How Do I Get Original Plans For My House

How Do I Get Original Plans for My House?

Accessing original house plans is crucial for homeowners seeking to make informed decisions about renovations or additions. Here's a comprehensive guide to obtaining these essential documents:

1. Contact the Local Building Department: The building department in your area often retains copies of building permits issued for your property. Visit or contact them to inquire about the availability of the original plans.

2. Consult the Previous Owner: If you're not the original owner of your house, reach out to the previous owners and inquire if they have kept the original plans. They may be willing to provide copies or direct you to where they might be stored.

3. Search Public Records: Depending on local laws, certain property records may be available for public inspection. Visit the county courthouse or town hall to check if the original plans are filed among public documents.

4. Hire a Professional: If you're unable to locate the original plans through the above methods, consider hiring a licensed architect or draftsperson. They can create new plans based on existing measurements and photographs of your property.

5. Check with Contractors: General contractors who have worked on your house in the past may have copies of the original plans or at least some records related to renovations or additions.

Additional Tips:

Be prepared to pay a fee for obtaining copies of the plans.
If the original plans are unavailable, consider ordering a survey of your property to create new plans.
Keep copies of your house plans in a safe and accessible location for future reference.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of securing original plans for your house, ensuring you have the necessary information for home improvement projects or appraisals.