Adapt-A-SunPlan
After studying the large array of sun-inspired house plans,
it can be a good feeling to find one that almost works! Perhaps the choice resulted from a search
with the tools from Select-A-SunPlan, or perhaps a local builder or design professional
assisted with the process. Or the Sun
Plans’ architect may have helped with the detailed Select-A-SunPlan
Consulting. In any case, congratulations on getting
further down the path to a living in a sun-inspired home!
Quick Quote
Changes made by Sun Plans can sometimes be very inexpensive. This new Quick Quote service within Adapt-A-SunPlan is for those who desire only a few straightforward changes that do not require the lengthier, more involved process of consulting about energy, design, and structural implications with the architect. Perhaps only the exterior needs to be changed or the basement, garage or second floor needs to be taken off. Maybe a thicker exterior walls or deeper rafters are desired to allow for more insulation. If so, please Contact Us about obtaining a "Quick Quote" to have those changes made by Sun
Plans. While not necessary, you may find it beneficial to first order the Review Set (deductible from price of Construction Prints) so that the changes to be made are more fully understood. The Quick Quote process does not include extensive evaluation of the changes by the architect until after the plan is purchased. If there are doubts about the practicality of the changes being requested, please send us a short list of ideas or if the list is long and/or complex, then please engage the Sun Plans architect in the Consulting and Review stage of Adapt-A-SunPlan.
Making changes to an existing Sun Plan can save time which
permits construction to begin sooner. Although
construction costs may not be as low as what might be achieved starting from
scratch with Create-A-SunPlan (where there are no unwanted spaces or features),
often home owners simply do not have the time to create a custom design. The example on the right shows a before and after version where this client wanted to change the exterior style as well as make other changes.The Adapt-A-SunPlan process is completely different from the Create-A-SunPlan process, 
although in both the end result is a passive
solar home. Adapting a plan involves reacting to and accepting the
primary features and spaces in the existing design. Less information and involvement are required from the home owners. (With
Create-A-SunPlan the home
owner first state only the primary interior and exterior features and
spaces important to them.) To assure
that the appropriate house design service is selected, please study and
compare
both services for what works for you.However, it is common for clients to start with Adapt-A-SunPlan and then change to Create-A-SunPlan when the changes become drastic. In fact, often the fee for Create-A-SunPlan is only a small percentage greater than a fee for Adapt-A-SunPlan.
although in both the end result is a passive
solar home. Adapting a plan involves reacting to and accepting the
primary features and spaces in the existing design. Less information and involvement are required from the home owners. (With
Create-A-SunPlan the home
owner first state only the primary interior and exterior features and
spaces important to them.) To assure
that the appropriate house design service is selected, please study and
compare
both services for what works for you.However, it is common for clients to start with Adapt-A-SunPlan and then change to Create-A-SunPlan when the changes become drastic. In fact, often the fee for Create-A-SunPlan is only a small percentage greater than a fee for Adapt-A-SunPlan.While architects are not trained specifically to adapt
house plans that have been created by other design professionals,
increasingly it is being done. However, requesting that the original architect make changes to one of their own designs
can often be a win-win situation. The
Sun Plans’ architect Debra Rucker Coleman knows the reasons behind the sun-inspired designs
intimately. Not interested in working
with an architect, or prefer to work with an architect nearby? Sun Plans has solutions for those instances too! Read further.
increasingly it is being done. However, requesting that the original architect make changes to one of their own designs
can often be a win-win situation. The
Sun Plans’ architect Debra Rucker Coleman knows the reasons behind the sun-inspired designs
intimately. Not interested in working
with an architect, or prefer to work with an architect nearby? Sun Plans has solutions for those instances too! Read further.Adaptations by local design professionals
Not everyone wants to work with an architect, especially if
they know exactly what they want in the way of changes and prefer not to have
their decisions questioned. (See Quick Quote above for exceptions.) In that case, working with a local design professional
experienced in residential design may be preferable. An architect, engineer, home designer or sometimes an exceptional builder
may possess those qualifications.
The intent of CAD Files sold by Sun Plans are to allow local design professionals to make changes, and several types are available.
Unlike Construction Prints, CAD Files come with a Copyright Release which
allows the design to be modified or copied. If a list of the proposed changes is sent along with the CAD File
order, the Sun Plans architect can address any major energy implications of
the proposed changes while she is preparing the Custom Energy Specs. (If a review and consulting of the proposed
changes is desired prior to placing the CAD File order or, if the changes are
lengthy, Sun Plans suggests engaging the architect first in Adapt-A-SunPlan Consulting.)
Adaptations by Sun Plans
If the choice has been narrowed down to one or two similar designs, then the Adapt-A-Plan process can be started with Sun Plans. The architect can help decide between
two similar designs. And occasionally
she may even recommend that a third design be considered. Adapt-A-SunPlan is for home owners who:
- Plan to start construction in 3 to 6
months (The process averages about 2 months from when Sun Plans
begins the changes...lead times may vary; check our schedule.)
- Prefer to react to designs that have already been created
- Have studied in detail the design they wish to change and discussed budget with builder(s)
- Communicate confidently their likes and dislikes in the existing house plan
- Speak openly with their spouses, partners and other family members regarding priorities
- State realistic goals with their schedule
- Remain flexible and open minded with options presented
- Rise to the challenge of assisting with research
- Trust professionals to assist them in many aspects of their life
Adapt-A-SunPlan fees are only a fraction of a realtor's fee when
compared to purchasing a home of the same size.
As Sun Plans' fees for extensive changes can sometimes equal those of custom
design developed through Create-A-SunPlan, design fees saving should not always
be the reason to choose to adapt an existing design. It's been shown that a custom
design often results in a more efficient layout and therefore smaller home inside
and out, which translates into construction cost savings for the home owners.
* It is illegal to copy or modify the house design of another
architect or home designer without possessing a copyright release from them.
