Where Can I Find The Original Floor Plans For My House

Where Can I Find the Original Floor Plans for My House?

Are you embarking on a home renovation or addition project and need access to the original floor plans for your house? Whether you're seeking to maintain the integrity of the original design or simply gain insight into the structure of your home, obtaining these plans can be a valuable resource. In this article, we'll guide you through the various avenues you can explore to locate the original floor plans for your house.

1. Contact Your Local Building Department:

1. Municipal Records: - Many municipalities maintain a repository of building permits and associated documents, including floor plans. - Contact the building department in the city or town where your house is located. - Provide them with relevant information such as the address, permit number (if available), and year of construction. 2. Online Portals: - Some municipalities have digitized their records and provide online access to building permits and floor plans. - Check the website of your local building department to see if they offer this service.

2. Check with the Previous Homeowner:

1. Reach out to the previous owner of your house and inquire if they have a copy of the original floor plans. - They may have kept them for their own records or as a valuable resource for future reference. - If they have the plans, they might be willing to provide you with a copy.

3. Consult an Architect or Contractor:

1. Architects and contractors involved in the design and construction of your house may have retained a copy of the floor plans. - Check with the architect or contractor who worked on your house to see if they have the plans on file.

4. Explore Online Resources:

1. Historic Home Databases: - If your house is considered historically significant, it may be featured in historic home databases. - These databases often contain detailed information, including floor plans, for historically significant properties. 2. Digital Archives: - Some websites and digital archives collect and preserve historical documents, including floor plans. - Search for online archives that may have information about your house or its original design.

5. Seek Professional Assistance:

1. Hire a Home Inspector: - A qualified home inspector may have access to databases or resources that can help you locate the original floor plans. 2. Engage a Real Estate Agent: - Real estate agents often have access to property records and may be able to assist you in finding the floor plans.

Additional Tips:

1. Be Prepared to Pay a Fee: - Some municipalities or agencies may charge a fee for providing copies of floor plans. 2. Consider Digitizing the Plans: - Once you have the floor plans, consider digitizing them using a scanner or specialized software. - This will create a digital copy that you can easily store and access on your computer. 3. Store the Plans Safely: - Keep the original floor plans and any digital copies in a safe and secure location. - This will ensure that you have easy access to them in the future. Finding the original floor plans for your house can be a rewarding endeavor, providing valuable insights into the design and structure of your home. With a combination of persistence, research, and resourcefulness, you can successfully locate these important documents.