How To Get Original Building Plans For My House

How to Get Original Building Plans for Your House

Original building plans are essential documents for homeowners, providing valuable information about the structure and design of their house. These plans can be invaluable for various purposes, including renovations, additions, insurance claims, and even selling the house. However, obtaining original plans can be a challenging task, especially for older homes. This article will guide you through the process of retrieving these important documents, outlining key steps and resources.

1. Check with Local Authorities

The first and most likely source for original building plans is your local building department or planning department. These offices maintain records of permits and plans submitted for construction projects within their jurisdiction. Contact the department and inquire about records for your property. You may need to provide information such as the property address, legal description, and any existing permits or building numbers.

Local authorities typically have digitized records, making access relatively simple. However, if your house is very old, the plans may only exist on paper and require manual retrieval. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership or a valid reason for accessing these plans. You might be required to pay a fee for accessing the records.

2. Contact Previous Owners or Builders

If local authorities fail to provide the original plans, consider reaching out to previous owners or the original builder of your house. Previous owners might have retained copies of the plans, especially if they undertook significant renovations or additions. If the original builder is still in business, they may have kept records of their projects.

Contacting previous owners can be challenging, especially if the house has had multiple owners over time. However, researching property records can identify previous owners and their contact information. Builders often maintain detailed records of projects, but their willingness to share might depend on various factors such as the age of the house and their business policies.

3. Explore Online Resources

The internet offers a wealth of information, including resources for retrieving building plans. Websites dedicated to genealogy, historical records, and property research can provide valuable leads. You can search for databases of building permits, homeowner associations, or local historical societies that might hold relevant documents.

Online platforms for buying and selling property, like Zillow or Realtor.com, often display property details and sometimes include links to building plans or other relevant documents. However, the availability and accuracy of this information can vary significantly. Before relying on online resources, verify the legitimacy of the information and the source.

4. Hire a Professional

If all other avenues fail to yield the original building plans, hiring a professional is your next option. Architectural firms, engineering companies, or surveyors specializing in property records can assist in retrieving missing plans. These professionals have experience navigating local archives, contacting relevant authorities, and deciphering old blueprints.

Hiring a professional will incur additional costs but may save time and effort in the long run. They can also provide expert interpretation and assistance in utilizing the obtained plans for your specific needs, such as renovations or home improvement projects.

Additional Tips for Finding Original Building Plans

Here are some additional tips to help you in your search for original building plans:

Check your attic or basement. Older homes may have original plans tucked away in hidden corners.
Examine any existing architectural drawings or sketches you have. They may contain clues about the original design and layout.
Contact your homeowner's insurance company. They may have requested building plans in the past and might have copies in their records.
Explore local libraries and archives for historical records or maps that could provide details about your house.
Be patient and persistent. Retrieving original building plans can be a time-consuming process, but persistence often pays off.

Obtaining original building plans can be a challenging but important endeavor. By following these steps and utilizing available resources, you can increase your chances of securing these vital documents. Remember to keep accurate records of your search, including contact information, dates, and any relevant documentation you acquire. This will help you track your process and avoid unnecessary repetition if you need to revisit the search in the future.