There are many reasons you might want to access house blueprints. However, finding these house blueprints does not have to be a daunting task. With a bit of research, you will be able to uncover the detailed layout of your home or the property you’re considering purchasing.
Finding the floor plan of a house can be a tricky task, especially when you don’t have access to the original blueprints. Luckily, there are a few ways to find house blueprints, even if it’s an older property. Here are some things to consider when looking for a house’s floor plan.
Why Should I Look For the Floor Plan?
House blueprints are an essential tool for homeowners looking to make changes or additions to their homes. They provide a precise visual indication of the home’s layout, and the strengths and weaknesses of the existing structure. As such, understanding the basic principles of house blueprints is an invaluable asset for homeowners.
Blueprints are drawn to scale, and they depict all the main elements of the home’s layout and design in a comprehensive way. This can include room dimensions, door and window openings, wall measurements, stairways, beams, and columns. With this information, a homeowner can get a better understanding of how the existing home is configured, and what changes might be necessary for their home improvement projects.
Knowing the exact layout of the home and the existing materials used for construction can also help when it comes to budgeting for a specific project. With the plans in hand, a homeowner can more accurately determine the cost of materials and labour for any task. This can be essential for complex remodels or renovations, as you will be able to estimate the final cost of your build from the very beginning.
Record Keeping
Start with the county records. Most counties have public records that include a variety of house-related information, including house blueprints. This can be an excellent place to start if you’re looking for an accurate floor plan. Look for documents such as building permits and zoning records that may include additional information about the house- including the house blueprints you are looking for. This can be a great place to start if you’re looking for a general map of the house, or a home you’d like to emulate.
A lot of records are kept well into the future- so even if you’re unsure, there’s no harm in asking! A lot of public record keeping organisations will be happy to help you in your search for house blueprints. However, if this doesn’t uncover anything helpful, don’t fret! There’s lots of other methods you can try.
Contact the Building Department
Most towns and cities have building or zoning departments that are responsible for maintaining records related to construction projects and this can include the house blueprints you’re looking for. Reach out to your local building department and see if they have plans on file that include the floor plan of the house.
Having access to house blueprints can help you see whether you’re interested in a property, or help you plan an extension or renovation. These records are often kept in good order to help keep track of construction projects in the local area- so it’s definitely worth a look.
Investigate Tax Records
Many counties keep property tax records that contain information like square footage, lot lines, and even house blueprints. You can usually find these records through the local county’s website. This route is particularly easy to access, and could save you a lot of time. Tax records are often public, or can be accessed through a quick email to your local tax officers. If you’re looking for house blueprints and don’t have a lot of time to dig around, checking out tax records could be a great place to start.
Ask Around
Talk to the neighbours. If all else fails, old-fashioned conversation with the neighbours can be a relatively easy way to find house blueprints- or at least estimate what they might look like. Many neighbours will be happy to share stories and pictures that can provide insight into the house’s layout.
If you’re looking to purchase, renovate or emulate similar properties on the street, you might benefit from accessing the house blueprints of the neighbours- who often won’t mind giving these to you. It’s also a great way to get to know your new neighbours, find out interesting information about your street, and learn about the common construction choices of the area.
Ask the Homeowner
You can always reach out to the homeowner if you’re unable to find house blueprints. They may have kept the original house blueprints, or may have access to the construction plans that include the house’s floor plan. If the homeowner is selling their property, these documents are quite easy to come by- as a lot of potential buyers look for house blueprints when considering the purchase of a home.
Letting the homeowner know about your interest in their property, and that you’re seeking a detailed understanding of their layout, is a definitive way to express your interest. Seeking house blueprints can be a great conversation starter if you’re looking to purchase a property- and lets both the homeowner and the letting agent know that you are interested.
Looking for Floor Plans?
Our friendly team at House Plans Direct can help. We offer comprehensive advice, start to finish, for homeowners looking to upgrade their homes, or to start a new build entirely. We offer a variety of free resources for homeowners to access- but if you’d like to talk to us about your specific project, we’d love for you to get in touch.
Simply call us on 01432 806409, or drop us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
