Can I make the plan wider?

[ellbaker]

I am considering the 20x30 1.5 story plan.  I would like to increase the width to 24.  Is it possible to modify the plan here or should I start from scratch with a designer?

[glenn kangiser]

Going wider is not easy as everything changes as far as footing loads etc. go.  Seems some have done it themselves but i think the only 24 wide plan John has right now is the Solar Salt Box - http://www.countryplans.com/whid_hs.htm

I think he was working on a wider plan though.  

Going longer is easy as loadings remain the same.  Additions can also widen things if they work into the plan the way you want.

[John Raabe]

I would take the 1 1/2 story plan to a local designer for modifications to 24' wide. You will have to resize the floor joists adding a centerline beam and check the spans on the roof framing. The inteior layout, windows and doors, etc. will also be revised I'm sure.

Since you have the right to modify my plans, much of the rest of the plans could be used as is and you would likely save about 1/2 the design costs of starting from scratch.

If you wanted you could download the template files of one of the 20' wide houses available at PlanHelp.com and extrude that to the size you want and then devise your own floorplans and elevations for windows and doors. That will also save some real $$$ with the designer.