Are home building plans public record?

A blueprint is a map of a building. … Once the blueprints have been filed by the contractor with the municipality building department, these building plans are public records and technically attainable by anyone wanting to view them.

How do I find building plans for my house?

Contact your local permit agency or records office. Often these agencies store copies of building plans for decades after the structure has been built. Ask what information you need to supply in order to obtain copies of existing blueprints. Provide the required forms and information, and pick up a copy of your plans.

Are architectural plans public?

Generally, architectural drawings, engineer’s surveys, building plans, and similar documents on file with state or local building officials are considered public records.

Can you find blueprints of buildings online?

Many city and county governments describe their policies regarding blueprints online. You can find this information by searching for the name of your locale along with the words “property records” or “home records”. The site will likely have a section about blueprints or building plans.

Where can I find the history of my house for free?

Here are seven websites you can tap to trace the history of your house.

1. Trace My House.
2. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) This federal agency maintains all historical genealogical and land records. …
3. Family Search. …
4. Cyndi’s List. …
5. Old House Web. …
6. Building History. …
7. The National Archives.

How much does it cost to get blueprints of my house?

It’ll cost between $811 and $2,684 with an average $1,745 to hire a draftsperson for a blueprint or house plan. They will charge anywhere from $50 to $130 per hour. A set of plans for a typical 3-bedroom house takes at least 10 hours to complete and runs anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

How do you find out the architect of a house?

Take a trip to your county recorder’s office.

(They maintain public records and documents relating to real estate ownership, among other things.) Typically, they hold the proverbial keys to all building permits that contain architect, contractor, and often subcontractor, information.

How do I find the architect of my house?

Your local library may also have resources to help you in your search, and your city’s Department of Building and Safety may even allow you to look up the names of the home’s contractor or architect. A good place to start is the Public Records Online Directory.

How do I get public building floor plans?

How to Obtain Plans for an Existing Building

1. Ask around. If you purchased your home recently, contact your Realtor. …
2. Visit your local Department of Buildings or Building Inspector’s office. …
3. Take a trip to the library. …
4. Order new floor plans.

Where can I get blueprints for free?

10 Ways to Get Free or Affordable Blueprints for Your New Home

• #1 Renovation Headquarters Provides Free Blueprints for 3-Bedroom Homes. …
• #2 Dream Home Source Offers Blueprints For Nearly Any Budget. …
• #3 Live Simply With A Free Plan by The Small House Catalog. …
• #4 The House Designers Specialize in Energy-Efficient Homes.

Do blueprints show plumbing?

Q: Do the plans/blueprints include plumbing and electrical? … The rough plumbing is included on the plans showing the kitchen and bath fixture symbols and their locations. However, the location of where the pipes come into the house is site specific and not included on the plans.

How can I see what my house looked like years ago?

Search the oldhouses.com Archives.

These archives contain many thousands of images and stories about old houses. Start by searching for your house; it may have been listed on the site years ago. Otherwise, search for nearby houses, houses in a same style as yours, or built around the same time.

How can you find out if someone has died in a house?

Free Ways to Find Out If Someone Died in Your House

1. Search for your address on Google and social media. …
2. Search newspaper archives. …
3. Search online obituaries and death notices. …
4. Ask the homeowner or real estate agent. …
5. Talk to the neighbors. …
6. Try HouseCreep.com. …
7. Visit the vital records office.