1. Plans Are NOT Approval Drawings

All architectural drawings, plans, and specifications provided by PermitContainerhomes.com are NOT approval drawings, permit-ready submissions, or pre-approved construction documents.

What This Means

• Not Pre-Approved: Plans have not been reviewed or approved by any building department, code official, or regulatory authority
• Require Professional Review: All plans MUST be reviewed, modified, and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
• Informational Purpose: Plans serve as comprehensive architectural guidance requiring professional engineering adaptation
• Not Construction-Ready: Direct construction from unmodified plans without PE review violates building codes and is unsafe
• No Regulatory Endorsement: We have no authority to approve plans for permit submission or construction

What Plans Include vs. What Requires PE Services

Statutory Requirements Apply

All statutory requirements of your country, state, province, county, and municipality apply to your construction project. PermitContainerhomes.com does NOT indemnify any client from compliance with applicable laws, regulations, building codes, or permitting requirements.

2. Professional Engineer Requirements – MANDATORY

Engaging a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is not optional—it is a legal requirement for building permit approval and safe construction.

Why PE Review Is Legally Required

• Building Code Mandate: IRC/IBC and local building codes require PE-stamped drawings for structural modifications to shipping containers
• Structural Certification: Only licensed PEs can certify that designs meet structural safety standards
• Site-Specific Engineering: Every building site has unique conditions (soil, wind, snow, seismic) requiring professional analysis
• Liability Protection: PE stamps provide legal accountability and professional liability insurance for structural safety
• Permit Submission: Building departments will NOT accept plans without PE stamps from state-licensed engineers

PE Services You Must Obtain

Your Professional Engineer will provide:

• Review of architectural plans for structural feasibility
• Site-specific structural calculations (wind, snow, seismic loads)
• Foundation design based on soil bearing capacity from geotechnical analysis
• Modification of plans for local code amendments and jurisdictional requirements
• Load path verification for container cutting and modifications
• Professional Engineer stamp and wet signature on construction drawings
• Certification of compliance with applicable building codes
• Responses to building department review comments

PE Cost Expectations

Budget separately for Professional Engineer services:

• Standard Sites: $3,000 – $5,000 for typical residential projects
• Challenging Conditions: $5,000 – $8,000 for high-wind zones, seismic areas, or difficult soil
• Complex Designs: $7,000+ for multi-container homes or unique configurations
• Timeline: 4-8 weeks from plan submission to stamped drawings

These costs are industry-standard professional fees—NOT refundable issues with our plans. Every architectural plan from any source requires PE services.

3. No Guarantee of Permit Approval

PermitContainerhomes.com makes absolutely NO guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding permit approval by any building department, regulatory authority, or government agency.

What We Cannot Control

• Local Code Variations: Jurisdictions adopt different code versions with local amendments
• Zoning Restrictions: Your property may be zoned to prohibit container homes
• Building Official Discretion: Officials have authority to interpret codes and require modifications
• HOA Restrictions: Homeowner associations may prohibit container construction
• Deed Covenants: Property restrictions may limit allowable building types
• Political Climate: Some jurisdictions are container-friendly; others are resistant
• Setback Requirements: Your lot size may not accommodate the plan’s footprint
• Utility Connections: Site may lack access to water, sewer, or electrical service

Variables Affecting Permit Approval

Plan Modifications Are Normal

Building departments frequently request plan modifications during permit review. This is NORMAL and expected—not a deficiency in our plans. Common modification requests include:

• Foundation detail adjustments for local soil conditions
• Insulation R-value increases for energy code compliance
• Fire separation details for proximity to property lines
• Anchor bolt specifications for local wind loads
• Egress window size adjustments
• Electrical panel location changes

Your Professional Engineer addresses these modifications as part of their scope of work.

4. User Responsibilities – YOU Must Verify

Purchasing and using our plans places significant responsibilities on YOU to ensure legal compliance, safety, and project success.

Pre-Purchase Verification Responsibilities

BEFORE purchasing, you MUST independently verify:

• Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property allows residential construction and shipping container homes
• Building Code Research: Verify your jurisdiction permits container home construction
• HOA Rules: Review homeowner association architectural guidelines
• Deed Restrictions: Check property deed for covenants limiting building types
• Setback Requirements: Measure property lines and confirm plan fits within required setbacks
• Utility Access: Verify availability of water, sewer, electrical, and gas service
• Access and Clearance: Ensure delivery trucks can access site for container placement

Post-Purchase Responsibilities

After purchasing plans, you are responsible for:

• Hiring a qualified, licensed Professional Engineer in your state/province
• Providing site information to PE (soil reports, surveys, location data)
• Obtaining all required permits before starting construction
• Hiring licensed contractors with container construction experience
• Ensuring construction complies with PE-stamped drawings
• Scheduling and passing all required inspections
• Maintaining jobsite safety during construction
• Obtaining Certificate of Occupancy before inhabiting

Professional Consultation Requirements

You MUST consult qualified professionals:

• Professional Engineer (PE): Structural engineering and plan stamping (REQUIRED)
• Geotechnical Engineer: Soil bearing capacity analysis for foundation design
• Surveyor: Property boundaries, elevations, and legal descriptions
• Licensed Contractors: General contractor, electrician, plumber (as required by code)
• Attorney: Legal questions about zoning, permits, or property rights
• Insurance Agent: Builder’s risk insurance and homeowner’s insurance

PermitContainerhomes.com does NOT provide any of these professional services.

5. No Professional Services Provided

PermitContainerhomes.com sells architectural plans only. We do NOT provide professional engineering, legal, construction, or consulting services.

What We Are NOT

• NOT Professional Engineers: We do not perform structural calculations or provide PE stamps
• NOT Attorneys: We do not provide legal advice regarding zoning, permits, or compliance
• NOT Building Contractors: We do not build homes or provide construction services
• NOT Code Consultants: We do not interpret local building codes for your jurisdiction
• NOT Permit Expediters: We do not submit permits or interact with building departments on your behalf
• NOT Cost Estimators: We do not provide construction cost estimates or budgeting services
• NOT Project Managers: We do not oversee or manage construction projects

Plans Do NOT Include

The following are specifically NOT included in plan purchases and require separate professional services:

• Site plans and property surveys
• Geotechnical soil analysis and reports
• Detailed electrical plans (beyond conceptual layouts)
• Detailed plumbing plans (beyond conceptual layouts)
• HVAC mechanical engineering and load calculations
• Window and door shop drawings
• Detailed material schedules with suppliers and pricing
• Ceiling joist and roof truss engineering calculations
• Wall framing shop details
• Professional Engineer structural calculations
• Energy code compliance documentation (energy modeling)

Consult relevant experts in your location for these services.

6. Limitation of Liability – Maximum Protection

To the fullest extent permitted by law, PermitContainerhomes.com, RF Architects, disclaim ALL liability for any damages arising from purchase, use, or construction based on our plans.

No Warranties of Any Kind

We provide plans “AS IS” with NO warranties, including but not limited to:

• Merchantability: No warranty plans are suitable for sale or commercial use
• Fitness for Purpose: No warranty plans meet your specific needs
• Accuracy: No warranty plans are error-free (minor discrepancies may exist)
• Completeness: No warranty plans include everything needed for construction
• Code Compliance: No warranty plans comply with your local code version
• Permit Approval: No warranty your building department will approve plans
• Constructability: No warranty construction will proceed without challenges
• Cost: No warranty actual costs will match estimates or expectations

Maximum Liability Cap

In jurisdictions that do not permit complete liability exclusion, our MAXIMUM aggregate liability for all claims is limited to the amount you actually paid for the specific plan giving rise to the claim.

Example: If you paid $500 for a plan, our maximum liability is $500—regardless of actual damages or losses you claim to have suffered.

You Assume All Risk

By purchasing and using our plans, you acknowledge and accept that:

• You assume ALL risks related to planning, permitting, and construction
• Professional Engineer review does not eliminate all construction risks
• Building codes and standards may change during your project
• Actual costs may significantly exceed estimates or budgets
• Unforeseen site conditions may require design changes
• Contractor performance and quality are beyond our control
• Local building officials have final authority on code interpretation

7. Site-Specific Requirements – Every Site Is Different

Our plans provide general architectural guidance, but every construction site requires professional adaptation for specific conditions.

Site Variables Requiring Professional Engineering

• Soil Conditions: Bearing capacity, expansive clay, bedrock depth, water table level
• Climate: Temperature extremes, humidity, freeze-thaw cycles, salt air exposure
• Wind Exposure: Coastal high-wind zones, open terrain, sheltered locations
• Seismic Activity: Earthquake risk zones requiring special bracing and anchoring
• Snow Load: Roof reinforcement for accumulated snow weight
• Slope and Drainage: Grading, retaining walls, stormwater management
• Utilities: Distance to connections, pressure/flow rates, septic vs. sewer
• Access: Delivery truck clearance, crane access for container placement

Foundation Design Variables

Foundation design depends entirely on site-specific analysis:

Your Professional Engineer designs foundations based on geotechnical soil reports specific to your property—NOT generic assumptions.

8. Copyright and Usage Restrictions

All plans are protected by copyright law. Your purchase provides a limited license—NOT ownership of intellectual property.

Copyright Ownership

All designs, drawings, plans, specifications, and creative content are copyrighted by RF Architects / PermitContainerhomes.com and protected under:

• Indian Copyright Act, 1957
• International copyright treaties and conventions
• US Copyright Law (for international protection)
• Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works

Your Limited License

Purchase grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

• Use plans to construct ONE single-family dwelling for personal use
• Share plans with your PE, contractor, and building officials for project purposes
• Make PE-directed modifications for code compliance

Prohibited Uses (Copyright Infringement)

You are absolutely PROHIBITED from:

• Reproducing or copying plans in whole or part without permission
• Reselling, distributing, or sublicensing plans to others
• Posting plans publicly online or on social media
• Using plans for commercial development or multiple dwellings
• Creating derivative works for redistribution
• Removing copyright notices or attributions

9. Construction and Safety

Construction is inherently dangerous. You assume all responsibility for jobsite safety and proper construction practices.

Safety Is YOUR Responsibility

• Hire qualified, licensed contractors experienced with container construction
• Ensure OSHA safety standards are followed on jobsite
• Provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers
• Implement fall protection for work above 6 feet
• Use proper lifting equipment for heavy containers and materials
• Follow manufacturer safety guidelines for all tools and equipment
• Maintain adequate jobsite insurance coverage

Construction Quality

We are NOT responsible for:

• Contractor workmanship or construction quality
• Material selection or substitutions by contractors
• Construction defects or failures
• Deviation from plans during construction
• Code violations during construction
• Failed inspections due to poor workmanship

10. Acknowledgment and Agreement

By purchasing plans from PermitContainerhomes.com, you acknowledge, understand, and agree to ALL terms in this Disclaimer.

You Specifically Acknowledge

• Plans are NOT approval drawings or construction-ready documents
• Professional Engineer review and stamping is legally REQUIRED
• We make NO guarantee of permit approval
• You are solely responsible for code compliance verification
• Plans are sold “AS IS” without warranties of any kind
• We provide NO professional engineering, legal, or construction services
• You assume ALL risks related to planning, permitting, and construction
• Our maximum liability is limited to the plan purchase price
• Copyright restrictions limit plan usage to one personal dwelling
• This Disclaimer is binding and enforceable