How Do I Find The Original Building Plans For My House

How to Find the Original Building Plans for Your House

1. Check with your local government: Many municipalities keep records of building permits and plans, even for older homes. Visit the planning or zoning department and inquire about the availability of plans for your property. They may have the original plans on file or direct you to where you can obtain copies.

2. Contact your homeowner's association: HOAs often maintain records of original building plans for homes within their jurisdiction. Reach out to your HOA management company or board and ask if they have copies of the plans available.

3. Inspect your home's attic, basement, or crawl space: Sometimes, original building plans or blueprints may be found tucked away in these areas. Look for rolled-up or folded papers that resemble architectural drawings.

4. Ask previous homeowners: If possible, contact the previous owners of your home. They may have kept copies of the original plans or know where to find them.

5. Search online databases: There are various online databases that may contain digitized copies of old building plans. Try searching for your property's address or the architect who designed it.

6. Hire a professional: If you are unable to locate the original building plans on your own, you can consider hiring a historical architect or professional researcher. They specialize in locating and interpreting historical building documents.

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7. Check with a local library or historical society: Local libraries and historical societies may have collections of old maps, building plans, and other historical documents that could include the plans for your home.