How Do I Get A Copy Of The Original Plans For My House

How Do I Get a Copy of the Original Plans for My House?

Whether you're planning a renovation, extension, or just want to know more about your home's history, having a copy of the original plans can be invaluable. But how do you go about getting them? Here are the steps you need to take:

Check Your Local Council or City Hall

The first place to check is your local council or city hall. They may have a record of the plans on file, especially if your home was built within the last 50 years. They may charge a small fee for the copies.

Contact the Architect or Builder

If you know who the architect or builder was, you can try contacting them directly. They may have kept a copy of the plans in their archives. However, it's important to note that they may not be obligated to provide you with a copy, especially if the plans are copyrighted.

Search Online

There are a number of online resources that may have copies of house plans. Some popular websites include:

National Historic Registry
Library of Congress
Historic Homeowners Foundation

Hire a Professional

If you've exhausted all other options, you can consider hiring a professional to search for the plans for you. They may have access to additional resources and databases that you don't. However, this can be a costly option.

Tips for Finding the Original Plans

Here are some additional tips to help you find the original plans for your house:

Check your home for a hidden storage space, such as in the attic, basement, or garage, where the plans may have been kept.
Ask your neighbors if they have a copy of the plans. They may have obtained them when they purchased their home or during a previous renovation.
Contact local historical societies or preservation groups. They may have records of old house plans.

What to Do if You Can't Find the Original Plans

If you're unable to find the original plans for your house, don't despair. There are still a few things you can do:

Hire an architect to create new plans based on existing measurements and photographs of your home.
Use online resources to find similar house plans that can be adapted to your home.
Ask a contractor to inspect your home and provide you with a detailed description of the construction.