Find House Plans By Address : Gallery House Plans

Finding House Plans by Address: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the original house plans for a property can be a valuable endeavor for homeowners, architects, and historians alike. These blueprints offer a wealth of information, from the original design intent to the materials used and the specific dimensions of each room. While finding these plans can be a challenge, several resources and techniques can be employed to locate them.

1. Check Local Government Records

The most common and reliable source for house plans is the local government office responsible for building permits. Most municipalities maintain a database of building permits and associated plans, often dating back several decades. Here's how to access these records:

Contact the building department: Start by contacting the building department or planning department of the city or county where the property is located. Explain your request and provide the property address.
Request a permit search: They may require you to fill out a request form and provide information like the date of construction or the property owner's name.
Fees may apply: Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be a fee associated with searching and obtaining copies of the plans.
Digitize the plans: The building department may have digital copies of the plans, or they may have paper blueprints that you can request copies of.

Be aware that some older plans may not be readily available, as they might be stored in archives or require a more extensive search. In these cases, the building department may be able to provide guidance on how to obtain them.

2. Consult Archival Repositories

In some cases, house plans may be housed in local historical societies, university archives, or even the Library of Congress. These institutions often collect architectural drawings and other historical documents, which can provide a valuable source of information for homeowners and researchers.

Research local historical societies: Contact your local historical society, as they may hold collections of architectural drawings, maps, and other historical documents related to your area.
Explore university archives: Many universities have archives that house collections of architectural drawings, especially if they have a school of architecture or design.
Contact the Library of Congress: The Library of Congress has a vast collection of architectural drawings, including plans for historical buildings and structures. They have an online catalog that you can search for specific plans.
Consider consulting a professional: Some archives and repositories may require a fee or have restrictions on access, so it may be helpful to consult a professional archivist or historian who specializes in architectural research.

While these institutions are excellent resources, remember that they might not hold plans for every house in a particular area, and thorough research may be required to find what you're looking for.

3. Utilize Online Resources

Technology has made it easier than ever to search for information online. Several websites and databases are dedicated to housing architectural plans, including:

Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS): This website, managed by the Library of Congress, features a vast collection of drawings, photographs, and historical data for significant buildings in the United States.
Architectural Records of the United States (ARUS): A joint project of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), ARUS aims to preserve and make accessible architectural records, including plans, drawings, and photographs.
Online genealogical websites: Some genealogical websites may include records related to property ownership and construction, which could lead you to sources for original house plans.
Historic preservation organizations: Local or national historic preservation organizations may have databases of historic properties and their associated plans.

While online resources can be incredibly helpful, it's essential to be aware that not all properties will be documented online. Moreover, the information available online may be incomplete or outdated. It's still crucial to consult local government records and other sources for the most comprehensive results.