, energy codes, soil and seismic conditions (see below). In many cases these specifications can be added to the Construction Contract Document between you and your builder. If additional addendum drawing sheets are required to accompany the set of house plans, your builder will be able to provide them as part of the project, working from the dimensions and specification in the existing plan. In this case it is advisable to purchase a PDF File. Most homeowners use stock plans without the need to have them redrawn by local residential designers.

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For the majority of residential construction conforming to standard building methods and materials, you will not need an engineer's or architect's stamp. Some regions, however, may require that a licensed architect or engineer review and seal a drawing prior to construction due to regional seismic or weather related factors. We recommend that you consult your local building official or contractor who can tell you if such a review is required. In most cases building contractors generally work with engineers and include this in their building cost. For example, it is not uncommon for a builder to have pre-stamped, engineered foundation specifications for steeply sloped building lots.

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Yes. A PDF File can be purchased by you, as the purchaser of record, for an additional 25% of the plan cost. Email us at support@carolinahomeplans.net with your name, address, order number and plan number. We will then reply to you with instruction for placing the order.
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No. For non-level properties with slopes falling within the standards specified by building codes and local zoning ordinances, all our foundation plan include the option for step-down type footings and foundation support walls that must conform to site-specific transit readings.

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If you are building in an area where particular circumstances such as heat, soil conditions or floods require specialized non-standard foundations, your local licensed building contractor can provide the specifications as part of the building project to be incorporated with your purchased plan. All foundation measurements, bearing points, girder spans and sizes as well as all structural specifications on the existing plans will be needed to design and construct a pier and beam foundation. In this case it is preferable to purchase the PDF File.
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No. It will probably be a lot cheaper (and may not be required at all) if you go through your builder first for any particular engineering specifications.
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Yes. All of our plans specify that a code compliant anchoring system (hurricane clips, tie downs, roof fasteners, and foundation anchors) be used in zones where they are required in accordance with regional governing ordinances and regulations.
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All of our plans meet the standard code-specified snow loads ranging from 30 PSF to 70 PSF (depending on the individual plan) as stipulated by the IRC. The snow load capacity of a given roof rafter design is affected by the species, grade, size and spacing of the lumber. In addition, the use of bracing and purlins in the attic will contribute to the load capacity. This is a simple matter for your local builder to adjust without the need for any plan modifications. Please note: If you would like us to provide snow load calculations for the US region in which you are planning to build, we will provide this at no extra charge. When you place your order during check out please include the CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE IN WHICH YOU PLAN TO BUILD. Or when you receive the order confirmation, email us by replying to the confirmation email with your building location. We will email you with the snow load calculations. If the rafter load capacity needs to be increased, we will provide notation accordingly on the Repro or PDF plan at no extra charge. If you are planning to build with roof trusses, this will not be necessary, since they are designed and supplied locally, and, therefore, automatically will conform to local snow-load requirements.
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