How To Find Floor Plans Of A House : Gallery House Plans

How to Find Floor Plans of a House

Floor plans provide an invaluable blueprint for understanding the layout and structure of a house. Whether you're renovating an existing home, designing a new one, or simply curious about a property's interiors, accessing floor plans can be essential. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to find floor plans of a house:

1. Contact the Architect or Builder:

If you know the architect or builder who designed or constructed the house, they may have copies of the original floor plans. Contact them directly to inquire about their availability. They might charge a fee for the plans, but it's worth considering if no other options are available.

2. Check with the Local Building Department:

Many municipalities require homeowners to submit floor plans during the building permit process. Contact your local building department and inquire if they have records of the floor plans for the house you're interested in. They may provide copies for a nominal fee or ask you to view them in person.

3. Visit the Property Assessor's Office:

Property assessor's offices often have records of building permits and floor plans. Visit their office and inquire about the availability of plans for the house. Note that some offices may not scan paper floor plans, so you might need to view them on-site.

4. Search Online Databases:

Several online databases offer access to house floor plans. These databases typically require a subscription fee, but they can be a convenient way to find plans for newer homes or houses with common architectural styles. Some popular databases include:

Houzz
Floorplaner
Workbook

5. Explore Real Estate Listings:

If the house is for sale or rent, check real estate listings on websites like Zillow, Trulia, or Realtor.com. These listings often include floor plans that you can download or view online. Keep in mind that these plans may not be as detailed as original architect's drawings.

6. Ask the Current Homeowner:

If you have access to the current homeowner, politely inquire if they have copies of the floor plans. They may be willing to provide them to you or direct you to where they can be found.

7. Hire a Professional House Plan Service:

If all other options fail, you can consider hiring a professional house plan service. These services specialize in recreating floor plans based on existing structures or creating new plans from scratch. While this option may be more expensive, it ensures the accuracy and quality of the floor plans.

Tips for Interpreting Floor Plans:

Once you have access to floor plans, understanding how to interpret them is crucial. Here are some tips:

Scale: Determine the scale of the plans to accurately measure distances and dimensions.
Symbols: Familiarize yourself with standard architectural symbols for various elements such as walls, windows, and doors.
Measurements: Pay attention to labeled dimensions and use a ruler or measuring tape to verify distances.
Orientation: Identify the orientation of the plan relative to the actual house to understand the flow of spaces.
Layout: Study the overall layout and make mental notes of room arrangements and transitions.

Finding floor plans of a house can be a straightforward process with the right approach. By exploring these options and following the tips provided, you can gain access to valuable information that can assist you with renovations, design projects, or simply understanding the interior of a house.