INCLUDED IN THIS PLAN SET

• fully dimensioned architectural floor plan with general notes, key notes and more
  
  
• roof plan
  
  
• exterior building elevations with material and trim specifications
  
  
• building sections
  
  
• typical wall section with insulation specifications
  
  
• additional construction details
  
  
• window schedule with window size, type and suggested specification and interior trim option
  
  
• door schedule with size, type and suggested hardware sets
  
  
• 3D views of all sides
  
  
• electrical plan with code-required and suggested outlet locations
  
  
• lighting plan with suggested light and switch locations
  
  
• foundation plan with suggested foundation wall size, footing size, reinforcement and slab-on-grade specifications
  
  
• roof framing plan with suggested ridge beam, posts, rafter, ceiling joists and header sizes, locations and/or spacing
  

ENERGY EFFICIENCY CODE

Montgomery County recently adopted the 2021 edition of the International Energy Efficiency Code.

Although there are various exceptions that will allow you to comply with the less-restrictive 2018 standards, this ADU has been designed to meet the 2021 insulation requirements.

WALLS
2018: R-20
2021: R-20 + 5
This ADU: R-23 + 6

CEILING
2018: R-49 or R-38
2021: R-60 or R-49
This ADU: R-49 min

For more details and a better explanation of what this all means, check out my post about the Energy Efficiency Code change and my post about Energy Efficient Wall Assemblies

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

This is a premium plan set designed by a local Architect, but it is NOT enough to submit for the various permits you will need.

At a minimum you will need the following drawings/services, which you can provide yourself, or hire me to do for you. These things will generally NOT be included in any online plan set you might be considering:

• Wind Bracing plan and signed and sealed structural drawings*
  
  
• Zoning analysis and signed and sealed architectural site plan
  
  
• Drainage/stormwater management plan
  
  
• HVAC System Design form and Manual J signed by licensed HVAC contractor.
  
  
• Permit filing and online drawing submission

My fee for all those services is $7,250. I am confident that is less than you can get elsewhere. You can add these services at checkout.

* The plan set does include a foundation and framing plan, but no stamps or Wind Bracing

WHAT ELSE IS NOT INCLUDED

Again, this is a product, not professional architecture services, so the following are also not included:

• Answering questions from your builder
  
  
• Responding to permit comments
  
  
• Revit, AutoCAD or digital files of any type, other than the downloadable PDF plan set
  
  
• Construction site visits
  
  
• Jeep ride (benefit of hiring me for a bespoke design!)
  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will this fit on my lot?

It probably will, but you should email me your property survey before purchasing, and I'll tell you for sure.

Do I need to be in Maryland?

Nope! This is a plan set that you can build anywhere you're allowed to build accessory structures.

However, this WAS designed very specifically to comply as widely as possible with zoning regulations for ADUs in Montgomery County, MD

Can I build this in the Takoma Park Historic District?

With a few changes to the notes regarding exterior finishes, this will most likely be approved in an historic district.

Can I request changes?

You can email me with a list of requested changes, and I'll provide a quote, starting at $1,200, though it will probably be more.

The issue with changes to plan sets is that even seemingly small changes require a lot of coordination within the drawing set.

For example, if you want to move one window and make the roof steeper, I need to update the roof plan, all four elevations, all four sections, the roof framing plan and the window schedule, at least!

Can I submit this for a permit?

Not as-is, though that is no different from any other plan set you might be considering. At least this one was designed by an actual architect, and one who has successfully permitted dozens of projects in Montgomery County, MD.

To use this for a permit set you will also need, at a minimum, a zoning analysis and site plan, someone to sign and stamp the structural drawings, a drainage plan and some HVAC forms.

You can hire me for all that stuff, or do it on your own.

I have a list further up this page with my fee for those services, which you can add at checkout if you want.

The plan set plus all the extras works out to $9,000. My guess is that is going to be LESS than you can find out in town.

Bespoke design at Ben Norkin Architecture starts at $16,000.

Do you offer refunds?

No. This is a digital product which you will access immediately after purchasing.

There is no "returning" a PDF drawing set, even if you end up not building the project.

Please email me your property survey before purchasing.

And make sure to check out the plan walkthrough video above for a preview of the drawings.

What are the interior dimensions?

All the dimensions you need are in the floor plan provided in the drawing set.

Terms of Service for Downloadable Architectural Plan Sets

By purchasing, downloading, or using any architectural plan sets (“Plans”) provided by BEN NORKIN ARCHITECTURE, LLC (“Architect,” “we,” or “us”), you (“Purchaser,” “you,” or “user”) agree to the following Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.

1. Limited License to Use

Upon purchase, you are granted a non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use the Plans for the construction of one (1) project on one (1) physical site only. Any reuse or reproduction of the Plans, in whole or in part, for additional projects or sites requires a separate purchase and written permission from the Architect.

2. Prohibited Uses

You may not:

• Resell, redistribute, sublicense, or transfer the Plans in any form, whether digitally or physically.
• Share the Plans with third parties, except for purposes directly related to the permitted construction project (e.g., sharing with contractors or permitting authorities).
• Reverse-engineer, modify, or create derivative works based on the Plans for resale or distribution.

3. No Liability or Warranty

The Architect provides the Plans “as-is” and makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding their completeness, accuracy, code compliance, or suitability for any particular purpose. Use of the Plans is at your own risk.

You acknowledge and agree that:

• Building codes, zoning laws, site conditions, and permit requirements vary by location. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Plans comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and site-specific conditions.
• You must engage a licensed professional in your jurisdiction to review and, if necessary, adapt the Plans for local code compliance and engineering requirements.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Architect shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages or claims arising out of the use or inability to use the Plans, including but not limited to construction defects, delays, cost overruns, or personal injury.

4. Intellectual Property Rights

All Plans and related materials are the intellectual property of the Architect and are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Purchase does not confer ownership of the Plans, only the limited right to use them as specified in this agreement.

5. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Architect from any claims, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from your use of the Plans, your construction activities, or any violation of these Terms of Service.

6. Revisions and Updates

The Architect may, at their sole discretion, update or revise the Plans or these Terms of Service without notice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are using the latest version of the Plans and to review any updated terms.

7. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any legal action or proceeding relating to your use of the Plans shall be brought exclusively in the courts of Montgomery County, MD.