Hi tam123gre123,

I'm building in Oklahoma too! We paid a small (in my opinion not so small) fortune to an architect for our plans and guess what? No electrical plan. Then again, we knew ahead of time it would not be included. We had an electrician do the electrical plan and went over it several times adding things as they occurred to us.

Sorry you got an unpleasant surprise. It seems to me that it would be in everybody's best interest for the plan sellers to be very clear up front about what's included. Best of luck with your build!

If a couple hundred bucks extra for an electrical drawing blows your fuse, wait til the build actually starts. This sort of inflammatory posting is irresponsible.

Most places don't require electric so Frank Betz's policy of not including makes sense. $215 is chump change and I'd put your anger to Oklahoma. As a comparison, I paid over $10k to permit my house when the larger copied house paid $8500 a year before in the same jurisdiction. That was definitely wasted money.....

Seriously $215 is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Although they should have advised you on this upfront. In Washington electric plans are not required.

I would think it is unreasonable to think that a firm not located in the same state should know what is required in your locale. Seems like this is your responsibility to make sure you got all the required documents when you signed a contract.

In my town we can get a building permit without electrical plans. And like others posted, if a $215 overage makes you feel like you were cheated or scammed because you didn't realize something wasn't included ... you are likely not mentally prepared to build. Seriously, be prepared to go over any quote / price with a fine tooth comb to be sure it includes everything you expect and / or need.

Tam- I can understand your frustration. Hopefully, this will just be one of the many 'funny' stories, you share with your friends and family, after you've moved into your new home. Hopefully it will be worth all the grief and frustration, when you're celebrating your first Christmas! :)

From the Frank Betz website, on this page, there is a link to see a slideshow of the details and specifications on their floor plans. (This is a nice feature.)
http://www.frankbetz.com/products/plans.html#

This is from slide 3 of 9:

Floor Plans
Each plan consists of 1/4" or 3/16" scale floor layouts showing the location of 2x4 walls, doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, stairs and decorative ceilings. These plans are complete with dimensions, notes, door/window sizes and a schematic electrical layout.

If you look closely at this slide you can see the schematic electrical layout. Did your plan not have this? Or did your local government office require a separate page with only electrical?

If your plan did not come with the schematic electrical layout, I think you have a reasonable gripe about Betz and they should provide that at no additional charge. They have disclaimers about some features of their plans, but not the schematic electrical.

I have to agree with other posters, though. If $215 makes your blood pressure skyrocket, you'll need to go ahead and find a cardiologist to hold your hand through the building process!

Good luck!

I happen to be searching and came upon this posting.I would first of all like to apologize for any miscommunication with the above client. I have worked at Frank Betz Associates for almost 20 years and I am one of the owners. We always try our best to satisfy every client regardless of the issue. Just so everyone knows, our standard stock plans come with a basic , per code "electrical plan"- which is indicated on the floor plans. When a client modifies the plan we try to keep the cost down and give the client options by offering items such as electrical, framing and material workbooks as "A la carte". We have found that every state and local building departments have different requirements - some less, some more. So by giving the client options, this allows them to save on modifying unnecessary drawings. I hope they enjoy their house and we appreciate their business. If they ever need a plan again- I will give them a discount.

Thanks for passing on the information. We've been looking at plans for months for a build we hope to start in a couple years. Yesterday I think I found almost the perfect house and its a Frank Betz house. I also live in Oklahoma so I will tuck this bit of information away for when we finally order plans.

I just too received a "modified" plan that did not include the electrical. Im my opinion and regardless if any state permits department requires this to be on a plan, the electrical layout should be included and not axed just to save a few bucks. Who has time and the many days to walk through a framed house to show the electrician where everything needs to be. All plans will be modified either onsite or by the business selling them but it really REALLY helps to have the electrical included. Not included this is like offering to paint your finger nails but in order to save money we wont let you have your arm.

I realize this is an old post, but I was curious to see if you ended up building this plan and if so - I'd love to see pictures! :)