Plansource joins forces with HDA, Inc.

July 15, 2008 by plansource

Plansource, Inc., a Tampa based residential design firm, has partnered with HDA (Home Design Alternatives, Inc.) to distribute our portfolio of plans within their publications.   HDA, Inc. has grown from a home plan provider into the nation’s most successful distributor of books and magazines to the home improvement, craft, home décor, kid’s and cooking specialty retail channels. HDA customizes its programs to fit the needs of all its retail partners, using a great mix of books, magazines, cross-merchandisers and promotional displays. The turn-key programs that HDA category and vendor manages for its retail partners such as Lowe’s, Michaels, Dollar General, Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy’s have flourished, demonstrating superb performance in comparable store sales, inventory turn and return on investment.  

 

As always, all Plansource, Inc. plans are designed to the 2004/2006 Florida Building Code and are available as signed and sealed permit sets, as well as unsigned sets for a builder or homeowner to utilize his own engineer.  Plansource, Inc. will continue to do its own order fulfillment to ensure the standards for Florida’s complex building code are met.  Custom home and duplex designs, CD Roms of the drawing files, presentation artwork, writing architectural deed restrictions, and full design customization services of our single family and duplex catalogue plans are but a few of the many services we provide homebuilders in Florida and throughout the Southeast. 

 

Since its inception in 1996, Plansource has focused on quality design and service for all of its clients.  Because the firm focuses only on residential design, Plansource is able to fully understand the needs of its clients, and the markets they build in.

 

 

 

 

New Florida HOA law-where did it come from?

June 3, 2008 by plansource

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I am sure there are homeowners and Home Owners Associations who wonder where the new Florida law 720.3035 came from.  This is the law passed in 2007 that requires HOAs to have everything in writing regarding the style, color, and design of new and existing homes in a deed restricted community. 

Plansource has developed two unique sets of guidelines for builders, developers, and HOAs that can be customized to suit the desired level of control.  One set addresses new construction, and the other set addresses completed communities and how they will be maintained.  You can contact us for more information in obtaining these documents for your community.  www.plansonline.com

Then comes along issues such as the Tampa Tribune article dated June 2, 2008 that is attached.  HOAs are foreclosing on liens that they have placed on homes, buying them for a tiny fraction of the value, and then letting them be foreclosed on by the mortgagor, ironically resulting in an unkempt empty home.

While the article specifically addresses HOA dues, a lien can be filed by an HOA against someone’s home for any number of reasons, including expenses they have incurred on behalf of the owner who is not in compliance with the deed restrictions. This includes examples such as should a homeowner paint his house purple, and the HOA did not approve of it, then the HOA paid to have it repainted upon refusal by the homeowner (which is allowed in most deed restrictions), and subsequently placed a lien on the house in that amount for reimbursement.  With the new law, unless the HOA specifically states that you cannot paint your house purple, they now have no recourse.  This law protects the homeowner from such subjective judgement on behalf of his neighbors.

As you can see, there are some HOAs that need to be brought into reality and concern themselves with looking at the overall picture and the long term repercussions of their actions.  I believe they need to take a hard look at what is reasonable for community architectural standards, and define them in a way so as to make it clear to any homeowner what is expected.  This new law puts the shoe on the other foot; those HOAs that do not expressly define their architectural standards are putting the HOA in a position of defendant in a lawsuit, which is clearly defined in this new statute.  If it is not in writing it is not enforceable. 

I believe this new law provides some reasonable balance between the HOA and the homeowner.  It eliminates subjectivity and the “to be approved by the Architectural Review Committee” that is so prevalent in Deed Restrictions.  The HOA has thought about what should be expected, and the homeowner knows what is expected, all in black and white.

 Randall Smith, AIBD, is president of Plansource, Inc., a residential design firm based in Tampa, FL and serves the homebuilding industry throughout the Southeastern United States.

Architectural Restrictions now Available to HOAs

April 16, 2008 by plansource

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Plansource, Inc., a Tampa based residential design firm, has created architectural guidelines for communities to address the issues of the new Florida law 720.3035, which governs homeowner’s associations and deed restrictions, as well as Architectural Review Committees. This law, which went into effect on July 1, 2007, takes away all rights of the Committees to place any personal opinion and subjective opinion on any new or altered home. Every desired requirement and vision for your community must now be a part of the architectural guidelines (e.g. colors, styles, materials, shape, composition, massing, etc), in writing, and attached to your deed restrictions. Otherwise, any submittal, as long as it meets all current written deed restrictions, is allowed, and any subjective considerations will be unenforceable. The term “To be approved by the ARC” without corresponding written rules is no longer acceptable.

This new law could result in a completed streetscape within your community that does not meet with the homeowner’s association intent.

What is unique about these architectural guidelines is that Plansource, Inc. has created two sets:  One for communities already completed that addresses ongoing maintenace, updating, and remodeling, and One for communities with new homes that are to be built.  Each set is a templete that addresses issues faced by Architectural Control Committees and can be customized to suit each individual circumstance and level of control each community desires.

Contact Plansource at (813)909-2941 to obtain more information, or visit our website at www.plansonline.com

Plansource designs for New Park in Montgomery, AL for TH Taylor Homes

March 24, 2008 by plansource

Plansource, Inc., a Tampa based residential design firm, is pleased to announce that they are have been chosen by TH Taylor Homes of Montgomery, AL, to create a new product line for New Park. Each plan will offer multiple room options that will allow a family to easily expand and customize the home now, or at a later time. The homes will also have TH Taylor signature features that will make buyers say “I want that!” The community has been designed for diversity among product, and to encourage high quality design. New Park consists of 50, 65, and 75 foot wide lots. The 15 year build out of New Park will be expanded over 1400 acres. The first models are expected to open in late 2008.

Visit www.plansonline.com for more information on Plansource, Inc.

Tampa Tribune article February 23, 2008 Plansource, Inc.

February 25, 2008 by plansource

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www.plansonline.com

Randall Smith can barely remember a time he didn’t love design.

When a grade-school teacher asked students to write about what they wanted to be when they grew up, Smith didn’t hesitate. “I knew back in second grade that I wanted to be an architect. I knew it before I could spell it,” said Smith, who owns Plansource Residential Design, a business based in Lutz. Smith recalls getting his first drafting table for Christmas when he was about 10 years old. He said he’s not sure why he was drawn to designing homes, but he thinks his background gives him a unique perspective. “My father built houses in South Carolina, so I’m very familiar with how houses go together,” Smith said.

He also studied architectural design and construction at Clemson University, getting degrees in both disciplines. “When I came out of college, the only job I could get was with a homebuilder.” In retrospect, the experience was invaluable, he said. “I’ve been out there in the dirt, talking to the subcontractors getting houses built on a high production basis. I know exactly what these guys are going through. “I know how to sit down and talk to builders. I know what interests them. I know what they look for in a house.”

He sells house designs through a catalog, which he can customize upon request. He also offers one-of-a-kind house designs. The catalog features 160 designs, ranging from 900 to 7,520 square feet. They are designed to meet Florida’s building code, which varies from other states because of hurricane requirements. “We’ll design a house from scratch for anybody. We just sit down, discuss their lives, their lifestyles and what they want in a house,” Smith said.

The plan for his own home, a two-story modified Southern Colonial, was inspired by his front door - a 300-year-old heart pine from a tavern in Virginia that Smith found at a salvage yard. The house initially was designed for a family of three. Smith now lives alone and has made changes to the interior to reflect his personal interests. The house showcases his passion for art, a love he inherited from his grandmother, who owned an art gallery. It even has a special niche he designed for an original Salvador Dali wood block. There is a room dedicated to crafts and another one for his collections. Rooms are designed to achieve different effects. The family room soars two stories. The dining room and music room are intimate. The kitchen has plenty of working space and a pantry door coated with chalkboard paint that provides a convenient spot to keep track of his grocery list or chores to be done.

Rooms in the house flow easily into each other, making the most of its 3,300 square feet. He works a quick walk away in a 700-square-foot office above the garage. Using space well is one of Smith’s aims, whether he’s designing a McMansion or a cracker box. “I actually think it is more challenging to design small stuff,” he said. “If a house is big enough, it hides the flaws.” He seeks to design efficient houses that have appeal. “You put in what people see as pizzazz and leave out what they don’t,” he said. “A simple added jog in a house can add thousands in cost. If you can take out that jog and not sacrifice the design, why not?”

Before construction begins, Smith said he can picture how the house will look. “As I am looking at a plan on paper, as I am designing it, I can visualize what that looks like in my head. I can see 3-D in my head. It’s like a virtual reality tour. That’s kind of a unique talent that helps me be good at what I do.” Keeping an eye on cost is important, Smith said, predicting that houses of the future will be smaller and more efficient. He has requests from builders for houses less than 2,000 square feet and for houses using fewer materials. “I’m getting requests for garage-less houses because that’s a cost that doesn’t need to be spent. “We’re going back to lower ceilings because why air-condition space that’s above your head?” He’s also seeing a demand for open floor plans - to eliminate walls and create a more spacious feel.

Despite simpler plans, Smith thinks home prices will be headed up once the market gets back on track. Builders won’t have a choice because construction and land costs keep rising, Smith said. The cost of petroleum is a huge issue for homebuilders because everything that is used to build a house has petroleum in it - such as carpets, appliances, cabinetry, paint and roofing - or must be transported to the site, Smith said. The availability of land for development is shrinking, too, he said. Much has been developed and, in many areas, government is being stricter about where homes may be built.

Smith gets high marks from builders who use his plans. Greg Wiederman of Baycrest Builders met Smith about 5 1/2 years ago at a trade show in Orlando. Wiederman, who had recently started his business, was impressed by Smith. “Our very first house that we ever built was one of his plans,” Wiederman said. “He’s very versatile. He’s 100 percent professional. His prices are very, very good.” Smith’s plans are practical and deliver the level of detail builders need, Wiederman said.

Bryan Thomas of Tamlin Homes appreciates the variety of homes in Smith’s catalog. Using the plans saves time and money because builders aren’t reinventing the wheel every time, he said.

John Matera of Matera Homes has been working with Smith on custom homes for about four years. “My experience has been phenomenal as far as the quality of work that he does,” said Matera, who builds homes primarily in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes. When people ask Smith to do a custom plan, he said he advises them to choose a design and materials that will reduce the home’s heating and cooling costs.

http://carrollwood2.tbo.com/content/2008/feb/23/cw-his-career-was-by-design/

Florida Architectural Deed Restriction Law

February 21, 2008 by plansource
Contact www.plansonline.com for additional information on how to make sure your community has all of its documentation correct with the new Florida Statute Plansource, Inc. (813)909-2941

The New Law: Section 11. Section 720.3035, Florida Statutes:

720.3035 Architectural control covenants; parcel owner improvements; rights and privileges.

The authority of an association or any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of an association to review and approve plans and specifications for the location, size, type, or appearance of any structure or other improvement on a parcel, or to enforce standards for the external appearance of any structure or improvement located on a parcel, shall be permitted only to the extent that the authority is specifically stated or reasonably inferred as to such location, size, type, or appearance in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants.

If the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants provides options for the use of material, the size of the structure or improvement, the design of the structure or improvement, or the location of the structure or improvement on the parcel, neither the association nor any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of the association shall restrict the right of a parcel owner to select from the options provided in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants.

Unless otherwise specifically stated in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants, each parcel shall be deemed to have only one front for purposes of determining the required front setback even if the parcel is bounded by a roadway or other easement on more than one side. When the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants do not provide for specific setback limitations, the applicable county or municipal setback limitations shall apply, and neither the association nor any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of the association shall enforce or attempt to enforce any setback limitation that is inconsistent with the applicable county or municipal standard or standards.

Each parcel owner shall be entitled to the rights and privileges set forth in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration ofcovenants concerning the architectural use of the parcel, and the construction of permitted structures and improvements on
the parcel and such rights and privileges shall not be unreasonably infringed upon or impaired by the association or any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of the association. If the association or any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of the association should unreasonably, knowingly, and willfully infringe upon or impair the rights and privileges set forth in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants, the adversely affected parcel owner shall be entitled to recover damages caused by such infringement or impairment, including any costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in preserving or restoring the rights and privileges of the parcel owner set forth
in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants.

Neither the association nor any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of the association shall enforce any policy or restriction that is inconsistent with the rights and privileges of a parcel owner set forth in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants, whether uniformly applied or not. Neither the association nor any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of the association may rely upon a policy or restriction that is inconsistent with the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants, whether uniformly applied or not, in defense of any action taken in the name of or on behalf of the association against a parcel owner.

Contact www.plansonline.com for additional information on how to make sure your community has all of its documentation correct with the new Florida Statute.

 

Plansource designs Terra Bella for McCar Homes

February 21, 2008 by plansource

Plansource, Inc., a Tampa based residential design firm, is pleased to announce that they are the exclusive designers for Terra Bella, a community on SR 54 in Land O’Lakes currently being developed for McCar Homes, Inc. Plansource has created seven new floor plans with multiple elevations to create a varied streetscape for the Tuscan-themed gated community. Each plan also offers multiple room options that will allow any homebuyer to create the plan that best suits their needs. Terra Bella consists of 50 and 60 foot wide lots and home sizes ranging from 1902 square feet to 3140 square feet of living space. The first models are expected to open in summer of 2008.

 

Visit www.plansonline.com for more information on Plansource, Inc.

Florida Deed Restrictions and Architectural Covenents

February 21, 2008 by plansource

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Since its inception in 1996, Plansource, Inc., a Tampa based residential design firm, has focused on quality design and service for all of its clients. Because the firm focuses only on residential design, Plansource is able to fully understand the needs of its clients, and the markets they build in. It is part of our mission to give homebuilders the tools they need to efficiently do their job.

The Florida Legislature approved Section 720.3035, Florida Statutes, which has a number of VERY important issues regarding mandatory reserves in HOA budgets, and especially ARC restrictions; it goes into effect JULY 1, 2007. All builders and developers should start to analyze your own HOA documents to see if specific policy can be adopted and implemented.

The new architectural review provisions completely eliminate any discretion for committees to review plans and decide what looks pleasing and what doesn’t. This means that to the greatest extent possible, the architectural codes will need to spell out in great detail every possible configuration. To give just a simple example, instead of the owner presenting a color palette of proposed selections for paint and trim, the code will need to specify every possible acceptable combination. Very few existing codes will satisfy this requirement, and even if you employ an architect or other professionals on your committees, lack of detail as to the level of design can easily result in homeowners choosing colors, materials, and other various combinations of design elements that may not be part of your vision for your communities. In other words, if your deed restrictions currently state that you have a minimum of 2500 square feet, and the design must be approved by the architectural committee, the owner of the home can build a 2500 square foot box with four windows and a door and paint it bright orange with purple trim, and there are no remedies to the builder, developer, or HOA. It meets the deed restrictions because colors and other details were not spelled out.

Plansource, Inc. has assisted in developing architectural standards for communities, and would be happy to assist in creating architectural guidelines that meet your vision for your communities. Please feel free to contact us for more information. This is in addition to our catalog plans and custom design services. Phone: (813)909-2941.

Contact www.plansonline.com for additional information on how to make sure your community has all of its documentation correct with the new Florida Statute. Plansource, Inc. (813)909-2941

 

 

Plansource designs home for Vinny Testaverde

January 9, 2008 by plansource

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Plansource, Inc. is pleased to announce that their firm designed the residence of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Vinny Testaverde, which was completed in August of 2007. The residence is recorded as the most expensive sale of residential real estate in Hillsborough County in 2007 in the amount of $4.5 million. The house, located in the Keystone area of Hillsborough County is on a 3 acre lakefront parcel and includes over 12,500 square feet under roof. It comes with an 8 car garage, sweeping curved staircase, 4 bedrooms including an 1800 sf master suite, 8 bathrooms, several balconies and lanais for extended outdoor living, 3 story elevator, 2 fireplaces and a guest cabana. The property is extensively landscaped and includes a pool. The house was constructed by Gray Homes of Tampa Bay.

 

2008 Plansource Home Plans Catalog

January 9, 2008 by plansource

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Plansource, Inc has published the seventh edition of its popular catalogue of residential home plans designed for the Florida market. The full color catalogue contains over 180 houses and duplexes ranging from 900 to 7500 square feet, showing many different widths, styles, and configurations.

What is unique about these catalogues is that all plans are designed to the 2004/2006 Florida Building Code and are available as signed and sealed permit sets, as well as unsigned sets for a builder or homeowner to utilize his own engineer. Custom home and duplex designs, CD Roms of the drawing files, presentation artwork, and full customization services of our single family and duplex catalogue plans are but a few of the many services we provide homebuilders.

Since its inception in 1996, Plansource has focused on quality design and service for all of its clients. Because the firm focuses only on residential design, Plansource is able to fully understand the needs of its clients, and the markets they build in.

The principal of Plansource, Randall W. Smith, AIBD, has an extensive background in residential construction and design. He grew up in a homebuilding family, and has since gained experience with two national home builders, and a national residential design firm prior to deciding to meet the challenges of establishing his own design firm.

The work of Plansource is throughout Florida and the South. The work is varied and includes many types of construction techniques and housing types. Mr. Smith’s experience includes single-family houses, multi-family townhouses, condominiums, and amenity buildings for communities.

Contact Plansource at (813)909-2941 to obtain a catalogue, visit our website at www.plansonline.com, or visit booth 2347 at the Southeast Building Conference July 31 and August 1, & 2 2008.