How To Get Home Floor Plans : House Plans

How to Get Home Floor Plans

Obtaining floor plans for a home can be essential for various purposes, from renovations and insurance claims to interior design projects and real estate transactions. Several avenues exist for acquiring these plans, depending on the age and history of the property. This article will explore the various methods available for obtaining home floor plans.

1. Check Existing Records

The first and often easiest place to search for existing floor plans is within the homeowner's own records. Individuals who built or purchased new construction homes are likely to have received a set of blueprints or floor plans at the time of purchase. These documents should be safely stored and readily accessible. Similarly, if a previous owner performed significant renovations or additions, they may have left copies of updated plans with the property.

If personal records yield no results, the next step is to contact the local government agencies responsible for building permits and property records. These agencies typically maintain archives of building plans submitted for approval during construction or renovation. Departments such as the county recorder's office, building department, or assessor's office are good starting points. The specific agency and procedures for accessing these records will vary by location.

When contacting these agencies, it's helpful to have as much information about the property as possible, including the full address, parcel number (if known), and approximate year of construction. Be prepared for potential fees associated with obtaining copies of documents or conducting a records search.

2. Contact Builders and Developers

If the home was constructed by a known builder or developer, contacting them directly can be a viable option for obtaining floor plans. Many builders retain archives of their projects, especially for newer constructions. They may be willing to provide copies of the original plans for a fee. This strategy is particularly effective for homes in planned communities or developments where a single builder was responsible for multiple properties.

When contacting a builder, provide them with the address of the property and any other relevant information, such as the year of construction or the model name of the house. If the original builder is no longer in business, try searching online for any successor companies or archives related to their projects.

3. Employ a Professional Service

Several professional services specialize in creating or retrieving floor plans. These services can range from architects and draftspersons to specialized companies that focus on as-built documentation. If existing records are unavailable or incomplete, hiring a professional can be a reliable way to obtain accurate floor plans.

Architects and draftspersons can create floor plans based on measurements taken within the home. They will typically visit the property, take detailed measurements of each room, and then produce scaled drawings using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This method is particularly useful for older homes where original plans may not exist or have become outdated due to renovations.

Companies specializing in as-built documentation utilize tools like laser scanners and 3D imaging to create highly accurate representations of a building's interior and exterior. This approach is often preferred for complex structures or when a high level of detail is required.

When considering a professional service, it's essential to obtain quotes from multiple providers and compare their services and pricing. Inquire about their experience, the technology they use, and the turnaround time for completing the project.

4. Explore Online Resources

Various online resources may offer access to floor plans, particularly for newer homes or those in large developments. Real estate websites often include floor plans as part of their property listings. Some websites specialize in aggregating floor plans from various sources, allowing users to search by address, builder, or development name.

While online resources can be a convenient starting point, verifying the accuracy of any plans found online is crucial. Cross-reference the information with other sources, such as property records or the builder's website, to ensure the plans are up-to-date and reflect the current layout of the home.

Utilizing a combination of these methods increases the likelihood of successfully obtaining accurate and comprehensive floor plans for a property. The specific approach will depend on factors like the age of the home, the availability of existing records, and the level of detail required.