Obtaining the blueprints for your house is a crucial step for any renovation or restoration project. These are often referred to as your home's blueprints and are essential for understanding your home's structure and architecture. Blueprints provide detailed technical drawings that not only guide construction but also reflect the home's architecture and design intent.
To begin your research, public records are a key source for finding blueprints, building plans, construction permits, and other related documents. Many of these records can be accessed online or through your local government office.
Uncovering your property's past can also involve researching your home's history through historical records, old newspapers, real estate advertisements, and consulting professionals such as genealogists, architectural historians, or home inspectors.
If possible, contact the original builder or architect to obtain the builder's original plans or records, which can offer invaluable insight into the home's original design and construction.
Obtaining the blueprints for your house is an important step whether you’re planning a renovation project, investigating your home’s structure, or simply interested in your property’s history. The process can seem daunting, but with the right approach and access to valuable resources, you can uncover the original plans or create new ones. Start by researching your local building department, as they often keep records of building permits and construction documents. Contacting the original builder or architect can also yield results, especially for newer homes. Don’t overlook online resources, which can provide helpful information and even digital copies of blueprints for some properties. Throughout this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of contacting the right people, accessing the necessary records, and using these resources to get the blueprints you need for your house, whether for a renovation, documentation, or understanding your home’s history.
Before you begin your search for blueprints, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of your home’s layout. Start by gathering details about your property, such as its age, architectural style, and any known renovations or additions. Check your local housing records and talk to neighbors who may have similar houses or knowledge of the area’s building history. Real estate agents can also be a valuable resource, offering insights into common house plans and the structure of homes in your neighborhood. For additional context, explore online resources and floor plan websites, or visit your local library to find archives of house plans and building layouts. By piecing together this information, you’ll have a better idea of what your blueprints should include and where to look for them, making your search more efficient and targeted.
Your local building department (in many cities, these departments are the main repositories for building records) may have archived permit drawings or floor plans, especially for homes with prior renovations. Availability varies by town and age of the home. If records exist, they can often be requested and copied, though you may need to file a formal request or visit in person.
If your home was built in the last 10 to 20 years, the original builder or architect, since builders and architects often retain copies of the original plans, may still have a copy of the plans. The architect's office may be able to provide these documents if it still exists. Access depends on their records, the builder's archives, company policies, or whether the business is still operating. In some cases, these documents may be released to you with permission or a processing fee. Additionally, contacting the original owner can sometimes yield the original set of blueprints or plans.
Lenders or title companies may have received basic sketches or plans during closing. These are typically limited in detail and may not meet code or permit standards, but they can help confirm the home's layout. It's worth asking during refinancing or when reviewing your closing documents.
Some former owners, or the previous owner or original homeowner, may have kept original documents, sketches, or renovation plans. If you’re still in contact with the owner, ask if they left behind or can share anything. It’s not common, but occasionally the original homeowner or previous owner will pass along drawings during a sale, especially if work was recently done.
Sometimes closing packets include a property survey, basic layout, or marketing sketch. These can be helpful in visualizing the home, but aren't usable for permitting or construction. Still, they may be useful as a general reference or to compare with newer measured plans.
Real estate listings or local record databases may include floor plans, brochures, or scanned drawings. These are usually used for marketing and are often simplified or outdated. While not reliable for permitting, they can offer a general overview of the home’s configuration. If online resources are insufficient, consider visiting physical archives at your local building department or historical society to access older or original documents.
When no plans exist, we professionally measure and document your home to create accurate as-built drawings (also known as as built plans, which are essential for documenting the existing structure). These are ideal for permit submittals, renovations, or record-keeping. Creating a new blueprint is often necessary when original plans are missing or outdated. A professional assessment can assist in accurately capturing your home's layout and producing up-to-date plans. While there is a cost associated with these services, the value of having precise plans for renovations or permits is significant. These services assist homeowners in moving forward with renovations or proper documentation.
We begin with a consultation to understand your goals, property type, and scope of work. This step allows us to determine what needs to be measured and documented. It also gives you the chance to ask questions, learn about our process, and confirm whether this service and any of our additional services fit your needs.
We visit your property and take detailed measurements of all relevant areas using professional tools. What we measure depends on the type of work you are planning, such as a renovation, addition, or new layout. The goal is to document current conditions with full accuracy.
Our team converts field measurements into scaled drawings that reflect the existing layout. These may include floor plans, elevations, and sections depending on your needs. Every drawing is prepared with care, accuracy, and a focus on permit and construction requirements.
We complete a final quality check and deliver a clean PDF along with printed copies of your drawings. You are encouraged to ask questions at any point in the process. Our goal is to keep you informed and ensure the final documents exceed your expectations.
With your as-built drawings complete, you are ready to move forward. Whether you plan to renovate, file for permits, or keep a record of your property, you will have the documents needed to support your next step. Everything is measured, drawn, and delivered to fit your goal.
Currently accepting projects in Massachusetts.
