How To Find Original House Plans : House Plans

How To Find Original House Plans

If you're a homeowner with a historic house or someone curious about your home's history, finding the original house plans can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. Here's a guide to help you get started:

1. Check with the Local Building Department

Many building departments archive copies of building permits and plans, which may include original house plans. Contact the building department and inquire if they have records for your home. Some departments may charge a nominal fee for copies.

2. Visit the County Recorder's Office

In some counties, building plans are filed with the county recorder. Visit the office and search for "building plans" or "house plans" associated with your property. You may need to pay a small fee to view or copy the plans.

3. Contact the Home's Builder or Architect

If you know the name of the builder or architect who designed your home, try contacting them. They may still have copies of the original plans or can direct you to someone who does.

4. Search Historical Societies and Archives

Local historical societies and archives often have collections of historic documents and records, including house plans. Check with your local organizations to see if they have anything on file for your home.

5. Consult Online Resources

Several websites offer access to historic house plans and architectural drawings. Websites such as the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) may have digitized plans available for download.

6. Use Photo-Scanning Technology

If you have old photographs of your home, you can scan them and use photo-editing software to extract architectural details and dimensions. This method can be helpful if the original plans are unavailable.

7. Hire a Professional

If you're having trouble locating the original house plans, consider hiring a professional researcher or historian. They have experience and resources to help you find the plans you're looking for.

Additional Tips

When searching for plans, have your property's address and approximate construction date ready.
Be patient and persistent. Finding original house plans can take time and effort.
If you find the plans, make copies for your records and share them with your local historical society or archive.

Obtaining the original house plans for your home can provide valuable insights into its history, architectural style, and construction details. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the plans and unlocking the story behind your home.