How Do I Find The Original Building Plans For My House

How Do I Find the Original Building Plans for My House?

Owning a home is a substantial investment, and understanding the structure and history of your property is crucial. The original building plans hold invaluable information about your home's design, materials, and modifications. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to find the original building plans for your house:

1. Check with the Local Building Department:

Building departments often archive copies of building permits and plans for completed construction projects. Contact the building department in the municipality where your house is located and inquire about the availability of these documents. They may charge a nominal fee for copies.

2. Contact the Architect or Builder:

If you have the name of the original architect or builder, reach out to their office or company. In some cases, they may still have a copy of the plans on file. However, this may not be possible if the business has dissolved or relocated.

3. Search Public Records:

Many counties and cities maintain public records of building permits and plans. Visit the local courthouse or archives to access these documents. The process may involve paying a fee and filling out a request form.

4. Contact the Previous Owner:

The previous owner may have retained a copy of the original building plans. Reach out to them politely and inquire if they still have them. They may be willing to provide copies or direct you to the source.

5. Check with the Homeowners' Association (HOA):

If your property is part of a homeowners' association, they may have a copy of the original building plans for the neighborhood. Contact the HOA management office and make an inquiry.

6. Look for a Plan Room:

Some larger cities have plan rooms where licensed contractors and architects can access building plans for reference. Check with local architectural firms or contractors' associations to see if such a facility exists in your area.

7. Hire a Professional:

If you have exhausted all other options, consider hiring a professional home inspector or architectural historian. They may have access to resources and expertise to locate the original building plans.

8. Consider Digital Archives:

In recent years, some cities and counties have begun digitizing their building permit records. Check the local government website or the website of the building department to see if your house's plans are available online.

Tips for Finding the Original Building Plans:

Provide the building department or other sources with the exact address and parcel number of your property.
Be persistent and follow up with your inquiries. It may take some time to locate the plans.
If you can't find the original plans, consider hiring a draftsperson or architect to create new plans based on the existing structure.

Obtaining the original building plans for your house provides valuable insights into the history and integrity of your property. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding these essential documents, which can assist you with home improvements, renovations, and preservation efforts.