How Do I Find Plans For My House

How Do I Find Plans For My House?

Finding the plans for your house can be a valuable resource for homeowners and contractors alike. Whether you're planning a renovation, addition, or other project, having access to the original blueprints can provide crucial information and insights.

There are several ways to locate the plans for your house, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Contact the Builder or Architect

If you know who built or designed your house, they may have copies of the original plans. Reaching out to the builder or architect is a good first step, especially if the house is relatively new.

2. Check with the City or County Building Department

Most municipalities require homeowners to submit building plans when they construct or modify a house. These plans are typically kept on file at the local building department. However, older homes may not have plans on file, as building codes and regulations have changed over time.

3. Search Online Databases

There are several online databases that contain building plans. Some popular options include:

Historic Homeworks
ePlans
House Plan Central

These databases typically charge a fee to access their plans, but they can be a convenient option for finding plans for older homes or specific architectural styles.

4. Consult with a Home Inspector

Home inspectors often have access to building plans as part of their inspection process. If you're getting a home inspection, consider asking the inspector if they have access to the plans.

5. Look in Your House

Sometimes, building plans are stored in the house itself. Common places to check include:

Attic
Basement
Garage
Utility closet

6. Ask a Neighbor

If your house is part of a development or neighborhood, it's possible that a neighbor may have a copy of the building plans. They may be willing to share them with you.

7. Hire a Professional

If you're unable to find the plans for your house using the methods listed above, you can consider hiring a professional. Architects, engineers, or draftsmen can recreate the plans based on the existing structure. This option can be expensive, but it may be necessary if you need accurate and detailed plans.