How To Find Original House Plans Nsw

How to Find Original House Plans in New South Wales

Finding the original house plans for your property in New South Wales can be a valuable resource for homeowners, renovators, and builders alike. These plans can provide insights into the original design and construction of your home, including floor plans, elevations, and structural details. If you're considering renovations or additions, having access to the original plans can help you understand the existing structure and make informed decisions about your project.

Locating Original House Plans

There are several avenues you can explore to locate the original house plans for your property in NSW:

Council Records: Local councils often maintain a collection of building plans for properties within their jurisdiction. Contact your local council and inquire about the availability of plans for your home.
State Records: The State Records Authority of NSW houses a vast collection of historical records, including building plans. Visit their website or contact them directly to determine if they have plans for your property.
Private Architects: If the original house was designed by an architect, you may be able to contact their firm to request copies of the plans. However, keep in mind that some firms may charge a fee for this service.
Previous Owners: If you have access to the contact information for previous owners of your property, they may have retained copies of the original plans.
Digging: In some cases, original house plans can be found in the attic, basement, or storage areas of the home. Check these locations thoroughly for any documents related to your house.

Tips for Searching

When searching for original house plans, it's important to provide as much information as possible to the relevant authorities or parties:

Property address
Lot and DP (Deposited Plan) number
Name of the original owner (if known)
Approximate date of construction
Any other relevant details that may help identify the plans

Understanding the Plans

Once you have obtained the original house plans, it's essential to understand how to interpret them. House plans typically include the following components:

Floor Plans: These provide a layout of each floor of the house, showing the location of rooms, walls, doors, and windows.
Elevations: These are drawings that show the exterior of the house from different angles.
Sections: These are vertical drawings that show the construction details of the house, including the foundation, framing, and roof.
Details: These are smaller drawings that provide specific information about particular aspects of the house, such as window and door details or cabinetry layouts.

Benefits of Having Original House Plans

Having access to the original house plans for your property offers numerous benefits:

Historical Value: The plans can provide a glimpse into the history of your home and its architectural style.
Renovation Planning: The plans can help you understand the existing structure and make informed decisions about renovations or additions.
Structural Integrity: Knowing the structural details of your home can assist in maintaining its integrity and preventing potential issues.
Insurance Purposes: The plans can provide valuable documentation in the event of an insurance claim.