Questions & Information
What’s
the catch?
There
really is no catch. Pick a plan you
like, fill out a form and we will review the information. If everything meets the requirements, the
plans will be personalized to include your name and lot information & we
will email you a link to download your full set of building ready plans. It really is that simple. The plans can then be printed by any
printing/blueprinting business in your area or we can mail full sets of plans for a small printing and shipping
charge if needed.
Why would you give the plans away for Free?
The President of Robert Klob Designs grew up in the plains of Colorado not far from the Kansas border & the Oklahoma Panhandle. Severe storms & tornado's occurred every year. Over the years Robert has known and met many people that have lost everything during these storms - with some paying the ultimate price, loss of a loved one. Designing homes with ICFs are his specialty and there were several homes that were in his collection that would give him the opportunity to give to those that have lost so much. And maybe make their current situation a little less stressful in addition to peace of mind by living in a safer home in the future.
Can I have
the plan Flipped or Mirrored?
Yes,
this is included at no additional charge when you place your order.
How do you Personalize the plans?
Each page of the plans will have your name and the address of the project. They will also include a site plan that locates your new home on your lot. There is also a space for your complete contact information if you would like to have that included.
What about Confidentiality?
While
the form does ask for property information and personal contact data, rest
assured that your identity will remain in strict confidence. We will not sell or give any of your
information to any other 3rd party without your permission.
What
if I want to make changes to the plans?
Let
us know what you would like modified.
Want a bigger master closet, kitchen or how about another bedroom or
bath? Is the architectural style not your preference? Not a problem, all of the plans are in CAD and we
can easily modify them to meet your needs for a small fee. Please contact us for more details.
The plans
show two sizes, what do they mean?
Each
plan indicates two different square foot numbers because the building code
requires that the area of a home to include the thickness of the exterior
walls. So that is the “Code Livable
Square Foot” number. Since the plans are
designed to include a 6” core ICF wall (about 11 inches) we wanted to give you the actual “Usable
Livable Square Foot” size that does NOT
include the exterior wall thickness.
The plans you
show are not quite what I am looking for
With
over 25 year’s experience, we can create the perfect home for you – any size,
any style, for any location. Call us,
toll free 866-584-2474 for a free consultation with no obligation and no ‘high
pressure selling’.
How can the process work with you so far away?
We regularly design homes throughout North America. We have developed a Global Design system to make the design process smooth and painless - regardless if you are 2000 miles away or right next door.
The plans are designed with ICFs, What type?
The plans can specify any ICF block system that you prefer or that is readily available in your area. If you don't know, we can help with that selection. We can also help with recommendations for quality installers. If you are not familiar with ICF systems and how they work, click HERE.
What makes them safer?
The exterior walls of the home are designed to have a solid 6" core of concrete and steel that anchor directly to the footing. The weight of the walls and the way they are anchored to the ground make collapse nearly impossible from high winds. Flying debris is another way many lost life and property during the storms - ICFs prevent that debris from penetrating through the walls. Texas Tech did testing for this and a 2x4 traveling at over 200mph did no damage to the core of the wall. In addition, walls have been hit by cars traveling at high rates of speed and the military has done ballistic testing on the systems with no major issues. For more information about the safety of ICF systems and how they work, click HERE.
The walls are safe, what else?
In addition to the walls, at your option, you could add doors and windows that are designed to minimize penetrations. Plus we have added anchoring for high wind to the roofing system in an effort to minimize roof damage and/or destruction.
What about actual "Safe Rooms"?
Many of the homes can be modified to include a FEMA approved Safe Room. This room will meet or exceed the standards recently outlined in the FEMA 320 document. Click HERE for more information about Safe Rooms. Contact us to discuss this option.
Are these homes 'Tornado Proof'?
Winds from tornado's are some of the most destructive forces on earth. These homes are better classified as 'Tornado Resistant' rather than tornado proof. Cost, material & labor availability can make building a true 'tornado proof' home difficult. There are ways to make an actual Tornado Proof home and there are areas in the world that have been doing so for many years. Please contact us to discuss this if you would like more information.
How are they more energy efficient?
Each system has been tested and proven to provide ultra energy efficiency. When the foam panels sandwich a core of concrete it makes one of the most readily available, code approved, efficient systems in the market today. Manufacturers and independent testing laboratories show the systems equate to an R value of between R-40 and R-60 (depending on local conditions). A 2x6 wood stud with fiberglass batt insulation only gives you a R-19. The higher the R value, the lower your heating/cooling costs every month.
Will these homes qualify for any special programs, rebates or incentives?
Yes! Much of what qualifies the home depends on what is actually installed. However, there are many tax credits and energy rebates that you should have no problem qualifying for. Some communities offer other incentives for energy efficiency and green building. We can help you with many different programs, call or email us to discuss how.
When will I receive my plans?
The plans in PDF format will be uploaded to a FTP site as soon as the plans have been personalized. For plans that require no changes, the wait could be up to 10 days, depending on demand. For plans that require customization, a schedule will be given to you after your order has been processed.
