Where to Find Original Floor Plans for Your House

Are you a homeowner looking to renovate, expand, or simply curious about the original design of your house? Having access to the original floor plans can provide valuable insights into the structure, layout, and history of your property. While finding these plans may require some effort, there are several resources and strategies you can explore.

Methods for Locating Original Floor Plans:

1. Contact the Local Building Department: - The building department in your area may have a record of the original floor plans submitted during the construction of your house. Contact them to inquire about the availability of these plans. 2. Check with the Previous Homeowners: - If you have the contact information of the previous homeowners, reaching out to them may yield positive results. They might have kept copies of the original floor plans or know where to find them. 3. Search Public Records: - In some cases, original floor plans may be available in public records such as property deeds, building permits, or zoning documents. These records can often be accessed through the county clerk's office or online databases. 4. Consult an Architect or Contractor: - If you're working with an architect or contractor for a renovation project, they may be able to help you locate the original floor plans. They might have access to resources or contacts that can assist in the search. 5. Contact the Homebuilder or Developer: - If you know the name of the homebuilder or developer who constructed your house, contacting them may lead to obtaining the original floor plans. They may have retained copies of these plans in their archives. 6. Look for Clues in Your House: - Sometimes, clues about the original floor plan can be found within the house itself. Check for any hidden spaces, unfinished rooms, or changes in the layout that might indicate past modifications. These clues can help you piece together the original design. 7. Hire a Professional to Create New Plans: - If all else fails, you can consider hiring an architect or draftsperson to create new floor plans based on the existing structure of your house. While this option may be more expensive, it ensures that you have accurate and up-to-date plans.

Once you have obtained the original floor plans, it's essential to carefully review them to understand the layout, dimensions, and any structural details of your house. This information can be invaluable for planning renovations, repairs, or additions to your property. Additionally, preserving the original floor plans can contribute to the historical record of your house and enhance its value.