Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a home is the largest purchase most of us will ever make. And choosing to build your own home can make that process seem even more overwhelming. But we’re here to help.
Building a home offers you the opportunity to build what you want. We offer homes that are accessible to anyone, regardless of ability or age, and that will allow you to age in place and never move again.
Below are some of the more frequent questions our potential buyers ask. If you have other questions, please contact us online or call 919.630.1224.
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How will I receive my plans?
After checkout, an order confirmation will be emailed from our system to the email address provided at checkout. Once your payment is confirmed, you will receive an email with a link to download your house plans. If any supplementary documents are needed with your house design, they will be emailed to you separately within 5 business days. All plans are issued as PDF files. Printed sets can also be purchased for an additional fee.
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When will I receive my plans?
Stock plans will be issued as soon as payment is received. The timing of custom plans will vary depending on the complexity of the modifications requested. For all orders, you will receive an email and a link to download the PDF files.
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How do I request changes to an existing plan?
The best way to discuss a modification is to call or email with the plan you are interested in. Depending on the extent of changes you have in mind, we can typically provide an estimate via email. Be sure to check our "Modifications" page for the most common requests.
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What's the difference between Plan(s) and License?
When we say "plans" or "house plans" we are referring to the actual drawings and when we mention "license", we are stating how many times you can legally build the house from our plans. Typically a "single use" license is included. Which means you can only build the house one time from the set of plans that you purchase from us.
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Should I buy the plan or should my builder purchase?
The buyer of a house plan is granted the legal license and right to build the house. As a homeowner, if you purchase the plan, you can hire any builder. If a builder purchases the plan, even on your behalf, even with reimbursement from you, the builder has the license to build the plan.
Note: If a builder purchases the plan and chooses to pay additional fees for a multi-use license, they can build the plan multiples times (per the terms of our multi-use license). They can also build the house wherever they choose. Even if you reimburse the builder for the license costs to build your home, you would not have any control on where another home similar to yours could be built. Also, if the builder purchases the plan, regardless of your reimbursement, and you choose to hire another builder, you have no plans and no legal right to build from that plan.
Universal Design Features In LifeStage Home Plans
Home plans designed by LifeStage feature some or all of these features of universal design:
Barrier-Free Layouts
Open and spacious floor plans allow for easy living throughout the entire home, ensuring full usage by anyone, with any ability. View Plans
Main Level Master Bedroom
With the master bedroom on the first floor, you can comfortably live and age in place. View Plans
Curbless Shower
All of our plans specify a zero-entry shower. Which not only look great, but are safer and easier to access for everyone in the family. View Plans
Stacked Closets
Aligning closets now provides spacious, deep closets, as well as a simple way to add an elevator to the house later, if needed. View Plans
Stepless Entry
Forget handrails, wheelchair ramps or steps that prevent visitors. A house designed with a stepless entry ensures anyone can safely live in or visit your home. View Plans
Ease of Use
Whether you’re pushing a stroller, using a wheelchair, or moving furniture, you'll be free to navigate inside your home unobstructed. View Plans
The main tenant of universal design is access for everyone. LifeStage homes work for multiple generations, varying abilities and all ages. Build a home that’s practical and welcoming. Shop the home plans now.
