How To Find Original Building Plans For House : Plansdiagram

How to Find Original Building Plans for Your House

Obtaining the original building plans for your house can be a valuable endeavor, offering insights into the structure's history, layout, and potentially uncovering hidden details. This information can be crucial for renovation projects, understanding potential structural issues, or simply satisfying your curiosity about the building's past. While accessing original plans can be challenging, several avenues are available to pursue. This article will explore various methods for finding your house's original building plans.

Contacting Local Government Agencies

Local government agencies often hold records of building permits and plans. These records can be a valuable resource for locating original plans. Start by contacting your city or county building department. Inquire about their process for accessing building permit records, including the specific year your house was built. Be prepared to provide details such as the address, property tax ID, or any other relevant information that can help them locate the file. Some agencies may have online databases for searching building permits, while others may require an in-person visit or submission of a request form.

In addition to the building department, other government agencies may hold relevant records. For example, the city or county planning department could have zoning plans or records related to your property. The fire department may also have plans on file for their records, particularly for older buildings.

Searching Online Resources

The internet offers a growing number of resources that could help you locate original plans. Many historical societies and archives have digitized collections of building plans and other historical documents that may be accessible online. Search for "historical records" or "archival databases" in your local area, focusing on websites of historical societies, libraries, or university archives. You can also use online search engines to search for specific building plans by address or by the name of the original builder or architect.

Other websites dedicated to genealogy and family history can also yield results. These platforms often contain information about property ownership and historical records, which may include building plans or references to them. Keep in mind that online resources may have varying levels of accessibility, requiring registration, subscription fees, or limitations on the types of documents available.

Exploring Local Resources

Local resources can offer a valuable alternative to the internet. Libraries in your community often maintain collections of historical records, including building plans, particularly if your town has a significant historical presence. Contact your local library's reference department to inquire about their historical collections and search capabilities.

Historical societies and museums are another potential source of information. These organizations typically collect and preserve records and artifacts related to the history of your local area. They might have original building plans, blueprints, or other documentation related to your house or its surrounding neighborhood.

Contacting Previous Owners or Occupants

If your house has been in the same family for generations, reaching out to older family members or relatives could prove fruitful. They may have knowledge of the original plans or have access to old family records or documents that contain valuable information. If you have any information about previous owners, reaching out to them, or their descendants, could also lead to significant information.

Real estate agents who have sold the house in the past may also have access to old records, particularly if they are familiar with the history of the property. Contacting a local realtor specializing in historical homes could provide valuable insights.

Hiring a Professional

If you are unable to locate original plans through independent research, consider hiring a professional. Architectural historians or building historians specialize in research and documentation related to historical buildings. They have the expertise and resources to conduct comprehensive searches, including accessing archives, government records, and other relevant sources. While their services may come at a cost, their knowledge and experience can significantly increase your chances of finding the original plans.

Real estate appraisers are another professional option to consider. They often have access to property records and can use their expertise to locate plans or other relevant documents. They can also provide guidance on interpreting the plans and assessing their significance.

While obtaining original building plans for your house can be challenging, the journey itself can be an exciting exploration of your home's history. By utilizing the resources outlined above, you can significantly increase your chances of finding valuable information and potentially unlocking hidden secrets about your house's past.