How To Find Original Floor Plan Of My House

How to Find the Original Floor Plan of Your House

Obtaining the original floor plan of a house can be invaluable for homeowners. These plans offer insights into the initial design, structural elements, and intended layout of the property. Whether planning renovations, tracing property lines, or simply satisfying curiosity about the home's history, access to the original floor plan proves advantageous. Locating these documents, however, often requires patience and a systematic approach. This article outlines several avenues for discovering the original floor plan of a house.

Consult Local Government Archives and Building Departments

One of the primary resources for locating original floor plans is the local government. City or county archives and building departments often maintain records of building permits and construction documents, including floor plans. These records are typically public information, although access procedures and associated fees may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

The process generally begins with identifying the correct government agency responsible for building permits in the area where the house is located. This can usually be determined by searching the city or county website for departments related to planning, building, or zoning. Once the relevant department is identified, contact them to inquire about accessing archived building plans.

When contacting the building department, provide as much information as possible about the property. This includes the full address, any known building permit numbers, and the approximate year the house was built. The more information provided, the easier it will be for the department staff to locate the correct records. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership, such as a copy of the property deed or a recent property tax bill.

Accessing the floor plans may involve visiting the government office in person to conduct a search of the archives. Some departments offer online databases or search tools, which can allow for remote access to records. However, online databases may not contain all historical records, so a physical search may still be necessary. The building department may charge a fee for accessing and copying the floor plans. These fees are typically based on the size of the documents and the amount of time required to retrieve them.

If the house is located in a historic district, the local historical society may also hold copies of the original floor plans or know where they can be found. Historic districts often have strict regulations regarding renovations and alterations, so the historical society may have detailed records of the original construction.

Explore Previous Owners and Real Estate Records

Another valuable resource for finding original floor plans lies in tracing the history of the property through previous owners and real estate records. These sources may contain documentation related to the original construction or subsequent renovations that could include floor plans.

Start by researching the property's ownership history. This information can often be obtained from the county recorder's office or a title company. These records will show the chain of ownership for the property, including the names of all previous owners and the dates they owned the house. Knowing the names of previous owners can be useful in tracking down additional information, such as personal records or architectural documents.

Contacting previous owners directly, if possible, presents an opportunity to inquire whether they possess any original documents related to the house, including floor plans. Even if they do not have the physical plans, they may have information about who designed or built the house, which could lead to other sources. Online search engines and social media platforms can sometimes be used to locate previous owners.

Real estate records, such as listing agreements and property appraisals, may also contain floor plans or other architectural information. These documents are typically kept by real estate agents and appraisal companies for a certain period of time. Contacting the real estate agents or appraisal companies who have handled transactions for the property in the past is another potential avenue for locating floor plans. It is important to note that these records may not always be readily available, and their retention policies may vary.

Local libraries and historical societies might also have archives of old real estate listings and advertisements. These resources can sometimes provide clues about the original layout of the house or lead to other relevant information.

Engage Professionals: Architects, Surveyors, and Historians

When individual efforts to locate the original floor plan prove unsuccessful, engaging professionals with expertise in architectural history, surveying, or historical research can be a viable alternative. These experts possess specialized knowledge and resources that can assist in uncovering hard-to-find documents and information.

Architects, particularly those specializing in historic preservation, possess the skills and knowledge to analyze existing structures and create accurate floor plans based on the original design. If the original floor plans cannot be found, an architect can conduct a detailed survey of the house and produce a reconstruction of the original plans based on the existing structural elements and architectural style. This process may involve examining wall thicknesses, window and door placements, and other features to determine the original layout of the house.

Land surveyors can provide accurate property surveys that show the dimensions and boundaries of the property. While a survey may not include the interior layout of the house, it can provide valuable information about the overall footprint of the building and its placement on the lot. This information can be helpful in understanding the original design and how the house relates to its surroundings.

Historians specializing in local history can research the history of the property and the surrounding area. They may be able to uncover documents and records that are not readily available to the general public. This research may involve searching through local archives, historical societies, and other repositories to find information about the original construction of the house. Historians can also provide valuable context about the architectural style of the house and the historical period in which it was built.

When engaging professionals, it is important to choose individuals or firms with a proven track record and expertise in the relevant area. Obtain references and review their previous work to ensure they possess the necessary skills and experience. Be prepared to pay professional fees for their services, which can vary depending on the scope of the project and the expertise of the professional.

Another potentially useful professional is a title insurer. Title insurance companies often conduct thorough searches of property records to ensure clear ownership. During this process, they may uncover old surveys or floor plans that are not readily available elsewhere.

Ultimately, locating the original floor plan of a house may take a combination of research, persistence, and professional assistance. By exploring the various resources outlined above, homeowners increase their chances of uncovering this valuable piece of their property's history. The information gleaned from the original floor plan can be invaluable for planning renovations, understanding the structural integrity of the building, and appreciating the home's unique architectural character.