Bonus Room – (click floor plan to reverse)
Basement – (click floor plan to reverse)
Garage – (click floor plan to reverse)
Merveille Vivante House Plan
Returns
We want to make sure the house you choose is perfect for you. Please be certain that the plan you have selected suits your needs prior to purchasing.
Due to the intellectual knowledge shared in our product, all sales are final and cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstances.
All house plans sold by Archival Designs have been designed to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC) and to the local codes in the area where the designer resides or where the house was built.
Every state, county or municipality will have its own building and code requirements. It is possible that your plan may need to be modified to comply with these local requirements. This is particularly true in coastal areas and those facing seismic events, extreme winds and heavy snow. If you are building in any of these areas, it is likely that a licensed structural engineer will be needed to provide the necessary calculations and additional drawings. We authorize the use of our plans conditioned on your obligation and agreement to strictly comply with all local building codes, ordinances, regulations and requirements, including permits and inspections at the time of and during construction. We recommend checking with your local building department for the most current requirements.
Please review additional FAQs regarding architectural/engineer stamps, plumbing, and HVAC.
Our Frequently Asked Questions page provides answers to the most common questions we receive. If you have additional questions email or call us at 888-887-2584 and we'd be happy to assist you!
Q. Why choose Archival Designs?
Archival Designs brings you over 35 years of experience in the house plan design business. We offer the best value for your money by offering the highest quality home designs.
We offer a 10% military discount, as well as builder discounts for life! Archival Designs guarantees the lowest prices anywhere online. If you find a house plan advertised online for less send us a screenshot and we'll price-match + 3%.
All house plans sold by Archival Designs have been designed to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC) and to the local codes in the area where the designer resides or where the house was built.
Q. Do your plans meet building codes in my area?
Every city, local municipality and county throughout the United States has different requirements regarding the construction of a set of plans. Prior to purchasing your set of house plans, we recommend meeting with your local building officials in order to determine the building requirements for your area. Our plans are designed to meet most national building codes at the time they were originally drawn; however, many states and counties amend the codes for their local area. It is therefore, the responsibility of the purchaser(s) and/or builder to ensure that the structure is constructed to meet the codes of their local area.
Q. Will the plans be stamped or signed by an architect or engineer?
Stock house plans do not come stamped or signed by an architect or engineer, and may not include structural engineering notes/calculations. All house plans are architectural in nature, and must be reviewed by a local licensed engineer prior to construction. Please check with your local building officials to determine if an architect's stamp is required. After plan purchase from Archival Designs, the purchaser(s) and/or builder is responsible for additional expenses incurred through meeting municipality requirements or other requirements for construction.
Q. Do the plans include everything I need to build my home and get permits?
Our house plans can often be built 'as is'; however, every state, county or municipality will have its own building and code requirements. It is possible that your plan may need to be modified to comply with these local requirements. This is particularly true in coastal areas and those facing seismic events, extreme winds and heavy snow. If you are building in any of these areas, it is likely that a licensed structural engineer will be needed to provide the necessary calculations and additional drawings. We authorize the use of our plans conditioned on your obligation and agreement to strictly comply with all local building codes, ordinances, regulations and requirements, including permits and inspections at the time of and during construction. We recommend checking with your local building department for the most current requirements.
Q. Why aren't plumbing and HVAC included?
Local HVAC codes, climatic requirements and commonly used systems vary throughout the country. The direction of how water flow will enter the home or where the electrical feed will enter will vary from case to case. For this reason, it is impossible to provide universal plans. Your local HVAC and plumbing contractors will determine the best layout for your design.
Q. How many times can I build this plan?
With the purchase of any plan package (excluding a study set), you are licensed to build only one structure from the construction plans. If you plan on building a home more than once, please contact our home plan specialists for more information at 770-831-6363.
Q. Do I own the copyright to the plan I purchase?
No, the designer of the plan retains all copyrights regarding all plans sold. The purchase of a set of house plans in no way transfers any copyright of other ownership interest to the buyer except for a limited license to use that set of home plans for the construction of one structure.
Q. Can I see a sample set of construction plans?
Q. What is the cost to build?
There are many factors involved in figuring the price of your home. It is difficult to determine the actual cost of your home without knowing exactly what materials you will use, what you will pay for labor, and where you will be building. Please consult a local licensed builder for more information on the cost to build. Study set plan packages are often used to determine the cost to build and maybe a good choice for your project.
Q. Can I modify a stock plan?
Absolutely! To request an estimate submit a modification application.
Q. How is square footage calculated?
Square footage calculations include living (heated/cooled) spaces and are calculated from the outside perimeter of the exterior walls. The square footages do not include garages, basements, decks, porches, bonus rooms, and other non-heated spaces. Two-story or vaulted areas, and staircases are only included once in the calculations. Brick and stone is not included in the calculations.
Q. How do I purchase a plan from Archival Designs?
Purchasing a plan is easy! Simply add the house plan you would like to the cart and proceed to checkout. You can also give our home plan specialists a call at 770-831-6363 and place your order by phone. Archival Designs accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Q. How many sets of plan will I need to build my home?
The actual number of sets you will need will vary depending on your specific needs. You will need one for yourself, and multiple for the mortgage lender (appraiser), planning/zoning department (building permit), the subcontractors, and your builder. When you purchase a reproducible plan package such as PDF or AutoCAD, you will have the freedom to print as many sets as you need. If you choose the 5 bond set package, you will have the option to purchase additional sets for the price listed for your home.
Q. What is the difference between bond sets, PDF, and AutoCAD?
The type of package you choose will be determined based on your specific needs:
- 5 Bond package: Five sets of working drawings are ideal for customers who do not plan on modifying the home and would like to receive physical paper sets in the mail. This package may not be photocopied; if additional sets are necessary they must be ordered by phone at 770-831-6363.
- Electronic PDF package: One set of working drawings is emailed to you in .pdf format. This is the most popular option for customer who would like to make modifications (big or small) and print unlimited copies of their set. Most plans can be emailed the same day or within 1 business day and save you money on shipping costs.
- Electronic AutoCAD package: The AutoCAD file(s) are emailed to you in .dwg format. It can be used to make minor to major modifications by our designers or any other designer of your choice. This option requires access to any software compatible with .dwg or .dxf files. Your local designer will have access to this type of software (i.e. AutoCAD, Chief Architect pro, etc).
Q. How quickly will I receive my house plan?
All orders are processed within 1-2 business days. We make all efforts to email PDF or AutoCAD orders same business day!
Q. What is the return policy?
Plans sold share intellectual knowledge. Please be certain that the plan you have selected suits your needs as all sales are final.
Q. Can I find out if a certain plan is built in my area?
In order to protect our customer's privacy we are unable to provide any information regarding the location of homes that have been built from our house plans. Many house plans feature photography or renderings.
Q. I am an international customer. How do I purchase a plan?
We sell home plans to customers all over the world! We strongly recommend purchasing AutoCAD packages since it will give you the ability to have the house modified to comply with local building codes in your country. You may order online or by phone at 770-831-6363. At this time, international shipping is only available to Canada. Please call for more information on shipping fees to Canada.
Q. Will a material list be included with my house plan purchase?
A material list will not be included with your purchase. Archival Designs does not offer material lists unless noted otherwise on a plan page.
Feel free to visit Unlimited-Options.com to learn more about their material list services.
Q. Does sales tax apply to my purchase?
Sales tax applies to all customers in the state of Georgia. The applicable sales tax will be determined based on your county of residence. Please contact our home plan specialists at 770-831-6363 for more information on sales tax.
Q. Do you offer discounts?
Archival Designs will occasionally offer discounted prices on the house plans. The discounts exclude modifications, foundations, or upgrade options to the plans. Offers are not valid for prior purchases (no price adjustments). No rain checks will be issued.
Q. Is my personal and credit card information secure?
Yes. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Founded in 1983, Archival Designs has been designing signature homes for over 35 years. Archival Designs' homes combine the enduring elegance of the grand homes of Europe with the modern conveniences, amenities and openness preferred for today's lifestyles. This artful combination of classic design, luxury and function is the hallmark of Archival Designs and the legacy of David Loftus, the founder and driving talent behind our more than 400 distinctive home plans.
JoAnne Loftus, Owner, is a Licensed Insured Residential & Light Commercial Builder in the State of Georgia.
