How Can I Find The Original Floor Plans For My House

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

Obtaining the original floor plans for your house can be a valuable resource for various purposes, such as renovations, repairs, or historical preservation. These plans provide detailed information about the layout, dimensions, and structural elements of your home.

There are several methods to locate the original floor plans for your house, including:

1. Contact the Local Building Department

The local building department often maintains a record of building permits and plans submitted for construction projects within their jurisdiction. They may have copies of the original floor plans for your house on file.

2. Check with the County Recorder's Office

In some counties, the recorder's office may keep copies of building plans and other land records. They may have the original floor plans for your house or be able to direct you to where they can be found.

3. Search Online Repositories

Several online repositories, such as the Library of Congress and the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), have collections of historical building plans and drawings. You may be able to find the original floor plans for your house by searching these repositories.

4. Contact the Architect or Builder

If you know the name of the architect or builder who designed or constructed your house, you may be able to contact them directly. They may still have copies of the original floor plans or be able to provide you with information on where to find them.

5. Check with the Previous Owners

If you purchased your house from previous owners, they may have copies of the original floor plans. Check with them to see if they have any documentation related to the home's construction.

6. Hire a Professional

If you are unable to locate the original floor plans through the methods mentioned above, you may consider hiring a professional such as an architect or historian. They can assist you in researching and obtaining the plans.

Tips for Finding Original Floor Plans:

* Provide as much information as possible when making inquiries, including the address of the house and the approximate year it was built.

* Be prepared to pay a fee for copying or obtaining the plans.

* If the original floor plans cannot be located, consider hiring a professional to create new plans based on measurements and observations of your house.