When undertaking new construction, borrowers, lenders, and tribes are free to develop structures that meet the specific needs of individual households. These structures may be created to be culturally relevant and are not required to follow any one specific floor plan or design model. Homebuyers may wish to consult readily available home plan guides for design options or possibilities. However, if the borrower selects a home plan from such a guide, the lender and/or Program ONAP may decide whether a local licensed architect’s stamp is needed.

In addition, some IHAs/TDHEs may be able to provide homebuyers with sample plans and specifications. The lender and/or Program ONAP may require that these sample plans also be stamped by a local, licensed architect. (Chapter 7 contains further instructions on new construction.)