How Do I Get Original Building Plans For My House

How to Obtain Original Building Plans for Your House

Having access to the original building plans for your house provides valuable insights into its design, construction, and history. These plans serve as a legal document and can be useful for various reasons, such as renovations, additions, or resolving boundary disputes.

Obtaining the original building plans can be a straightforward process, but it may vary slightly depending on the age and location of your property. Here are the essential steps to guide you through the search:

1. Check with the Local Building Department

The local building department is often the best starting point for obtaining original building plans. They typically maintain a record of all building permits issued in their jurisdiction. Contact the department to inquire about the availability of plans for your address. Some departments may charge a fee for providing copies.

2. Search Online Databases

Several online databases have been established to store historical building plans. These databases may contain plans for your house, especially if it is of historical significance. Popular online databases include:

Library of Congress
National Archives and Records Administration
HathiTrust Digital Library

3. Contact the Architect or Builder

If the previous steps are unsuccessful, try contacting the architect or builder who designed or constructed your house. They may still have copies of the original plans on file. They may charge a fee for providing copies, but it is worth exploring this option.

4. Check with the Previous Homeowners

The previous homeowners may have retained copies of the building plans. Contact them directly or through a real estate agent to inquire about the plans' whereabouts. They may have kept them for their own records or may be willing to share them with you.

5. Use a Title Search Company

A title search company can conduct a thorough search of public records to determine if the original building plans are recorded with the deed or other legal documents. This can be a time-consuming and expensive option, but it may be necessary if other options have failed.

Remember to be patient and persistent in your search for original building plans. It may take some time and effort, but having these plans will provide valuable information about your property's history and construction.