Custom Home Blueprints: Your Dream Home, Your Way

Ever walk into a house and instantly feel at home? Custom home blueprints can do that for you. These drawings map out every aspect of your home, from the layout of rooms to the placement of windows and doors, to make your dream home come true.

This guide will walk you through the stages of approving custom home blueprints, to make sure your new home is functional, safe, and compliant with local building codes. Whether you're collaborating with an architect or a builder, knowing the process of blueprint approval is key to a successful homebuilding experience.

The Blueprint Approval Process

In Lincoln, Nebraska, and the surrounding areas, the blueprint approval process generally involves the following steps:

Initial Submission and Plan Review

Your architect or designer submits the completed blueprints, with architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans, to the local building department. Building officials then meticulously examine these blueprints to verify their compliance with local building codes, zoning ordinances, and safety standards. They check for structural integrity, proper ventilation, electrical wiring, plumbing systems, and adherence to energy efficiency guidelines.

Corrections, Resubmission, and Final Approval

If any discrepancies or code violations arise, the building department requests corrections. Your architect or designer revises the blueprints accordingly and resubmits them for further review. Once all revisions are made and the blueprints meet all requirements, the building department grants final approval and issues the necessary permits, signaling the green light for construction to begin.

Parties Involved in the Approval Process

• The Architect or Designer: Creates the initial blueprints and makes any necessary revisions based on feedback from the building department.

• The Builder: Facilitates communication and collaboration between the homeowner, architect, and building department, ensuring a smooth process.

• The Local Building Department: Evaluates the blueprints for compliance with local codes and regulations, ensuring the safety and legality of the construction project.

How to Review Your Custom Home Blueprint Design

Here are some of the areas you need to review before submitting your custom home blueprint design.

Spatial Layout and Flow

Visualize your daily routines as you navigate the floor plan. Does the layout promote a natural flow between rooms? Is the kitchen conveniently located near the dining area?  Would an open floor plan enhance your family's interaction? Additionally, consider the placement of bedrooms and bathrooms for privacy and convenience.

Room Dimensions

Measure your existing furniture and ensure it fits comfortably in the designated spaces. Verify the dimensions of hallways and doorways for ease of movement. Pay attention to ceiling heights to assess the sense of spaciousness.

Doors and Windows

Analyze the placement and types of windows and doors to maximize natural light and ventilation. Take into account the direction of sunlight throughout the day to optimize energy efficiency. Make sure the windows have the view you want while still maintaining privacy.

Electrical and Plumbing Plans

Scrutinize the location of outlets and switches, ensuring they are conveniently placed for your electronics and appliances. Review the placement of plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms and the kitchen. Ensure that it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

Storage Solutions

Ample storage is the secret to a clutter-free home. Evaluate the size and location of closets, pantries, and any built-in cabinets. Consider your storage needs for specific items, like kitchen appliances, linens, or recreational gear.

Exterior Elements

Finally, assess the exterior design, materials, and landscaping to ensure they complement your desired aesthetic and the surrounding landscape. Consider the architectural style, siding choices, rooflines, and outdoor living spaces.

Remember, this is your opportunity to optimize your floor plan, identify potential modifications, and fine-tune your blueprint before construction begins.

How to Customize Your Custom Home Blueprints

Your custom home blueprints are not set in stone. They are a starting point, a canvas that you can paint with any style you want.

Personalizing Your Space

Personalization can take many forms. Perhaps you envision a larger kitchen island for family gatherings, an extra bedroom for guests, or a home office to accommodate remote work. You might want to swap out standard flooring for hardwood or tile or choose unique countertops and fixtures that match your taste.

Make Structural Changes

Furthermore, you can make structural changes. Adjusting room sizes, altering layouts, or even adding new rooms are all possibilities during the customization phase.

Upgrade Finishes and Materials

Upgrading finishes and materials is another way to put your stamp on your home. You can choose from various flooring options, from luxurious hardwood to durable tile or cozy carpet. Select countertops that complement your kitchen cabinets and opt for bathroom fixtures that exude your aesthetic.

Integrate Smart Home Technology

In addition, integrating smart home technology is increasingly popular among Lincoln homeowners. Consider incorporating smart lighting systems, security cameras, thermostats, and entertainment systems to enhance convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency.

Blueprint for a Safe & Legal Custom Home in Lincoln

Ensuring your custom home's blueprints comply with building codes is a non-negotiable aspect of the construction process. Building codes are regulations established to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of occupants. They ensure the home's structural integrity, protect against fire hazards, and guarantee proper electrical and plumbing systems.

The Role of Building Officials

Building officials enforce these codes. They review your blueprints to verify that they adhere to local and national standards. This review process includes checking for proper structural design, fire safety measures, electrical wiring, plumbing systems, and energy efficiency compliance. Once the blueprints are deemed compliant, building officials issue the necessary permits, allowing construction to proceed.

Common Code Requirements in Lincoln, Nebraska

In the Lincoln, Nebraska area, building codes address various aspects of your custom home. They dictate the standards for foundations, framing, roofing, insulation, and other structural elements to ensure your home is built to last. 

Fire safety codes mandate the inclusion of smoke detectors, fire-resistant materials, and proper escape routes. Electrical codes govern the safe installation of wiring, outlets, and fixtures, while plumbing codes ensure proper sanitation and water supply. Energy efficiency codes promote sustainable practices by requiring insulation, efficient windows, and energy-saving appliances.

Don't Let Your Dream Home Stay on Paper

The blueprint approval stage is a pivotal point in your custom home journey. It's where your dreams transition from abstract ideas to concrete plans, ensuring your vision aligns with practicality, safety, and legal requirements.

Through meticulous review of your custom home blueprints, you shape your future home. You customize layouts, finishes, and features to reflect your unique lifestyle and preferences. Simultaneously, you ensure that your home adheres to local building codes, guaranteeing its structural integrity and safety.

Partnering with a trusted professional can streamline this process. Our team can guide you through blueprint review, customization, and code compliance. We’ll help you bring your dream home to life.