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

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

Whether you're planning a renovation, need to locate hidden utilities, or simply want to know more about your home's history, obtaining a copy of the original building plans is a invaluable resource. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Contact the Local Building Department

The first step is to reach out to the local building department in the jurisdiction where your house is located. They are likely to have a record of the building permits issued for your property, which may include copies of the plans. Be prepared to provide the building permit number or the address of your house.

2. Check with the Architect/Builder

If the local building department doesn't have the plans, you can try contacting the architect or builder who designed and constructed your house. They may have retained copies of the plans for their records.

3. Search Online

There are several online repositories that contain digitized copies of building plans. Some of the popular resources include:

Historic Aerials: Offers aerial images of various properties over time, potentially including scans of the original building plans.
Library of Congress: Houses a vast collection of architectural drawings and plans.
Google Earth Pro: Allows you to view historical satellite imagery, which may capture the construction phase of your house and provide a glimpse of the plans.

4. Check with Previous Owners

If you know the names of previous owners, you can attempt to reach out to them. They may have kept copies of the plans or know where to find them.

5. Hire a Professional

If all else fails, you can consider hiring a professional. A licensed architect or engineer can help you recreate the original building plans based on the existing structure and available information.

Additional Tips:

Be patient: It may take some time to locate the plans.
Be prepared to pay a fee: Some jurisdictions charge a fee for providing copies of building plans.
Consider digital copies: For convenience and preservation, consider digitizing the plans once you obtain them.
Respect copyright laws: If the plans are copyrighted, make sure to obtain permission before using them for commercial purposes.

By following these steps, you increase your chances of obtaining a copy of the original building plans for your house. These plans are not just a valuable tool for remodeling and repairs but also a fascinating glimpse into the history and design of your home.