Don’t Buy a Stock Plan Until You Read This.

Stock house plans are a fast, efficient, and cost-friendly way to build a home—but not all plans are created equal. If you're considering going this route, it's important to do more than just pick the prettiest front elevation. At Fry Design Co., we specialize in thoughtfully designed plans that are ready to build. But before you click “add to cart,” here’s what you need to know to make a smart investment.

What Is a Stock House Plan?

A stock plan is a pre-designed home layout created by an architect or designer. Unlike custom homes that are designed for a specific client and their needs, stock plans are developed to suit a wide variety of lifestyles and are available for immediate purchase. These plans usually include floor plans, elevations, and roof plans, but not always everything that is needed to build your house. Many jurisdictions require additional information such as engineered foundation plans, framing plans, and power/lighting plans just to name a few. So be cautious of what you’re buying.

At Fry Design Co., our stock plans aren’t generic and basic construction documents — they area carefully developed with buildability, real construction methods, and with today’s homeowner needs in mind.

Benefits of Buying a Stock Plan

• Faster Start – In many situations you can almost immediately submit your stock plans to your builder and jump straight into permitting and construction.
  

• Lower Cost – Stock plans are generally cheaper than designing custom home plans.
  

• Field-Tested Layouts – Many of our plans are based on real homes that have already been built, refined, and loved.
  
  

What to Consider Before Buying

1. Your Lifestyle Needs

Start with a list of non-negotiables: How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you work from home? Love to entertain? Need space for future additions? Don’t let aesthetics overshadow function; the floor plan layout is most important while the exterior finishes and features can always be changed more easily.

2. Your Build Site

Every lot is different. Before purchasing a plan, make sure it fits your land’s shape, size, slope, and orientation. Setback rules, easements, and utility access can all affect how—and if—a plan can be built.

3. Local Building Codes

Building codes vary by city, county, and state. Some regions may require wind or seismic reinforcements, while others need energy compliance forms. Always check with your builder or local permit office to ensure the plan complies—or can be adjusted to comply.

4. Construction Method

Whether you’re building a stick-frame home, barndominium, or post-frame structure, confirm that the plan is compatible with your preferred construction method. Our team at Fry Design Co. can help guide you on this based on your plan selection.

5. Level of Detail

Not all stock plans are equal. Some online plans lack essential components like foundation details, roof framing, or structural details. Fry Design Co. plans are comprehensive and thoughtfully documented, but always double-check what’s included before purchase.

Customization Options

Need to flip the layout? Extend a garage bay? Convert a bonus room into a home office? Minor edits are often quick and affordable. For more extensive modifications, our team can help you adapt the plan or guide you toward a custom solution.

Final Thoughts

Buying a stock plan is a smart move—but only if it’s the right plan. Take time to understand your site, your budget, and how you live day to day. The best house plans don’t just look good on paper—they fit your life.

At Fry Design Co., we don’t just design homes—we help people build them. Explore our collection of ready-to-build plans or reach out to talk about customizations. Your perfect home might already be waiting.

Browse our full collection of ready-to-build stock plans here: https://frydesignco.com/collections/all