Be careful on the CAD files. There are high end design software packages that are used by architects and the CAD files might be useable - but that depends on the software and version that your architect or draftsman uses. The on-line CAD files offered with house plans (at that time we were building around 2007) were not compatible with lower end house design software like Punch - but that may have changed in the last few years.

Before you spend any big bucks, you can typically order a draft set of plans that are marked not for copy. If that is available, you might want to start with a set of these so that you can review them and play around with possible changes. I bought a draft set of plans and put them into Punch and I was then able to play around with windows & doors. Floor layouts are pretty easy to create in Punch but rooflines take a lot more work.

Once you get serious about building - you can then purchase the plans for copy. If you are intending to use an architect, wait until you make a selection and then work out the details. It might save you money to purchase a CAD file but it might also be a waste of money.

I made the mistake of purchasing both the Copy plans and the CAD file (before we selected the builder & architect) and the CAD was a complete waste. My architect used his own method for generating plans and another architect I interviewed said that he would rather start from scratch.

Our process went something like this (but there are many variants that work):

- Find a plan that we like on-line.

- Purchase a draft set and then start to play around with the space. Make to-scale cutouts of furniture to make sure what you have (or want) will fit in. Make sure garages and closets are big enough. try to imagine living in the house to see if the space will meet your needs

- Find/select a reputable builder. Work with them on the plans you have and work cost. In our case, the builder had a lot of recommendations on how to lower the cost of building our plans. Much of these changes were wall alignments and roof lines.

- Get an architect to produce a set of plans necessary to complete financing and get building permits. In our case, the builder had an architect that he offered as a pre-contract service.

- Secure financing. Sign the contract which included a final set of plans

- Pray that everything works out.

I work with AutoCad. You can access the files if you have have the appropriate software, which is expensive (and more professional than DIY). The only good reason to order the file is if someone you are working with (architect, designer, etc.) has requested/needs it.

In my opinion, it is not an easy AutoCad fix to "shrink" a plan. I would rather start from scratch with the right dimensions.

If you are set on a smaller version of this plan, I might just write my changes on the plan and hire someone to draft them with my changes and create construction documents to bid or work with a design-build firm to handle it all.

Good luck.

Make sure the "reproducible" plans are actually CAD files. If they are CAD files, they will probably be in AutoCAD DWG or DXF format which many CAD programs can import although some will need adjustments to the graphics.

You would need to buy a CAD program that reads those files and learn to use it. It would be wise to take a course online or at a local school. No CAD software is as easy or intuitive as the authors claim.

Alternatively, you could pay Southern Living to modify the plans to your specifications. That might be a chance to introduce site and code requirements for your project.

tfrielin
Here is some information from Southern Living regarding the Tideland Haven plans:

"The reproducible [drawings] are currently delivered in a printed format on vellum [so they can be reprinted by diazo/blackline method]. We can also send them to you in a PDF format [would need to be large format xerox printed]. Some of our plans do have CAD available ... the CAD and/or Reproducible are the only packages that provide the homeowner the ability to legally customize the plan."

"Unfortunately, Historical Concepts (designers of Tideland Haven] does not make CAD files available. However, we have a contract in place that allows us to utilize the CAD files for customization projects that we perform for customers. This is a benefit, because you only need to purchase the reproducible, but get the price benefit of CAD files. We are able to provide some digital information to engineering firms involved in your project if necessary."

"If you have a list of the changes or a sketch of how you would like to customize Tideland Haven, send them in and we will provide you a proposal to update the construction documents."

Additional info about Tideland Haven from Southern Living:

The home was originally built on Spring Island, South Carolina.
web site

Here is a blog from a customer who built the plan in Louisiana. If you scroll down, you can find the postings related to the cost of construction.
web site

We are building our version of Tideland Haven this August in Tennessee. I purchased the study plans for $10.00 and went from there. We will have a architect make us actual plans. It is now a 2058 sq.ft. home with three bedrooms and two and a half baths plus 2 car garage and basement. We did less windows, pantry, mudroom, and made the kitchen open. For us the layout was everything and you will be surprised by how wasted space are in house plans. Good Luck!

There are numerous formats for cad files, and you need SW that can open and manipulate the one you get.

Using the software is rarely a simple thing for the more professional grade tools, and the simple tools often cannot read the files worth a darn.

As I pointed out earlier, Tideland Haven is not available in CAD format and in order to have the legal right to modify the design it is necessary to purchase the reproducible plans not just the study plans. If your goal is to use the designer's ideas without fairly compensating him, it is best to not talk about it in a public forum.