Homeowners often desire to obtain the original blueprints for their property, whether for renovations, additions, or simply to have a record of the original design. These plans provide valuable information about the structure and layout of your home, including dimensions, materials used, and any modifications or additions made over time. However, determining how to acquire these plans can be a confusing process.
There are several potential sources for obtaining house plans, each with its own procedures and requirements. The most common options include contacting the architect who designed the home, the city or county building department, or searching online databases. The specific steps involved in each method vary depending on the age of the home, its location, and the availability of records.
To guide you through this process, this article will delve into the various options available to homeowners seeking to obtain the plans for their house. We will provide detailed instructions on how to contact the appropriate authorities, search online databases, and access historical records. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively locate and obtain the plans for your home, empowering you with valuable information about your property’s design and construction.
To obtain the plans for your house, consider the following eight important steps:
- Contact the architect
- Visit the building department
- Search online databases
- Check with the previous owner
- Consult with a title company
- Review historical records
- Hire a professional
- Consider the cost and time
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining the plans for your house.
Contact the architect
If you know the name of the architect who designed your home, contacting them directly is often the most straightforward way to obtain the plans. Many architectural firms maintain archives of their work, and they may be willing to provide copies of the plans to the homeowner. However, it is important to note that some firms may charge a fee for this service.
- Locate the architect’s contact information. This can often be found online through directories such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) website or by searching for the architect’s name and location.
- Contact the architect’s firm and inquire about the availability of plans. Explain that you are the homeowner and provide the address of the property.
- Be prepared to provide proof of ownership, such as a copy of your deed or property tax bill.
- If the architect has the plans, request a copy. Be clear about the format you need (e.g., digital or physical copies) and the number of copies you require.
It is important to be patient when contacting the architect, as they may need time to search for the plans and prepare copies. If the architect does not have the plans, they may be able to direct you to another source, such as the city or county building department.
Visit the building department
The city or county building department is another potential source for obtaining house plans. When a building permit is issued for a new home or addition, the plans must be submitted to the building department for review and approval. These plans are typically kept on file for a period of time, and homeowners may be able to request copies.
To obtain plans from the building department, follow these steps:
- Locate the building department for your city or county. This information can usually be found online or in the local phone book.
- Visit the building department in person and inquire about the availability of plans for your home. You will need to provide the address of the property and proof of ownership, such as a copy of your deed or property tax bill.
- If the building department has the plans, request a copy. Be clear about the format you need (e.g., digital or physical copies) and the number of copies you require.
- Be prepared to pay a fee for the copies. The fee will vary depending on the jurisdiction.
It is important to note that some building departments may not have plans for older homes, especially if the plans were not required to be submitted at the time the home was built. In these cases, you may need to explore other options, such as contacting the architect or searching online databases.
Additionally, some building departments may have digitized their records, making it possible to obtain electronic copies of the plans. This can be a convenient option, as it allows you to view and print the plans from your own computer.
If you are unable to obtain the plans from the building department, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help you locate them. Professional researchers can often access historical records and other sources that may not be available to the general public.
Search online databases
There are a number of online databases that contain house plans and blueprints. These databases can be a valuable resource for homeowners looking to obtain the plans for their home. However, it is important to note that not all homes will be included in these databases, and the availability of plans will vary depending on the age of the home and its location.
To search for house plans online, follow these steps:
- Identify the websites of reputable online databases. There are a number of websites that offer access to house plans and blueprints. Some of the most popular websites include:
- Houseplans.com
- Architectural Designs
- The Plan Collection
- Create an account and search for plans. Once you have identified a few reputable websites, create an account and begin searching for plans. You can search by style, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and other criteria.
- Review the plans and purchase if desired. Once you have found a few plans that you like, take some time to review them carefully. Be sure to check the dimensions, materials list, and other details to make sure that the plans are right for your needs. If you find a plan that you like, you can purchase it and download it to your computer.
It is important to note that some online databases may charge a fee for access to their plans. However, many websites offer a free trial period, so you can browse the plans and see if you find anything you like before you commit to a purchase.
In addition to the websites listed above, there are a number of other online resources that may be helpful for homeowners looking to obtain the plans for their home. These resources include:
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
- International Code Council (ICC)
These organizations offer a variety of resources for homeowners, including information on how to find and obtain house plans.
Check with the previous owner
If you are unable to obtain the plans for your house from the architect or the building department, you may want to try contacting the previous owner. The previous owner may have a copy of the plans, or they may know where you can find them.
To contact the previous owner, you can try the following:
- Look up the previous owner’s contact information in public records. You can usually find this information online through websites such as Zillow or Trulia.
- Contact the title company that handled the sale of your home. They may have the previous owner’s contact information on file.
- Ask your neighbors if they know how to contact the previous owner.
Once you have the previous owner’s contact information, reach out to them and explain that you are the current owner of their former home. Ask them if they have a copy of the house plans, or if they know where you can find them.
If the previous owner does have a copy of the plans, they may be willing to give you a copy or tell you where you can find them. However, it is important to be respectful of their time and privacy. If they are not willing to share the plans with you, do not pressure them.
In some cases, the previous owner may not have a copy of the plans, but they may know where you can find them. For example, they may know that the plans are on file with the city or county building department. If this is the case, you can contact the building department and request a copy of the plans.
It is important to note that not all previous owners will be willing or able to help you obtain the plans for your house. However, it is worth reaching out to them, as they may be able to provide you with valuable information.
Consult with a title company
A title company is a company that handles the legal aspects of real estate transactions, such as title searches, title insurance, and closings. Title companies often have access to historical records, including house plans. This is because title companies need to be able to verify the ownership of a property before they can issue title insurance.
To consult with a title company about obtaining the plans for your house, follow these steps:
- Locate a reputable title company in your area. You can find a title company online or by asking for recommendations from your real estate agent or attorney.
- Contact the title company and explain that you are looking for the plans for your house. Be prepared to provide the address of the property and proof of ownership, such as a copy of your deed or property tax bill.
- The title company will search their records for the plans. If they have the plans, they may be able to provide you with a copy.
- Be prepared to pay a fee for the plans. The fee will vary depending on the title company and the age and complexity of the plans.
It is important to note that not all title companies will have the plans for your house. However, it is worth contacting a title company, as they may be able to provide you with valuable information.
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when consulting with a title company about obtaining the plans for your house:
- The title company may not have the original plans. However, they may be able to provide you with copies of the plans that are on file with the city or county building department.
- The title company may charge a fee for their services. The fee will vary depending on the title company and the age and complexity of the plans.
- The title company may not be able to provide you with the plans if the property has changed ownership multiple times. This is because the plans may have been lost or destroyed during one of the previous transfers of ownership.
Despite these potential limitations, consulting with a title company is a good way to obtain the plans for your house. Title companies have access to historical records that may not be available to the general public, and they can often provide valuable information about the ownership and history of a property.
Review historical records
In some cases, it may be necessary to review historical records in order to obtain the plans for your house. This is typically the case for older homes, especially those that were built before building permits were required. Historical records may include:
- Building permits: Building permits are typically required for the construction of new homes and additions. Building permits often include a set of plans that show the design and layout of the home.
- Property deeds: Property deeds may include a description of the home, including the number of rooms, the square footage, and the type of construction. In some cases, property deeds may also include a copy of the original plans.
- Tax records: Tax records may include a description of the home, including the number of rooms, the square footage, and the type of construction. In some cases, tax records may also include a copy of the original plans.
- Sanborn maps: Sanborn maps are large-scale maps that show the location and footprint of buildings in a particular area. Sanborn maps were originally created for insurance purposes, but they can also be used to obtain information about the history of a property.
To review historical records, you can visit the following places:
- The city or county building department: The building department may have copies of building permits and other historical records on file.
- The county recorder’s office: The county recorder’s office may have copies of property deeds and other historical records on file.
- The local library or historical society: The local library or historical society may have copies of historical records, such as Sanborn maps.
It is important to note that not all historical records will be available for every property. However, reviewing historical records can be a valuable way to obtain information about the history of your home and to locate the original plans.
Hire a professional
If you are unable to obtain the plans for your house using the methods described above, you may want to consider hiring a professional. There are a number of professionals who can help you locate and obtain the plans for your house, including:
- Architects: Architects are trained to design and draw plans for buildings. They can also help you to locate and obtain the plans for your house.
- Engineers: Engineers are trained to design and build structures. They can also help you to locate and obtain the plans for your house.
- Contractors: Contractors are responsible for the construction of buildings. They may have access to the plans for your house, or they may be able to help you to locate them.
- Researchers: Researchers are trained to find and analyze information. They can help you to locate and obtain the plans for your house, even if they are not readily available.
When hiring a professional to help you obtain the plans for your house, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable professional with experience in this area. You should also get a written agreement that outlines the scope of work and the fees involved.
There are a number of benefits to hiring a professional to help you obtain the plans for your house. Professionals have the knowledge and experience to help you find the plans you need, even if they are not readily available. They can also help you to understand the plans and make sure that they are accurate and complete.
Hiring a professional can also save you time and money. Professionals can often find the plans you need quickly and efficiently. They can also help you to avoid costly mistakes that could occur if you try to obtain the plans yourself.
If you are considering hiring a professional to help you obtain the plans for your house, be sure to ask about their experience and qualifications. You should also get a written agreement that outlines the scope of work and the fees involved.
Hiring a professional can be a good investment if you need to obtain the plans for your house. Professionals have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you find the plans you need quickly and efficiently.
Here are some additional tips for hiring a professional to help you obtain the plans for your house:
- Get referrals from friends, family, or other professionals.
- Interview several professionals before making a decision.
- Get a written agreement that outlines the scope of work and the fees involved.
- Be prepared to provide the professional with as much information as possible about your house.
- Be patient, as it may take some time to locate and obtain the plans for your house.
Consider the cost and time
Obtaining the plans for your house can be a time-consuming and expensive process. The cost and time involved will vary depending on the method you choose and the age and complexity of your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Contacting the architect or building department: This is typically the most affordable and quickest method, but it is not always possible. If the architect or building department does not have the plans, you may need to explore other options.
- Searching online databases: There are a number of online databases that contain house plans and blueprints. The cost of these plans will vary depending on the website and the plan you choose. Some websites offer free plans, while others charge a fee.
- Checking with the previous owner: If you are unable to obtain the plans from the architect or building department, you may want to try contacting the previous owner. The previous owner may have a copy of the plans, or they may know where you can find them.
- Consulting with a title company: Title companies often have access to historical records, including house plans. The cost of this service will vary depending on the title company and the age and complexity of the plans.
If you are unable to obtain the plans for your house using the methods described above, you may need to hire a professional. Professionals can often find the plans you need quickly and efficiently. However, their services can be expensive. Be sure to get a written agreement that outlines the scope of work and the fees involved before hiring a professional.
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