1. Call your local planning department.  They will tell you what you can or can't build, depending on your specific area and zoning.  They'll inform you what their requirements are for building size, height and set backs from your property lines.  This will help you determine the type and size of structure you're allowed to build.

2. Contact your local building department.  They deal with how a building is constructed.  Ask for their requirements regarding the following, and jot them down to check against the specifications of plans you might be interested in:

• Which building code is being used?

• Wind speed the structure must be able to withstand

• Your seismic zone (you can also find this here)

• Roof load your building must support

• Allowable soil bearing

• Any special conditions your jurisdiction may have, such as footing requirements, fire walls, etc.

Note: be sure to jot down the name of the person and department you've spoken with for future reference.

3. Consider the desired uses of your building.  If, for example, you want to build a two-story garage where the upstairs could be used as living space, understand that your permit and assessments will be many times higher than if the second floor is used for storage alone.

4. Now you're ready to shop for plans.  Keep the following factors in mind:

• Basic plans can be less expensive at the outset, but necessary interpretation on the builder or contractor's part may mean higher cost--and longer construction time--once the building process is begun.
  
  BGS plans offer you the most detail on the market, so guesswork, interpretation and costly surprises are not part of the process.
  

• If you are considering purchasing plans that have not been engineered, contact a local engineer first to see what he/she would charge if your building should require an engineer's assessment and/or modifications for approval.  In our experience, assistance from a licensed engineer can cost anywhere from $150-$500 depending on whether modifications to your building plans are required.  Redrafting a modified plan to submit to your building department could cost an additional $175-$300 depending on the scope of changes.
  
  All BGS plans are engineered for your specific area (yes, even if you live in one of the many California counties with more stringent requirements) and are wet-signed by our engineer, who is licensed in all 50 states.  As purchased, they are ready for submission to your building department.
  

• Search for plans that include the features and building size you want.  When you find a plan you like, compare the plan's specification for wind speed, roof load and seismic zone to those provided by your building department.  If your building department's requirements are more stringent, you will need to have the plan modified to meet your building department's code.  BGS can also make other, elective modifications to a plan, such as changing the roof pitch, moving doors and windows, etc.  See our Modifications page for our procedure and BGS's modification request form.