How To Get Original Plans For Your House

How to Obtain Original Plans for Your House

Acquiring original house plans can be crucial for various reasons, such as renovations, repairs, or historical preservation. Here are some essential aspects to consider when embarking on this process:

1. Contact the Local Building Department: Start by reaching out to your local building department. They often maintain records of previously submitted building permits and may have copies of the original plans on file.

2. Search Online Plan Repositories: Several online repositories, like BuildFax and ArchiveGrid, gather and store historical construction documents, including house plans. Explore these platforms to see if they have your house plans available.

3. Check with the Architect or Builder: If you know the architect or builder who designed or constructed your house, reach out to them. They may still have copies of the original plans or know where to find them.

4. Consult Previous Homeowners: If you have access to contact information for previous homeowners, ask if they have a set of the original plans. Sometimes, plans are passed down through generations of owners.

5. Examine Historical Records: Local libraries, historical societies, and county archives may have historical records or documents that include house plans. Visit these repositories to search for your home's plans.

6. Hire a Professional: If all else fails, consider hiring a professional researcher or architectural historian. They specialize in finding and retrieving historical construction documents and can assist in your search.

7. Consider Legal Implications: Be aware that obtaining original plans may have legal implications, especially if your house is historically protected or designated as a landmark. Ensure you comply with any applicable regulations or restrictions.

8. Handling Damaged Plans: If you find original plans but they are damaged or incomplete, consider contacting a professional document restoration service. They can repair or reconstruct plans to make them usable again.

Preserve and Protect: Once you have acquired the original plans for your house, ensure their preservation and protection. Consider digitizing them for easy access and storage or making copies for future reference.

Obtaining original house plans can be a valuable undertaking, whether for practical or historical purposes. By following these steps and exploring various avenues, you can increase your chances of successfully retrieving the original plans for your home.