How Do I Find The Original Floor Plan Of My House

How to Find the Original Floor Plan of Your House

Locating the original floor plan of a house can be a valuable endeavor for homeowners undertaking renovations, resolving property disputes, or simply satisfying historical curiosity. Several potential sources exist, each requiring a different approach and offering varying degrees of success.

Check Local Government Agencies

Municipal or county offices often retain building permits and associated documents, including original floor plans. The building department or records office are the primary points of contact. Requests may involve specific forms and potentially a small fee. The age of the house will significantly impact the availability of these records. Older properties may predate digitized record-keeping, requiring more extensive manual searches within archives.

Contact Previous Owners

If previous owners are accessible, they can be a valuable resource. Real estate agents involved in past transactions might also possess copies of the floor plan. Title companies maintain records of property transfers and sometimes retain related documents. Contacting these individuals or entities could yield positive results.

Explore Online Resources

Several online databases are emerging that specialize in historical property records. While the coverage can be patchy, these databases offer a convenient starting point for research. Local historical societies or architectural archives might also maintain digital collections containing floor plans of older homes. These online repositories are worth exploring for properties with historical significance.

Examine the House Itself

While not providing the original blueprint, a thorough examination of the house can reveal valuable clues. Features like wall placements, door and window positions, and the layout of plumbing and electrical systems can inform the reconstruction of a floor plan. This method is best coupled with other research methods to ensure accuracy. Photographs can be particularly helpful in documenting the existing structure.

Consult with Architects and Contractors

Local architects and contractors familiar with the area and building styles might possess knowledge of specific properties or access to historical architectural records. Their expertise can provide valuable insights into the original design and construction methods used. While potentially requiring a consultation fee, their professional perspective can be invaluable.

Look at Property Survey Documents

Property surveys often include detailed measurements and depictions of the house's footprint, though they might not include interior layouts. These surveys can be helpful in corroborating information gathered from other sources and provide a precise representation of the property's boundaries and external features. Accessing these documents might involve contacting the local land registry or surveyor's office.

Search Local Libraries and Historical Societies

Local libraries and historical societies frequently maintain archives related to the area's history, which can include architectural drawings, blueprints, and photographs of older homes. These institutions can be valuable resources for uncovering historical information about a property and potentially locating the original floor plan. Researching the architect or builder of the house can also lead to relevant archival materials.

Consider Professional Blueprint Retrieval Services

For those facing significant challenges in locating the original floor plan, specialized blueprint retrieval services exist. These companies have established networks and expertise in navigating various archives and records offices. While incurring a fee, they offer a dedicated approach to uncovering difficult-to-find documents. This option is often a last resort when other avenues have been exhausted.

Check with Real Estate Websites and Platforms

Some real estate websites and platforms retain historical listing information, which might include floor plans used in previous sales. This avenue is particularly useful for relatively recent transactions. The availability of such information varies greatly depending on the platform and the age of the listing.