FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What makes RBA Home Plans different from other online plan sites?
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RBA Home Plans are created by licensed architects with decades of experience designing homes for real families, builders, and communities across the Mid-Atlantic. Our plans aren’t generic or mass-produced — they are thoughtfully crafted for coastal, craftsman, farmhouse, and modern living, with careful attention to build-ability, curb appeal, and long-term livability. Many of our plans have already been built and refined in the field, so you’re working with proven, real-world designs — not just nice renderings.
2. Can RBA help me match the plan to my specific property or lot?
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Yes. As practicing architects, we understand how site conditions influence good design. We can review your lot’s zoning, setbacks, topography, HOA requirements, coastal wind zones, flood considerations, and solar orientation to recommend the best plan — or tailor one to fit the site. This service helps avoid costly surprises later and ensures the home lives well on your land.
3. Do you work directly with builders?
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Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with builders to streamline the construction process and ensure a smooth build. We can coordinate plan adjustments, material selections, structural requirements, and value-engineering options to align with your builder’s preferred methods and budget. If you don’t have a builder yet, we can often recommend reputable local professionals familiar with our plans.
4. What Is a License Fee?
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With each license fee purchase, RBA Homes grants you permission to construct one building. If you are interested in building the plan several times, please contact us and we can discuss a discount license fee proposal.
5. What do I receive within my construction documents?
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​The construction documents include the following: Cover sheet with general notes, floor plans, foundation, roof plan, Elevations with framing layouts, detailed to 1/4" scale, detail sheets.
6. How many times can I build the plan?
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With each license fee purchase, RBA Homes permits you to construct one building. If you are interested in building the plan several times, please contact us, and we can discuss a discount license fee proposal.
7. Can I make copies of the plans?
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RBA Homes' technical drawings and the accompanying material are copyrighted. Unauthorized copying of these documents is expressly forbidden. You may be held legally responsible for any copyright infringement that is caused or encouraged by your failure to abide by the terms of the RBA Homes Copyright Notice.
8. How long will it take before I get my order?
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When purchasing a pre-designed (stock) plan without modifications, our turnaround time is within 2-3 days from the purchase date - we update every plan to meet current IRC code requirements before any documents are printed.
9. Can I purchase reproducible copies?
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Reproducible sets are available outside the state of Virginia and are subject to the terms of our Copyright Notice.
10. What is Structural Engineering?
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Most jurisdictions require structural engineering calculations that meet the lot requirements they place on each parcel. These requirements include wind speeds, exposure ratings, snow loads, seismic zones, soil-bearing capacity, etc. A Licensed Engineer will perform a "Gravity and Lateral Analysis" to ensure whichever structure you choose to build will withstand those forces. That said, those calculations allow the engineer to size beams and headers and call out specific sheer wall values and foundation/footing requirements, all the way down to nailing patterns.
11. Does RBA Homes provide modifications?
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Yes, if you are interested in enlarging a plan, changing an elevation, or modifying a plan to accommodate your lifestyle, we can help. Our modification department specializes with custom revisions to our pre-designed plans. We provide modifications to all of our plans; RBA charges $120.00 per hour for modification services. Please Contact Us to discuss the modifications desired.
12. If I want to set the plan up as a Base Plan, what do I need to do?
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First, a License Fee must be purchased from RBA Homes
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Second, RBA Homes will provide a Base Plan authorization letter to be submitted to the Building Department for that particular design.
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All future permits must be preceded by a License Fee purchased from RBA Homes and our Base Plan Release Letter.
13. Payment options?
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RBA Homes accepts: Credit & Debit Card Payments though Square
Credit/Debit Cards Accepted:
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14. Exchanges and Refunds?
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RBA Homes. does not offer refunds. However, if the entire purchase is returned, we will credit the License fee toward a new License fee of equal or greater value. No cash refund.
15. What should I do if I find a structure discrepancy?
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While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of these drawings. All information must be verified prior to ordering any raw materials or fabricated components. Any structural components specified are for reference only and must be verified with the engineer of record or attached documents. However, if you find a structural discrepancy, please Contact Us immediately, and we will assist you with the matter.