This is a common misunderstanding of the differences between a plan from a plan factory and a plan created by a local architect. Let's look at the differences.
When a consumer buys a plan from a plan factory it does not, in any way, consider local conditions and ordinances. For example, site conditions and orientation, drainage, slope, soils problems and the like. It does not provide foundation design, structural design, and does not include heating, cooling, electrical, lighting, signal and special controls. The plans from plan factories have no idea of any local ordinances or requirements. Said differently, plan factory plans are simply paper or computer generated drawings.
If consumers want modifications made to the standard plans, these can be accommodated for an extra fee, but all of the comments above still apply.
What this means is that a consumer assumes all, ALL, responsibilities for the subsequent use of such plans. If the local jurisdiction requires additional drawings, specifications and calculations, the consumer is responsible for obtaining them. The important part of this is that the consumer assumes all risks and all responsibilities for all subsequent results.
This may be satisfactory for consumers who have built before and know the risks involved.
On the other hand, when one takes their needs and wants (or a set of plan factory plans) to a licensed architect, if the architect accepts the commission, s/he is immediately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their work. State licensing laws vary, but most architectural licensing laws prohibit a licensed architect from stamping any drawings unless they were prepared by her/him or under her/his direct supervision.
This legal provision is designed for consumer protection and makes the architect responsible for her/his work, unlike a plan factory.
All of this comes with a commensurate cost. If the consumer wants to assume all risks, then the cost of plan factory plans are usually very low. If the consumer wants professional help and professional responsibility, then the costs are commensurate with that expertise and protection.
One can find someone to do almost anything for almost nothing in cost. Usually the results are worth what one paid.
Q
Lots of good ideas in this house. Kitchen is great.
Q