When you imagine building a new home, you might think you need to hire an architect to design it from scratch — but for over a century, millions of homes have been built using stock house plans. These pre-designed, ready-to-purchase blueprints are an affordable and efficient way to bring your dream home to life.
But where did the stock house plan industry come from, and why do so many homeowners still choose them today? Let’s take a closer look.
📖 A Brief History of Stock House Plans
The stock house plan industry in the United States traces its roots back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when mail-order catalogs revolutionized home-building. Companies like Sears, Roebuck & Co., Montgomery Ward, and others began selling complete home kits — including lumber, nails, and stock plans — that could be shipped by rail and assembled by the owner or a local builder.
By the 1920s, plan books and catalogs featuring hundreds of house designs were common in bookstores and hardware shops. Families across the country could pick a house that fit their style and budget, and builders appreciated the clear, standardized drawings.
Even after the mail-order kit homes declined in the mid-20th century, the idea of stock plans endured. Today, stock house plans have moved online, with thousands of designs available at the click of a button.
Why Choose a Stock House Plan?
💰 Affordability
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose stock plans is the cost savings.
Hiring an architect for a fully custom home can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the design. Stock house plans, on the other hand, are created once and sold many times — making them significantly less expensive, often just a fraction of the cost of custom design.
For budget-conscious buyers, this makes building a home much more accessible.
🏡 Proven Designs
Stock house plans aren’t just affordable — they’re also time-tested. Many of these designs have been built dozens or even hundreds of times, and builders are already familiar with them. This means that potential design flaws have likely been worked out, and the plans have a track record of successful builds.
If you’re worried about functionality or structural integrity, stock plans provide peace of mind thanks to their proven history.
⏱ Speed
Starting a custom design from scratch takes time — often months of back-and-forth between you and a designer or architect.
With a stock plan, you can start building almost immediately. The plans are ready-to-go, which saves you weeks or even months of planning and approvals. For anyone eager to move in quickly, this is a huge advantage.
Final Thoughts
Stock house plans were born out of a desire to make home-ownership more accessible, and they continue to serve that purpose today. With their blend of affordability, proven performance, and quick turnaround, stock plans are an excellent choice for many families.
Whether you’re building your first home, downsizing, or creating an investment property, a stock house plan might just be the simplest path to the home of your dreams — without breaking the bank or waiting forever to get started.
