How Do I Get Original Building Plans For My House

How Do I Get Original Building Plans for My House?

Obtaining original building plans for your house is crucial for various reasons. Plans provide a detailed blueprint of your home's structure, including foundation, walls, roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. They are essential for renovations, repairs, additions, and even obtaining insurance claims. However, locating these plans can be a challenging task. This article outlines the most effective methods to acquire original building plans for your house, ensuring you have the critical information needed for any future projects or concerns.

1. Contacting Local Authorities

The first step in your search should involve contacting your local building department or municipality. Building departments maintain records of all construction permits issued for properties within their jurisdiction. These records often include the original building plans submitted for approval. Here's what you should do:

Visit or call your local building department. They can provide you with information on the process for accessing building plans.
Provide them with your property address and any available information about the construction date. This will help them locate the correct records.
Be prepared to pay a fee. Most building departments charge a nominal fee to access and copy plans.

It's essential to note that building department records are not always complete or accurate. Plans might be missing or damaged, especially for older homes. However, it’s a great starting point for your search.

2. Consulting Previous Owners

Previous owners of your home might have kept copies of the original building plans. If you are fortunate, they may be willing to share them with you. Consider the following:

Contact recent previous owners if you know their contact information. They may be willing to provide you with copies of plans they have kept.
Check local real estate records. Real estate databases often maintain records of previous owners, which can help you contact them.
Check with local homeowner associations or community groups. These organizations may have records of home sales and previous owners.

While contacting previous owners is a logical step, it's not always successful. Previous owners may have lost, discarded, or simply not kept copies of the plans. Don't be discouraged if this avenue doesn't yield immediate results.

3. Hiring a Professional

If your search efforts are unsuccessful, consider hiring a professional to locate the original building plans. There are several professionals who specialize in this task, including:

Architects and Engineers: These professionals have access to various resources and networks that can help them locate plans.
Building Plan Retrieval Services: Specialized companies focus on locating and retrieving building plans. They have expertise in searching various databases and archives.
Real Estate Appraisers: Appraisers are familiar with property records and can assist in identifying and obtaining plans.

While hiring a professional can be an added expense, it can save you significant time and effort in your quest for original building plans. They can navigate complex procedures, access specialized databases, and possess the knowledge to locate plans that may be difficult to find independently.

4. Consider Alternative Options

If you are unable to obtain original building plans, there are alternative options available:

As-Built Drawings: You can hire a professional to create a detailed as-built drawing of your house. This involves measuring the existing structure and creating a precise representation of the floor plan, elevations, and sections.
Historical Records: Libraries, historical societies, and museums often house archives of historical records, including building permits and plans. While this option may require extensive research, it could be a valuable resource for older properties.
Online Search Engines: Search engines like Google can be helpful for finding digital copies of building plans. You can search using terms like "building plans," "architectural plans," and your property address.

While these alternatives may not be as comprehensive as original plans, they can still be useful for renovation, repair, or addition projects.

Obtaining original building plans for your house can be a time-consuming and challenging process. By exploring all available avenues, including contacting local authorities, consulting previous owners, hiring a professional, and considering alternative options, you can increase the chances of successfully locating these critical documents. With a little persistence and effort, you can gain access to valuable information about your home's structure, ensuring you make informed decisions for any future projects or needs.