1. General Policy: All Sales Are Final

PermitContainerhomes.com operates a strict no-refund, no-return policy for all digital products including container home plans, architectural drawings, technical specifications, and downloadable resources. This policy is non-negotiable and applies to all customers regardless of location or purchase amount.

Why Digital Products Are Non-Refundable

Digital products differ fundamentally from physical goods because they:

• Provide instant access to intellectual property and proprietary designs
• Can be downloaded, saved, and copied immediately upon purchase
• Cannot be “returned” in their original condition once accessed
• Represent months of professional architectural work, engineering calculations, and design expertise
• Contain valuable trade secrets, design methodologies, and technical specifications

Once you download a plan or access digital files, we have no way to verify deletion or prevent unauthorized distribution. Therefore, all sales must be considered final at the moment of purchase.

What “Final Sale” Means

By purchasing from PermitContainerhomes.com, you agree that:

• You cannot request a refund for any reason after purchase
• You cannot return digital files or exchange them for other products
• You cannot dispute the charge with your payment processor unless there’s fraud or unauthorized transaction
• Your purchase is binding and complete upon successful payment processing
• You have reviewed product details and confirmed suitability before purchase

2. Non-Refundable Circumstances

Refunds will NOT be issued under any of the following conditions, which are explicitly excluded from consideration:

Change of Mind or Buyer’s Remorse

We do not offer refunds if you:

• Change your mind after purchasing
• Decide not to proceed with your container home project
• Find a different plan you prefer after purchase
• Experience buyer’s remorse or regret your decision
• Determine the project cost is higher than anticipated
• Choose a different building method or construction approach

Non-Approval by Building Authorities or Professional Engineers

Refunds are NOT provided if:

• Your local building department rejects or requires modifications to the plans
• A Professional Engineer (PE) determines the plans need adaptation for your site
• Zoning regulations prohibit container homes in your area
• Homeowner Association (HOA) rules restrict your project
• Flood zone requirements necessitate design changes
• Soil conditions require foundation modifications
• Local amendments to building codes require plan revisions

Important Disclaimer: Our plans are designed to align with 2021 IRC/IBC building codes as a strong foundation for Professional Engineer review. However, all plans require PE review and stamping for your specific jurisdiction. Local code variations, site conditions, and jurisdictional requirements mean that modifications are normal and expected. This does not constitute grounds for refund.

Software or Device Incompatibility

We do not issue refunds for:

• Inability to open files due to lack of required software (e.g., Adobe PDF Reader, AutoCAD)
• Device compatibility issues (plans viewable on computers, tablets, smartphones)
• Printing difficulties or printer limitations
• File format preferences (our standard formats are clearly disclosed)
• Software version incompatibilities

File Format Information: All product pages clearly state file formats included (typically PDF for viewing/printing and DWG/DXF for CAD editing). System requirements and recommended software are provided. Verify compatibility before purchase.

Minor Errors, Omissions, or Design Differences

Refunds are not provided for:

• Minor typographical errors or labeling inconsistencies that don’t affect structural integrity
• Slight dimensional variations requiring field adjustment (common in construction)
• Design preferences or aesthetic choices you wish were different
• Features shown in preview images but not included in the purchased plan tier
• Differences between rendered 3D images and actual plan details (renderings are conceptual)

We maintain high quality control standards, but construction plans are complex documents. Minor discrepancies that don’t compromise structural safety or code compliance do not warrant refunds. Your PE review will identify and address any necessary clarifications.

Misunderstanding of Professional Engineer (PE) Requirements

No refunds for:

• Not realizing PE review costs are separate from plan purchases
• PE fees exceeding your budget expectations
• Difficulty finding a PE experienced with container homes
• PE requiring plan modifications or additional calculations
• Longer-than-expected PE review timelines

Every product page, checkout process, and our Building Codes & Permits section clearly states that PE review is required and costs are separate from plan purchases. This information is prominently disclosed before purchase.

3. Exception for Technical Failures

The ONLY exception to our no-refund policy is for legitimate technical failures that prevent you from accessing your purchased digital products due to errors on our part.

Qualifying Technical Failures

Refunds or replacements may be considered if:

• Downloaded files are corrupted and cannot be opened despite using correct software
• Files are missing pages, drawings, or components that should be included per product description
• Download links fail repeatedly and our technical support cannot resolve the issue
• You receive the wrong product files entirely (different plan than ordered)
• Files contain server-side errors making them unusable

What Does NOT Qualify as Technical Failure

The following are NOT considered technical failures:

• User error in downloading or opening files
• Lack of required software to view files (PDF reader, CAD software)
• Internet connectivity issues during download
• Insufficient device storage space
• Files working correctly but not meeting your expectations
• Printing difficulties due to printer limitations
• Inability to edit locked PDF files (intentional copyright protection)

How to Report Technical Issues

If you believe you’ve received corrupted or inaccessible files:

1. Contact us immediately through our Contact Us page
2. Provide details: Order number, file names, specific error messages, screenshots of errors
3. Confirm requirements: Software used, device type, file format attempted
4. Allow troubleshooting time: We will provide corrected files or alternative download methods within 24-48 hours
5. Refund consideration: Only if we cannot deliver working files after multiple attempts

Response Time: Technical support requests receive priority attention. We typically respond within 24 hours (business days) and resolve file delivery issues within 48 hours.

Burden of Proof

To qualify for a technical failure refund, you must:

• Provide clear evidence of file corruption or technical errors
• Cooperate with our troubleshooting process
• Report issues within 30 days of purchase
• Demonstrate that the problem is with our files, not your system/software
• Allow us reasonable opportunity to provide corrected files first

4. Responsibility and Acknowledgment

By completing a purchase on PermitContainerhomes.com, you explicitly agree to and acknowledge the following responsibilities and limitations:

Your Responsibilities as a Buyer

Our Limitations and Disclaimers

PermitContainerhomes.com provides comprehensive architectural plans but explicitly does NOT:

• Guarantee permit approval: Local building departments have final authority on permit decisions
• Provide legal or engineering services: Plans require independent PE review and stamping
• Warrant fitness for specific use: You must verify suitability for your project and location
• Assume liability for construction: Contractors, builders, and property owners assume all construction risks
• Cover site-specific engineering: Foundation design, soil analysis, and wind loads require local PE input
• Replace Professional Engineer review: Our plans are a foundation, not a substitute for PE services
• Guarantee construction costs: Material prices, labor rates, and site conditions vary significantly

Acknowledgment of Terms

By clicking “Complete Purchase,” you confirm that you have:

• Read and understood this entire Refund and Returns Policy
• Reviewed the product description, specifications, and preview materials
• Acknowledged that all sales are final with no refunds or returns
• Understood that PE review and local permit approval are separate requirements
• Accepted responsibility for verifying code compliance and site suitability
• Agreed to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
• Confirmed you are 18+ years old or the age of majority in your jurisdiction

5. Professional Engineer (PE) Requirements

Understanding Professional Engineer requirements is critical to successful container home permitting and is a key reason why we cannot offer refunds for non-approval by building authorities.

What Professional Engineers Do

Licensed Professional Engineers provide essential services that our architectural plans cannot include:

• Site-Specific Calculations: Wind loads, snow loads, seismic analysis based on your exact location
• Foundation Engineering: Soil bearing capacity analysis, pier sizing, anchor specifications
• Structural Modifications: Adapt plans for local code amendments or site constraints
• Load Path Verification: Confirm structural integrity after container modifications
• Stamped Drawings: Provide sealed drawings required by building departments for permit approval
• Code Compliance Certification: Certify that designs meet local adopted codes

Why PE Review Is Always Required

No architectural plan—from any source—can eliminate the PE requirement because:

• Every building site has unique soil conditions, wind exposure, snow loads, and seismic considerations
• Local jurisdictions adopt different versions of building codes with local amendments
• Building officials require PE stamps from engineers licensed in their state/province
• Container modifications affect structural properties requiring case-by-case engineering analysis
• Foundation design depends on soil boring results and local frost depth requirements

Typical PE Costs and Timelines

Budget for PE services separately from plan purchases:

• Standard Review: $2,000-$4,000 for typical single-container homes
• HVHZ or Complex Sites: $4,000-$7,000 for high-wind zones or challenging conditions
• Multi-Container Designs: $5,000-$10,000+ depending on size and complexity
• Timeline: 4-8 weeks from plan submission to stamped drawings

These costs and timelines are industry-standard and apply regardless of where you purchase architectural plans. They do not justify refunds.

Finding Qualified Professional Engineers

We recommend PEs with experience in:

• Alternative construction methods or shipping container structures
• High-wind or seismic design if applicable to your location
• Residential building code compliance
• Your local building department’s submittal requirements

Visit our Technical Specifications page for PE selection guidance and what to expect during the review process.

6. How to Request Technical Support

If you experience legitimate technical issues accessing your purchased files, we’re here to help resolve them quickly.

When to Contact Technical Support

Contact us immediately if you encounter:

• Files that won’t open despite using correct software (Adobe Reader for PDFs, AutoCAD for DWG files)
• Missing pages or drawings that should be included per product description
• Corrupted files showing error messages
• Download links that consistently fail or expire
• You received completely wrong product files

Information to Provide

Help us resolve your issue faster by including:

• Order Number: Found in your order confirmation email
• File Names: Specific files that won’t open or are problematic
• Error Messages: Exact text of any error messages (screenshots helpful)
• Software Used: Application name and version you’re using to open files
• Device Information: Computer (Windows/Mac), tablet, or smartphone
• Steps Taken: What troubleshooting you’ve already attempted

Contact Methods for Technical Support

• Primary: Contact Us page with subject line “Technical Support – Order #[Your Order Number]”
• Required: Email address used for purchase (for verification)
• Response Time: Within 24 hours on business days (Monday-Friday)
• Resolution Timeline: Most issues resolved within 48 hours

What Technical Support Cannot Help With

Our technical support team assists with file access issues but cannot provide:

• Engineering advice or PE services
• Plan modifications or customization
• Permit application assistance
• Construction or building guidance
• Code compliance interpretation
• Refunds for buyer’s remorse or non-approval

For plan modification services, visit our Contact Us page and inquire about our professional modification services (separate fee applies).

Timeline for Technical Support Requests

Technical issues must be reported within:

• 30 days of purchase for file corruption or access issues
• 7 days of purchase for wrong product received
• Immediate reporting preferred for best resolution outcomes

Requests submitted beyond these timeframes may still be reviewed but cannot guarantee refund eligibility if technical failure is confirmed.