How Can I Find My Original House Plans : Gallery House Plans

How Can I Find My Original House Plans?

Losing your original house plans can be stressful, especially if you need them for renovations or repairs. However, there are several methods you can use to locate them, ensuring you have access to the vital information they contain. ### 1. Check with the Architect or Builder If you know the architect or builder who worked on your home, they may have a copy of the original plans. Contact them and inquire if they still have them on file. If they do, you may be able to request a copy for a fee. ### 2. Search through Your Home Thoroughly search through your home for the plans. Check drawers, cabinets, closets, and any other storage areas where important documents might be kept. It's possible that the plans were misplaced or accidentally stored somewhere you've overlooked. ### 3. Contact the Local Building Department The local building department likely has a copy of your house plans on file. They may have been submitted for permit issuance when your home was built. Visit or call the building department and inquire about obtaining a copy of the plans. ### 4. Search Online Some online platforms, such as the Digital Preservation Network (DPN) and the Library of Congress, offer access to historical building plans. If your home is old enough, you may be able to find digitized copies of the plans on these websites. ### 5. Hire a Professional Land Surveyor A professional land surveyor can help you locate and retrieve your original house plans. They have access to public records and other resources that can assist in the search process. However, this option may be more costly than other methods. ### 6. Request a Home Inspection During a home inspection, the inspector will typically review the house's structural elements, including the foundation and roof. If the plans are available, the inspector may have access to them and be able to provide you with a copy. ### 7. Check with Previous Owners If you are not the original owner of your home, contact the previous owner(s) and inquire if they have a copy of the house plans. They may have kept them for their own records or passed them on to you when they sold the property. ### Additional Tips * Be prepared to provide proof of ownership, such as a property deed, when requesting copies of your house plans. * If you cannot locate the original plans, you may need to hire an architect to create new ones. This can be a more expensive option, but it will ensure that you have accurate and up-to-date plans for your home. * Keep a copy of your house plans in a safe and accessible location for future reference. Consider storing a digital copy in the cloud or on a portable storage device.