How To Find Floor Plan Of A House

How To Find the Floor Plan of a House

Locating the floor plan of a house can be essential for various reasons, ranging from planning renovations and interior design projects to assessing property value and understanding the structural layout of a building. While obtaining a floor plan might seem challenging, several avenues can be explored to access this valuable document. This article details various methods and resources for finding the floor plan of a house.

Checking Existing Documents and Records

The first and most straightforward method involves examining existing documents and records related to the property. This approach leverages documents that the homeowner or previous owners may already possess, potentially saving time and effort.

Homeowner's Files: The current homeowner should begin by thoroughly searching through their personal files. Mortgage documents, property deeds, and previous renovation permits often include a copy of the original floor plan or schematic drawings. These documents are typically stored in a safe place, such as a filing cabinet, safe, or digital storage device. If the homeowner has engaged in any previous construction or remodeling projects, the associated paperwork might contain detailed floor plans submitted for approval.

Previous Owners: If the current homeowner is unable to locate the floor plan, contacting the previous owners could prove beneficial. They might have retained a copy of the floor plan or possess information about where such documents could be found. Contacting the real estate agent who handled the sale can also be useful, as they might have access to historical property information.

Mortgage Documents: Mortgage lenders often require a copy of the floor plan as part of the loan application process. Reviewing the mortgage documents provided during the purchase of the house might reveal the presence of a floor plan. Contacting the lending institution directly may also be an option if the homeowner lacks access to these documents.

Property Deeds: Property deeds, especially those created during the initial construction of the house, might contain the floor plan as an exhibit. Although not always included, checking the deed recorded with the local government's land records office is worth considering. Accessing these records usually involves visiting the county recorder's office or accessing their online database.

Insurance Policies: Home insurance policies may contain information about the property's layout, though typically not as detailed as a dedicated floor plan. Reviewing insurance documents can provide a general idea of the house's configuration and square footage, which can be helpful in the absence of a precise floor plan.

Consulting Local Government Agencies and Records

Local government agencies maintain a wealth of information regarding properties within their jurisdiction. These agencies often have records related to building permits, zoning regulations, and property assessments, which can contain valuable information about a house's floor plan.

Building Departments: The local building department or planning department is a primary source for obtaining floor plans. When a house is constructed or undergoes significant renovations, builders are typically required to submit detailed plans for approval. These plans are archived by the building department and are often accessible to the public, subject to privacy regulations. Visiting the building department in person or accessing their online database can reveal if a floor plan is on file. Requesting access to building permits and related documents for the property may be necessary.

Assessor's Office: Many assessor's offices maintain records that include basic property information, such as the dimensions of the house, the number of rooms, and the square footage. While they may not have a complete floor plan, this information can be helpful in creating a basic sketch of the house's layout. Some assessor's offices are beginning to incorporate more detailed information, including rudimentary floor plans, into their online databases to improve property assessments.

Land Registry/Recorder's Office: The land registry or recorder's office is responsible for recording property deeds and other legal documents related to real estate. As mentioned previously, property deeds sometimes include floor plans, particularly for newly constructed homes or properties that have undergone significant renovations. Reviewing the records at this office can be beneficial, especially for older properties where other records may be scarce.

Zoning Department: The zoning department regulates land use and development within a municipality. They may have records of approved site plans and building layouts, especially if the property is subject to specific zoning regulations or has undergone zoning changes. These records can provide insights into the original layout and any subsequent modifications.

When consulting local government agencies, it is important to be prepared with the property address, parcel number, and any other relevant information that can help the staff locate the correct records. Some agencies may charge a fee for accessing and copying documents.

Utilizing Online Resources and Professional Services

In addition to traditional methods, several online resources and professional services can assist in finding or creating a floor plan. These options are particularly useful when existing documents are unavailable or inaccessible.

Online Property Databases: Several online property databases, such as Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, often include floor plans for properties listed for sale. While these plans may not always be available, they can be a valuable resource for visualizing the layout of a house, especially if it has been recently listed. These websites often aggregate information from various sources, including real estate listings, public records, and user-submitted content. However, it is crucial to verify the accuracy of the information found on these websites, as it may not always be up-to-date or precise.

Architectural Firms: If the house was designed by an architect, contacting the architectural firm that created the original plans could be a fruitful endeavor. They may have copies of the floor plan in their archives or be able to recreate the plans based on their original drawings. Even if the original architect is no longer in business, their records may have been transferred to another firm or archive. Researching the history of the property and any known architects who worked on it can help narrow down potential contacts.

Professional Surveyors: Professional surveyors can create accurate floor plans by measuring the dimensions of the house and using specialized equipment to map out the layout. This option is suitable for situations where no existing floor plans are available or when a highly accurate plan is required for renovation or construction purposes. Surveyors typically provide detailed drawings that include measurements, wall thicknesses, and the location of doors, windows, and other structural elements. The cost of hiring a surveyor can vary depending on the size and complexity of the house.

Interior Designers: Interior designers often create floor plans as part of their design services. If the homeowner has worked with an interior designer in the past, they may have a copy of the floor plan or be able to create one based on their knowledge of the house's layout. Interior designers can also provide valuable insights into the functionality and aesthetics of the house, which can be helpful for planning renovations or decorating projects.

Online Floor Plan Software: Numerous online floor plan software programs allow users to create their own floor plans using digital tools. These programs typically offer a user-friendly interface and a library of pre-designed elements, making it easier to create accurate and visually appealing floor plans. Some popular options include RoomSketcher, Floorplanner, and SmartDraw. These tools can be particularly useful for planning renovations or experimenting with different furniture layouts.

Real Estate Agents: Real estate agents often have access to property information and listings that include floor plans. Even if the house is not currently listed for sale, a local real estate agent may be able to access historical data or contact previous agents who handled the property. Building a relationship with a knowledgeable real estate agent can be beneficial for accessing a wide range of property-related information.

When utilizing online resources, it is essential to exercise caution and verify the accuracy of the information. Cross-referencing information from multiple sources and consulting with professionals can help ensure that the floor plan is accurate and reliable.