Find Original Building Plans For My House

Find Original Building Plans for Your House: A Comprehensive Guide

Uncovering the original building plans for your house can provide valuable insights into its history, architectural design, and potential renovations. Whether you're a homeowner, renovator, or simply curious about the past, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to locate and obtain these important documents.

Contact the Local Building Department

The local building department is responsible for issuing building permits and maintaining records of all construction projects within their jurisdiction. They may have copies of the original building plans on file, especially if your house was built within the last few decades.

Visit the City or County Archives

If the building department doesn't have the plans, the city or county archives might. These repositories often store historical records, including building plans. Be prepared to provide the address of your house and the approximate year it was built.

Check with the Title Company

Title companies often keep copies of surveys, deeds, and other documents related to property transactions. They may have a copy of the original building plans as part of their records. Contact the title company that handled the purchase of your house.

Request from the Previous Owner

If the previous owner is still accessible, they may have a copy of the original building plans. Reach out to them and inquire if they have them and are willing to share them with you.

Hire an Architect or Engineer

If all else fails, you can consider hiring an architect or engineer to create new building plans based on an inspection of your house. This is a more costly option, but it ensures that you have accurate and up-to-date plans for future reference.

Benefits of Having Original Building Plans

Obtaining the original building plans for your house offers numerous benefits:

Understand the History: Learn about the original design, materials, and construction methods used in your house.
Plan Renovations: Make informed decisions about remodeling or additions by referencing the original plans for structural integrity and compliance.
Resolve Disputes: Use the plans as evidence to settle ownership disputes or boundary issues.
Increase Property Value: Original building plans can add value to your property, especially if you plan to sell or refinance.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to help you find the original building plans for your house:

Be patient. It may take some time to locate the plans, especially if your house is older.
Be persistent. Don't give up if you don't find the plans right away. Contact multiple agencies and individuals.
Be professional. When making inquiries, be courteous and respectful, even if you don't get positive results.
Be specific. Provide as much information as possible about your house, including the address, year it was built, and any previous owners you know of.

By following these steps and seeking assistance when needed, you increase your chances of successfully finding the original building plans for your house. These plans will provide invaluable information to help you appreciate the history and maintain the structural integrity of your home.